How do you get the beads to lock for tire inflation?

You should fill the tire without the valve core in the valve. Valve core wrenches come with most of our Tool packages ($3 if purchased separately). The lubrication technique we show applying the tire lube to the "Drop Center" portion of the rims aids in the easy release of the tire into the bead seat area. Some tires are troublesome but not most. Maybe one in 30 and it depends on what you have. Some Harley rear tires and some dual sport tires tend to be problematic. We travel with a "One Gallon" tank and mini compressor and usually get the job done. Having more volume in the compresor tank is the key. You need a quick volume of air to enter the tire. Regular air chucks have restriction.(The spring pin valve you see at the tip) They also get stuck on the Valve stem if the cores aren't inside. Fast flow fill valves work the best. Ours is made in Italy and includes a gauge ($54 with 1 year warantee).