Posted: 2/15/2011 10:54:05 AM EDT
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Here are a couple of how to links for those who have not tried it before.
I've been using these kits for 30+ years with good results. Nay Sayers need not hijack this thread. 
http://www.alpharubicon.com/bovstuff/tirepluguzi.htm http://www.ehow.com/how_4785094_plug-a-tire.html http://autorepair.about.com/od/fixityourself/ss/tire_plug.htm |
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good info !!!
i have witnessed in a 4x4 magazine once, they used these plugs, to patch a 1-2 inch rip/ cut in the sidewall. they used at least 10-15 of the plugs, but it held air until they got back home... also resealing a bead, with wd40, and a lighter. its pretty wild to watch, ( probably a little dangerous), but if you dont have a spare, its nice to know. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7aPPccBTxk&feature=related |
| I have used them with success as well for a quick fix, in the tread area and they held up for the life of the tire. I wouldn't use it on a sidewall repair and expect to drive on a public highway other than an emergency at a slow rate. Any tire with a sidewall repair should be replaced ASAP. |
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Tire Repair Tool #1; The Reamer "In your tire plug kit, you'll see a tool that looks like a round file with a handle. This is used to clean out and rough up the hole in your tire prior to plugging. Take this tool and ram it into the hole. Move it up and down a few times to roughen up the inside. You don't have to go nuts on it, a few solid pumps should do it."  Also don't forget Nitrile gloves and a razorblade/knife is useful during the procedure.
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i've used them, as needed for many years with no problems.
i have a T handled kit in the bag with my compressor, and the compressor is a heavier than typical unit with battery terminal clips instead of a lighter outlet plug. also added a kit with a valve core tool and spare valve cores after helping out a friend who'd had her husband loosen the valve cores on her minivan while at the park one night. |
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after going through several hurricanes,
everybody and their mother got flats due to the crap on the roads (and driving around obstacles) the tire shops were making a killing at 10 bucks a plug and long lines. these thing are mandatory in all of our vehicles along w/ compressors instead of pliers, I use a pair of dykes..... |
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Quoted:
after going through several hurricanes, everybody and their mother got flats due to the crap on the roads (and driving around obstacles) the tire shops were making a killing at 10 bucks a plug and long lines. these thing are mandatory in all of our vehicles along w/ compressors instead of pliers, I use a pair of dykes..... Big +1 to dykes instead of pliers. I also carry a cheap snap-off blade razor knife to trim the plugs, like this: 
If someone wants a really well made, commercial quality tire plug kit check out the offerings by Safety Seal. They have kits for cars, lights trucks, heavy equipment, ATVs etc. Their tools are made of steel and will last a lifetime of hard use. The insertion needles and other components are replaceable and made in the US. Last year while looking for input to upgrade my tire plug kit SFer TRKarl suggested that I give Safety Seal a try. I had just broken a cheap reamer and wanted something that was going to last. Glad I listened to him 
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Another endorsement for the Safety Seal kits.
We used these kits on our field service trucks. I used the kit to plug a 12 ply loader tire that had been punctured by a piece of rebar. It took 3 or 4 plugs to plug the hole, I didn't have much faith in it holding but the plugs stayed in place and got us though our mission. The kits you get at Wally World and most parts store are fine for light duty passenger car tires but if you have to plug a heavy duty off road tire or a 8-10 ply LT tire you'll appreciate the Safety Seal kit. My kit got a good workout after Hurricane Katrina. |
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I have used them for years, they work great. I keep 1 kit in the atv and 1 in the truck. as well as a patch kit, and a bead breaker http://www.racingwarehouse.com/product.cfm?invKey=41080
I used to race NE dirt modifieds and was on a tight budget so plugged a lot of tires, including sidewalls, with good results. have also plugged sidewalls on atv tires and they hold up just fine. also a good heavy sewing needle and some heavy fish line will sew up a gash in a sidewall enough to allow it to be patched. |
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Thought I would post a link to Safety Seal. http://www.safetyseal.com/ The kits can be had a bit cheaper than on the website if you look around. I have some of the light duty kits from other bands but I think I will upgrade to a Safety Seal kit.
Lots of great info here- Keep it coming. KJB |
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Plugs may be OK, but don't let anybody get themselves killed thinking they are universally safe.
Remember, freeway speeds are now from 65-80 with a margin exceeding that. In the weather here where temperatures can exceed 120F and asphalt and tire temps are greater, a plug might just get you killed. I keep a plug kit, glue, the correct tools and a capable electric pump in order to get to the Discount Tire, if necessary. It has saved my ass. These guys remove the tire, scrub it with an abrasive rotary tool, and then install a mushroom shaped plug that will not come out. They then rebalance. FREE! I was just there yesterday for just this. If you put a plug in a V or Z rated tire and use it to that rating, may as well play Russian Roulette with all 6 chambers loaded and hope for squibs..... Same for motorcycle tires. That is all. |