Tube explosions..thoughts

BringMeMyFix Apart from some of the useful tips previously mentioned...

When you start finding it hard to mount the last section of bead (usually a 3-6" section around the valve) go back around the mounted portion of the tyre, pinching it together towards the centre of the rim. This seats it deeper in the rim, effectively reducing the circumference it's stretched around, and freeing up enough slack sidewall to get it over the final bit of rim.

That is the technique I have always used, push the bead towards the centre of the rim at the position opposite the valve - work your way around, tyre pops on, I have not come across a tyre that has not yeilded (and easily) to this method - although I am sure there may be wire beaded tyres out there that need a crow bar.