I've been doing my own tire changes and balancing since around 2000.
Back then I bought a Metzeler Wheel Balancing Stand:

It has served me well for the past 16 years.
But the last time I changed a tires. I had a hell of a time getting them to balance.
After about 1/2 hour trying to balance a tire. I realized the balancer's axle/rod was bent.
After which I then remembered that the previous time balancing tires.
Upon removing the last tire off the balancer. The tire bumped the shelf above my workbench; causing the tire, wheel, and balancer axle to slip out of my hands and slam back onto the balancer.
So I assume that's when it got bent.
I thought it would be possible to simply buy a new axle.
But Metzeler no longer makes wheel balancers.
And other companies selling similar balancers will only sell the axle WITH cones for nearly half the cost of a whole new balancer.
I've searched places like Home Depot for rods that could be used as a replacement. But found nothing.
Anyone know where to find a replacement rod or what type of business would such a rod ?
Thanks;
--ET
Back then I bought a Metzeler Wheel Balancing Stand:


It has served me well for the past 16 years.
But the last time I changed a tires. I had a hell of a time getting them to balance.
After about 1/2 hour trying to balance a tire. I realized the balancer's axle/rod was bent.
After which I then remembered that the previous time balancing tires.
Upon removing the last tire off the balancer. The tire bumped the shelf above my workbench; causing the tire, wheel, and balancer axle to slip out of my hands and slam back onto the balancer.
So I assume that's when it got bent.
I thought it would be possible to simply buy a new axle.
But Metzeler no longer makes wheel balancers.
And other companies selling similar balancers will only sell the axle WITH cones for nearly half the cost of a whole new balancer.
I've searched places like Home Depot for rods that could be used as a replacement. But found nothing.
Anyone know where to find a replacement rod or what type of business would such a rod ?
Thanks;
--ET