National

Operate machines to build tires from rubber components.

Sample of reported job titles: Tire Builder, Buffer, Buffer Operator, Builder Operator, Press Operator, Recapper, Retread Builder, Retreader, Splicer, Tire Assembler

Tasks

• Depress pedals to rotate drums, and wind specified numbers of plies around drums to form tire bodies.
• Start rollers that bond tread and plies as drums revolve.
• Activate bead setters that press prefabricated beads onto plies.
• Inspect worn tires for faults, cracks, cuts and nail holes, and to determine if tires are suitable for retreading.
• Cut plies at splice points, and press ends together to form continuous bands.
• Align treads with guides, start drums to wind treads onto plies, and slice ends.
• Position rollers that turn ply edges under and over beads, or use steel rods to turn ply edges.
• Position ply stitcher rollers and drums according to width of stock, using hand tools and gauges.
• Build semi-raw rubber treads onto buffed tire casings in order to prepare tires for vulcanization in recapping or retreading processes.
• Pull plies from supply racks, and align plies with edges of drums.