What is this tool?

[king nero]

I think it's for cleaning out the nozzles from caulking tubes, but honestly I'm only guessing here...

for an idea of the size: the greatest diameter of the pointed end is about 5 mm or 3/16"

 

[Superbec]

tire puncture repair tool, one of the 2 needed.

 

[AA/FC]

It's the tool used to ream out a hole (puncture) in a tubeless tire so a plug can be installed. The tool pictured is from one of those cheap tire plug kits.

 

[landrover bodger]

Its for cleaning the puncture hole in a tyre before putting the plug in

 

[lazer50]

Same as above

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

Although the brutal nature of the job invariably rips the spike from the cheap plastic handle. The tool is probably better suited to cleaning caulk tubes as the OP suggests.

 

[king nero]

Thx for the replies!

I'll be using this one for cleaning caulk tips, but at least now I know what's it really for.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

Some of them also have cross hatches on them instead of the spiral, like a file

 

[gdocktor3]

Thx for the replies!

I'll be using this one for cleaning caulk tips, but at least now I know what's it really for.

After I finish caulking something, I find a bolt or screw the same diameter as the hole and stick it in. Now when I need to use it next time, I just "unscrew" it from the tip which also removes any dried calk or residue. Forget using that thing to clean the tips. That's just ridiculous...

 

[Mastermind]

It's trash. I made one of the guys at work throw them away the other day. Unless you are looking for a new hand piercing I'd stay far away from a tire with a plastic handles one.

 

[chrisnazzy]

I've also seen one of these cheap plastic tire repair reamers come apart and almost go through someones hand.

 

[Commendatore]

Well dang. I've used my cheapo plastic versions about half a dozen times after buying them in an "emergency." I guess it's time to upgrade.


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[slow_mow]

I've got a black jack kit and love it.

http://www.blackjacktirerepair.com/kt-335

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

The blackjack kit is awesome

 

[Fedwrench]

A plug is only a temporary repair

 

[chrisnazzy]

A plug is only a temporary repair

Thank you for being the one to throw this out there. A plug is only a temporary repair to hopefully get you to a tire shop so the tire can be dismounted from the rim, inspected for internal damage and then repaired properly using an RMA (Rubber Manufacturer's Association) approved patch/plug combo. Often the insertion of a "gum plug" can create a second hole in the inner liner of the tire and thus can be the cause of a tire separation/failure down the road. Please take the time to have tires repaired properly by a professional. Several of the national tire retailers do this for free for the naysayers.

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

A tire is a temporary part.
If you are skilled in the art, you observe the angle at which the foreign object comes out, and use that as a guide.

 

[slow_mow]

A tire is a temporary part.
If you are skilled in the art, you observe the angle at which the foreign object comes out, and use that as a guide.

Exactly. Also, it depends on the foreign object that punctured the tire. A roofing nail? No problem with a plug. A Lag Bolt? I'd pull the tire and inspect.

 

[brownbagg]

I had to resort to the temporary tire repair, because the tire store refuse to plug or patch any tires, if there a nail in it, new tire no matter how minor

 

[53chevy5]

Thank you for being the one to throw this out there. A plug is only a temporary repair to hopefully get you to a tire shop so the tire can be dismounted from the rim, inspected for internal damage and then repaired properly using an RMA (Rubber Manufacturer's Association) approved patch/plug combo.

I would have to respectfully disagree. I live 3 1/2 miles down a gravel road and flat tires are a normal thing for me because of it. Between all of my families vehicles on our yard I have used up all the Black Jack plugs in the kit and just about through my first 50 plug refill kit I bought for it. I have never had a problem from plugging a tire yet. Patches are really no better as you still have the original hole in the tire covered with a patch vs just filling the hole with a plug. I trust them 100 %.

 

[RedneckWelder]

Several of the national tire retailers do this for free for the naysayers.

And some of those national tire retailers like to take your tire off, claim it cannot be repaired (when it in fact can), and then try to hold you hostage till you buy a new tire by refusing to put the old tire back on.

I would have to respectfully disagree. I live 3 1/2 miles down a gravel road and flat tires are a normal thing for me because of it. Between all of my families vehicles on our yard I have used up all the Black Jack plugs in the kit and just about through my first 50 plug refill kit I bought for it. I have never had a problem from plugging a tire yet. Patches are really no better as you still have the original hole in the tire covered with a patch vs just filling the hole with a plug. I trust them 100 %.

Same here plugged more than my fair share of tires without issue (roofing nails and similar small nails being the usual culprit), and the plugs stayed in till the tire reached the end of its service life.

 

[RedneckWelder]

As far as the cheap tire tools go yeah they ****. You can buy a better set from Safety Seal. They make sets that cover all applications from car/light truck to heavy duty and heavy equipment. Made in the US too.

 

[chrisnazzy]

And some of those national tire retailers like to take your tire off, claim it cannot be repaired (when it in fact can), and then try to hold you hostage till you buy a new tire by refusing to put the old tire back on.


It's a total bummer that so many shady tire salesman/shops have created such a bad stigma as it relates to tire repairs. I in no way doubt what you describe has happened countless times. I however have been fortunate to work for 2 companies that are in the practice of repairing tires that are repairable and in the instance of a tire being not repairable, showing and educating the customer as to why a safe repair can't be made and of course always leaving options open so the customer is never "trapped". I have personally given away hundreds of used and even sometimes new tires to a customer who couldn't or didn't want to buy a new tire when theirs was not repairable. It is also these customers who often return to do business with me again. I know that this isn't the norm and I also am not doubting a temp repair can last the entire service life of a tire, I only commented in the interest of safety. So many people take their tires for granted. I should have known better though because I have seen this topic go south before here on GJ. It seems to be that some guys feel very strongly about this one way or the other.

 

[kctyphoon]

I have 4 temporary plugs in my rear tire. I've never used one of those before that day.. It's been over a year.. Love when people start acting like these simple things are as complicated as a space shuttle launch.. The whole tire patch things is just a way to get you into a tire shop, so they can take some more of your money..

 

[chrisnazzy]

I've enjoyed reading your posts here on GJ for a few years now. I usually enjoy and appreciate some of the insights you share however I have in no way agreed with everything you have posted. I certainly wouldn't expect you to agree with me on everything. That is one of the many benefits of a forum or discussion.

Lets try to be a little less condescending though. I know you are proud of what you do as am I. Tire repairs certainly aren't as complicated as a "space shuttle launch" but there is far more to it than you understand just as there is far more to your occupation than I understand. I recently happened upon a thread here where I read some of your posts about what you had been dealing with during your strike and I couldn't believe how rude some other members comments were. You were certainly the last person I would have expected to try to bastardize me sharing 15 years of experience in the tire business "acting like" I know how to properly repair tires.

 

[AA/FC]

I worked at a full service gas station along a major highway while in high school back in the late 80's. (They are rare these days) I installed probably 2 tire plugs per shift and never once had a come-back for a failed plug. Plugs were considered a normal repair back then. Today's tire experts can claim whatever they want about how bad plugs are, but that doesn't change my personal experience with hundreds, maybe even thousands of plug repairs.

 

[TheSasquatch]

Tires of the 80's aren't tires of today. I do a lot of plugs and a lot of patches. On my personal car I'll slam a plug in without even thinking about it twice. But if it leaks or the tire decides to split in me then it's on me. Now a customer will get a plug patch or a patch. I'm not gonna deal with comebacks.

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[AA/FC]

Tires of the 80's aren't tires of today......

Lol.

So what are you saying? Today's tires are not built as strongly as tires from the 80's? Why would a tire today not accept a plug as well as a tire from the 80's?

 

[TheSasquatch]

Lol.

So what are you saying? Today's tires are not built as strongly as tires from the 80's? Why would a tire today not accept a plug as well as a tire from the 80's?

That's exactly what I'm saying. Today tires are built as cheaply as possible. That's why the same company may have 3 different models of the same tire with 3 different tread life warrantys. Most people buy the cheapest. I'm not going to risk my name on some off brand made in China tire.

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[ChaseDE]

I swear by tire plugs, have used plenty over the years and never had a failure.

Last year coming back from a concert in Philly, down 95, a friend had me pull over so she could, um, get sick. I did so around Chester.

I pull back out on the highway and hear a loud hiss, tire light comes on. We pull over and the tire is near flat. One of the other girls was damn handy and strong luckily. She yanked the full cooler out of the trunk, helped me pull the spare out, took the flat tire and rim and stuffed it back in the trunk while I was putting on the spare and we drove home.

Next morning I get out to look at the tire and it has a freaking chisel in it, biggest object I ever seen in a tire. I pulled it out and plugged it. Never had a leak in that tire after that. Held for many miles. This was on a 2006 Honda Pilot. I think it had Kuhmo tires on it.

 

[53chevy5]

I think plugs are the way to go, my Co worker thinks I'm crazy and he will only patch tires. We still are freinds though

 

[AA/FC]

That's exactly what I'm saying. Today tires are built as cheaply as possible. That's why the same company may have 3 different models of the same tire with 3 different tread life warrantys. Most people buy the cheapest. I'm not going to risk my name on some off brand made in China tire.

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Well, if soneone has chinese tires on their vehicle to begin with, then thats a completely different story. Even so, in that case, how is a patch going to be better? The hole is still in the tire. A thin rubber patch (or even a plug patch) that is glued into place does not add any structural integrity back into the tire. If a cord is broken due to the original puncture, then that cord is still going to be broken regardless if it's been plugged, patched, or plug patched.

 

[Professur]

Up here in french Canuckistan, winter tires are mandatory. As such, any tires not on their own seasonal rims have to play musical rims twice a year. If I've had to plug a tire, it'll get a plug/patch while it's off. But I've yet to have any sort of issue with a plug in 20+ years of using them. The missus's last tire change saw one tire with 3 plugs take the long goodbye. A lot of new construction going up, and lots of really sloppy workmen.

 

[TheSasquatch]

Well, if soneone has chinese tires on their vehicle to begin with, then thats a completely different story. Even so, in that case, how is a patch going to be better? The hole is still in the tire. A thin rubber patch (or even a plug patch) that is glued into place does not add any structural integrity back into the tire. If a cord is broken due to the original puncture, then that cord is still going to be broken regardless if it's been plugged, patched, or plug patched.

Manufacturer recommends patches it gets patches. Anymore it's a insurance liability, if I stab a plug in it and it blows 20 miles later as a freak accident then it's my *** on the line. Like I said I use plug all the time on my personal stuff. But if I'm doing a customer's car then plug patches/patches will go on it no other option.

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[kctyphoon]

I've enjoyed reading your posts here on GJ for a few years now. I usually enjoy and appreciate some of the insights you share however I have in no way agreed with everything you have posted. I certainly wouldn't expect you to agree with me on everything. That is one of the many benefits of a forum or discussion.

Lets try to be a little less condescending though. I know you are proud of what you do as am I. Tire repairs certainly aren't as complicated as a "space shuttle launch" but there is far more to it than you understand just as there is far more to your occupation than I understand. I recently happened upon a thread here where I read some of your posts about what you had been dealing with during your strike and I couldn't believe how rude some other members comments were. You were certainly the last person I would have expected to try to bastardize me sharing 15 years of experience in the tire business "acting like" I know how to properly repair tires.

nothing I wrote was directed at any one person, and I wasn't insulting anyone (you) either. If it had been directed AT you, I would have quoted you - which you can see I did not.. It's a forum, so you have to have thick skin sometimes. (As I'm sure you saw if you read that other tread. there are a lot of "all American pretenders" in here). I'm sure if your in the tire profession, you'll know more about tires then I ever will, and I value advice from people like yourself on products and purchasing. But simply put, if someone gets a small nail or staple in a tire, you just need to keep air in it. If a tire plug that's been bonded to the rubber works for just about everyone that's used them, it's pretty hard to convince people otherwise. (As you can read from those that have used them) If manufactures can retread truck tires, and that's considered "safe for highway use", it's pretty believable that an 1/8" plug would be also. To be honest, I've never heard of any catastrophic failures due to a tire plug, and considering tires themselves are a consumable item, most people don't need a lifetime fix on used tires that will be replaced anyway in the future.

Few years ago, I went to a local tire shop to have a leaking inner tire on my dually pickup taken care of.. They fixed the leak, and handed me a $90 bill too, telling me it's a one hour labor minimum.. Not saying all places are like that, but the bad ones ruin the rep of many others. Guilty by association I guess.. Did the patch hold? Of course - but a year later I needed new tires anyway so I'd much rather have gotten a $5 fix instead had I been brave enough to fix it myself back then. I really do have 4 plugs on a $300 tire that's on my Honda, and I haven't had to put air in it since I bought the car about a year ago, so I can't speak of any bad experiences with plugs since I haven't had any.. Granted my work experience isn't with tires, but when it comes to the patch vs plug debate, I really do feel like we're just splitting hairs now. I'm sorry if that offends you.

 

[chrisnazzy]

nothing I wrote was directed at any one person, and I wasn't insulting anyone (you) either. If it had been directed AT you, I would have quoted you - which you can see I did not.. It's a forum, so you have to have thick skin sometimes. (As I'm sure you saw if you read that other tread. there are a lot of "all American pretenders" in here). I'm sure if your in the tire profession, you'll know more about tires then I ever will, and I value advice from people like yourself on products and purchasing. But simply put, if someone gets a small nail or staple in a tire, you just need to keep air in it. If a tire plug that's been bonded to the rubber works for just about everyone that's used them, it's pretty hard to convince people otherwise. (As you can read from those that have used them) If manufactures can retread truck tires, and that's considered "safe for highway use", it's pretty believable that an 1/8" plug would be also. To be honest, I've never heard of any catastrophic failures due to a tire plug, and considering tires themselves are a consumable item, most people don't need a lifetime fix on used tires that will be replaced anyway in the future.

Few years ago, I went to a local tire shop to have a leaking inner tire on my dually pickup taken care of.. They fixed the leak, and handed me a $90 bill too, telling me it's a one hour labor minimum.. Not saying all places are like that, but the bad ones ruin the rep of many others. Guilty by association I guess.. Did the patch hold? Of course - but a year later I needed new tires anyway so I'd much rather have gotten a $5 fix instead had I been brave enough to fix it myself back then. I really do have 4 plugs on a $300 tire that's on my Honda, and I haven't had to put air in it since I bought the car about a year ago, so I can't speak of any bad experiences with plugs since I haven't had any.. Granted my work experience isn't with tires, but when it comes to the patch vs plug debate, I really do feel like we're just splitting hairs now. I'm sorry if that offends you.

I assumed (incorrectly) that your comment was directed at me since I was pretty much the only one who had chimed in at that point in favor of off the rim tire repair. Either way, thanks for clarifying. I can't believe a tire shop charged you $90 for a tire repair on your dually. I 100% understand how that would leave a very bad taste in your mouth. We wouldn't have even charged that much to repair an inner tire on one of your bucket trucks and would have done the tire repair for free on your dually pickup or your Honda....we even rotate tires for free on cars and light trucks.

I have come to realize over the years that so many businesses just don't seem to understand customer service. I'd be willing to bet that when you needed new tires on that dually and in the future on your Honda you probably didn't/won't buy them at the place that charged you $90 for the tire repair. Had they done that repair for free or even a more reasonable $10-15 fee you would have probably done business with them again. Even if not the case here, I can stand here and tell you that not everyone is bad and some places understand that success in business is 90% how you take care of people. That is ultimately what keeps people coming back.

 

[Cf mtn]

i have to agree with 55chev. i worked in the auto field for 15yrs. plugging/patching tires was common and effective. depending on what made the leak dictated what type of repair was necessary. if done right the repair should not cause any future problems. there are limits, sometimes a new tire is needed. now, from what i heard from a friend, tire shops won't/can't repair tires that are beyond a certain age?

 

[redvalkyrie]

I freely admit I didn't read this entire thread. However, I road race, autocross, and hill limb on DOT approved "slicks.". I have plugged numerous tires with no failures...do so at your own risk.

Personally, I have had zero failures at sustained road race speeds at 100mph. Should you go out on a public highway and run 100mph? No. Absolutely not. Should you drive like a normal person at 65-80 mph? I see no problem. The worst that can happen is that the plug fails and you run on a spare. Plugs work.

 

[Bad Eye Bill]

Been plugging tires with small punctures for close to 40 years. If a plug slides in with little effort it probably will leak. If ya gotta push your guts out to get it through the tire it will be fine.

 

[4x4gearhead]

Yeah i have plugged many tires and have never had a problem. It is obvious when a plug wont work when the hole is too big.