Dave,

I have a lawnmower with tiny front tires that will pop off the rims if I let the pressure get too low.  I use a nylon strap with a loop tied in one end.  I loop the other end through the loop to make a circle.  I then take the circle and center it on the tire and pull on the long end until the tire compresses in the center.  This causes the beads to make contact with the rim.  With my free hand I air up the tire, loosening the strap as the tire begins inflating.  Yes, this is very similar to calf roping. 

Mark S.