Best tool to thump a tire

The best tire thumper is a air gauge.

 

I use a wood thumper that is weighted at the thump end.
It gives very good feedback.
I think it cost around $12.

In my last level 2 inspection the DOT guy just kicked the tires. Ya, that's even more accurate I guess.

A gauge is best, but I don't pull it out if I get the right rebound and sound.

It's rather funny, but with my very first mentor I did a thump test at his request.
He said that there were 2 low tires, which he would fix after I tested them. He just wanted to see how I did with a thumper.
I found 3 that were low, and he was surprised because he didn't catch it.
That third tire was at around 90 PSI, while the others were closer to 80.

A thump is good, if you know the feel and sound.
It won't give an accurate measurement, of course. But it will let you know if a tire is TOO low.

 

I like the cat eyes the boss put on the truck

 

I use the base of my palm to rule out extreme low air or flats. When I'm feeling bored or paranoid I'll use an air gage.

Wheel thumpers only work for people who have that keen sense of what a 100 to 110psi tire should sound like - I don't.

 

I use a small heavy sledge hammer. I also keep an eye on tire bulge.

 

I use one of my multi purpose tools. A 3 pound hand held sledge. In the winter I use it to smack my brake drums if frozen, it also makes a great tire thumper.

 

2 1/2# sledge.....with my other palm on the tread. Over the years (all 4 of em) I've learned what 100PSI should feel/sound like. My musical ear helps imensely. Not between 98# and 100, but within 10# I can hear/feel the difference.

 

I use a regular framing hammer. I generally can tell within 10# or so from the tone if the tire needs attention. The "binks" are good , the "bonks" get the gauge out. The "thunks" get me cussin'.