Tire repair kits

[xcgates]

This might seem like a bit of a basic question, but I bought one of those basic tire repair kits from A-Z today, in anticipation of a lengthy, "senic" drive from school to home over break that will include a slight detour down to NC, and realized I don't actually know how to use them.

Looking at it, all I can figure is that it is as simple as reaming out the hole with the ruffing tool, then taking the other tool, grabbing a repair plug/stick thing in the middle, shove it all the way through, and then pull it partway out.

Am I right? Do you need to use the rubber cement at all on those black sticks?

::EDIT::
I just asked another friend, who, as it turned out has quite a bit of experience with plugging holes on one specific tire. And he described it as threading on the center of the plug, pushing most of the way though, then pulling back so that you form a sort of 'W'. Sound right?

And again, I am assuming you need to rough-up the hole with the jagged file-like tool?

[Dave Mueller]

How much thread you use depends on the size of the hole, but yes, you have the general idea. Yes, use the rubber cement. It fuses the thread and tire together. Yes, rough up the hole with the rasp.

I've done a few, some only needed a single strand of thread, one needed two strands (ie a V), and one I had to build up a few layers (but that's not really recommended!).

[sixfifty]

and you should get a patch put on at your earliest convenience.*

























* - standard disclaimer, having repaired countless tires this way, and never used a patch

[xcgates]

Thanks for the response. I've never had a flat tire, but I'd rather not be stuck out where I don't have cell/CB/Ham radio coverage. Since I seem to spend enough time in such areas.

Can't hurt to be able to get yourself moving again anyhow.

[jereg]

Plugging tires? I'm almost an expert now. I work next to a lumber yard and our parking lot gets covered in nails. 2-3 times a year I find my tire going flat. And if it's not mine, it's one of my coworkers. And before anyone mentions it, yes, I park as far away from the building as I can. It helps, but they're still around.

Here's what I've found. The plug kits generally work very well. The first time or two will be the hardest. Along with the kit you'll need a good pair of needle nose pliers. If the nail or whatever is still in, you've got to pull it out. If it's been in awhile the head will probably be worn off, so good pliers are needed to get it out.

The second thing you'll need is air. The way you discover a puncture is when the tire is low. The nail stuck in the tire is the only thing keeping what's left of the air in. When you remove it. the air comes whooshing out. After you plug it, you have a repaired tire with no air in it. I now carry a small air pump that plugs in the lighter. I've seen them for less that $10. With the portable compressor, you can plug and refill your tire anywhere.

My method is keep the tire on the car. Move the car to where I can see the nail. Plug in the compressor and get air flowing into the tire. This helps me know where the hole is. Use the pliers to remove the nail. Now the air is really coming out. Ream the hole. Put in the plug. Let the air fill the tire back up. As it's filling, you'll know whether the plug is working or not if the air stops leaking. It souldn't tkae more that 15 minutes.

And having the compressor around is great for filling bike tires.

[xcgates]

Oh, I have one of those 12V compressors. When I got the OB, the front rims were leaking air ~5lbs per week.