Crabby, like Kook said you can deflate them and remove the danger. I ALWAYS inspect a split rim, starting with all I can see before I ever touch it. Then when you handle it, stay in line with the tread, keep out of the plane of flying parts as much as possible, in case it does go. If you have any doubts about what you are doing find someone you trust that has experence with split rims. Use a tire cage to inflate them, if possible. I have high tensil 1/4 inch chain that I use as a safety if I don't have a cage to use. I wrap the wheel in 3 places, or 4 depending on the wheel. When the rims are disassmebled, clean and inspect them. Don't use a damaged rim or locking ring. Don't try to repair or straighten any damaged wheel. They aren't worth your, or someone else's, life or limb. I don't allow any one else to be in the shop when working with these wheels. I don't need the distraction and they don't need to be at risk too.
If the worst happens, someone will hear the noise and come running.
I have heard a couple times of split rims blowing apart on the truck, even while the truck was on the road. However, I would bet the farm those wheels were either damaged and shouldn't have been used, or the locking ring was never properly seated when the wheel was assembled. Split rims is what our big equipment (dozers, endloaders) have. They will be around for a long time yet. I've always thought that tubless tires was one of the best things that happened to trucks in my career.
These things can be safely handled. But treat them like you would a rattle snake. A moments inattention could get hurt, bad. Mike
