Avoiding damaging an alloy rim when repairing tyres?

Have a look at the last item here: http://www.randrbeadbreaker.com/products.php

The plastic rim protecter (with cord) are available from Rema Tip Top (In WA,so should be all states) . Under $10 from memory.No affilliation etc,etc.

I replace tyres on customer's alloy rims all the time using a highlift jack to break the bead and tyre levers and rubber mallet. I've never damaged a rim. A bit of rubber in the right place is all it requires.

The best way is to change to steel rims. You also get an extra bit of momentum out of the rim.

Phil

Take a plug kit and know how to use it, then you don't have to worry about levering off tyres.

But if a tyre is not pluggable, then see if you can hang out until you can get it repaired elsewhere.

I also use a Highlift jack to break the bead, but you can do the same with a bottle jack under the towbar.
One of my tyre levers is dead flat, so it doesn't dig into mags - don't know what brand it is as I've had it for 30 years.
To patch a tyre from the inside, I only lever off the front bead - I've got a piece of wood I use as a spreader to improve access. If you lever off the second bead, the likelihood of damage is greater if you have difficulty.
Practice it at home. There's a knack to it - make sure the opposite side to the bead you are levering is deep in the well, and lubricate the bead with a detergent rag as you lever the tyre.

Cheers
Phil

Moghty Mouse
I have used the inner tube from a push bike tyre.
Works a treat !

Just nip off a 8-10 cm piece of tube, leave the last bit of the hooked part of the lever uncovered, make sure the inner tube is going to roll over the edge of the rim....

Cheres
Bucky