Tire Patching?

[littletoes]

Tell me what you trust guys!

I want to stock up on some more patches. All I've ever used are the Napa brand.

 

[vettex2]

I just plug them

 

[Streetbu]

Tech tire for me. Always had good luck with them at work and home.

 

[littletoes]

Is there any problem storing the cement in a cold garage??

And thanks!!

 

[WhiffySpark]

What are you patching? We don't use cement we use glue. And then inner tube sealant over it.

We use tech tire or ascot I think

 

[blacksporty]

I have plugged over 1000 tires with https://www.amazon.com/Tooluxe-50002L-Universal-Repair-35-Piece/dp/B002I52RG0/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1488824018&sr=8-6&keywords=tire+plug and works great, even did a couple in the sidewalls of my personal car back when I was broke.

 

[gungatim]

I have plugged over 1000 tires with https://www.amazon.com/Tooluxe-50002L-Universal-Repair-35-Piece/dp/B002I52RG0/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1488824018&sr=8-6&keywords=tire+plug and works great, even did a couple in the sidewalls of my personal car back when I was broke.

have the same tool, love it. it occasionally goes on sale for $11.99

I prefer the black plugs, they seem sticker to me, so I buy those for refills.

I don't know what brand patches I have, I pick them up all the time on clearance or flea markets so brands are pretty varied...

the cement stores fine in the cold garage as long as it hasn't been opened. for that reason I stock up on the little tubes and just toss them once I open them.

 

[L5wolvesf]

It's been a long time since I worked in a tire store but we didn't plug steel belted tires back then. The word was that the steel would cut through a plug and the tire would blow out. Is/was that true? or do you only plug tires with non-steel belts?

 

[gungatim]

It's been a long time since I worked in a tire store but we didn't plug steel belted tires back then. The word was that the steel would cut through a plug and the tire would blow out. Is/was that true? or do you only plug tires with non-steel belts?

I plug any and everything. if it holds, it holds, if not, maybe a patch. I've even done sidewalls on newer tires and not had a problem.

I know many people who are vehemently against fixing any tire and regularly thrown them away before they age out regardless of usable life...so you'll likely get varying opinions. but for me, if the plug holds, the tire rolls....

 

[bwringer]

It's been a long time since I worked in a tire store but we didn't plug steel belted tires back then. The word was that the steel would cut through a plug and the tire would blow out. Is/was that true? or do you only plug tires with non-steel belts?

Not an issue at all nowadays -- they made the plug material tougher.


The Nealey tire repairs are my favorite -- I carry Mini Kits in my cars and on my motorcycles with tubeless tires.
http://www.tirerepairkit.com/whichkit.htm

 

[vettex2]

I have plugged over 1000 tires with https://www.amazon.com/Tooluxe-50002L-Universal-Repair-35-Piece/dp/B002I52RG0/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1488824018&sr=8-6&keywords=tire+plug and works great, even did a couple in the sidewalls of my personal car back when I was broke.

Nice kit

I just have the $5 cheapo kits.
1 in each vehicle

 

[L5wolvesf]

Thanks for clearing that up guys.

I like the idea of carrying the Nealey mini kits in each car.

 

[WhiffySpark]

Black jack is what I'm buying. Awesome tools

 

[DHCrocks]

been using Safety Seal, nice beefy made in USA metal handle. not that cheap plastic **** that has the potential for some serious unjury if it breaks. I had a walmart special before and it felt like it would break and stab me so I tossed it.

 

[vettex2]

Thanks for clearing that up guys.

I like the idea of carrying the Nealey mini kits in each car.

It needs a reamer.
I'm surprised they don't have one.

 

[bushmechanic]

Don't patch. Plug. This is your brand:

Done.

 

[Buckgnarly]

Safety Seal is the ONLY way to go for plugs and plug kits.

 

[slip knot]

For $5 I'll just keep taking them the vatos at LLantas el 8. or for $15 I can get the real tire store to fix them.

I like the safety seal tools but sometimes run out of plugs and will use the black string ones from Advance on my tractors. I've been known to use 15-20 plugs in one hole. keep jamming them in till the air quits coming out.

 

[SMKS]

I used to work in a tire shop and I've personally repaired hundreds of tires.

I don't think anyone in this thread has mentioned the proper type of repair, a patch/plug. That's the only type of repair that's RMA approved.

Plugs alone or patches alone are not approved repairs by the RMA.

https://rma.org/sites/default/files/prp_wallchart1111_0.pdf

If you are going to plug, I recommend Safety Seal brand. However, it's not the best type of repair and if I was a shop owner I'd only be doing RMA approved repairs.

Here's a simpler type of patch/plug that's quicker and easier but still meets the guidelines.
http://www.safetyseal.com/safetysealplus.php

 

[bwringer]

It needs a reamer.
I'm surprised they don't have one.

No, the Nealey kit doesn't normally need a reamer on motorcycle, passenger, and most light truck tires (you might need a reamer or drill to open up the hole a bit on very heavy truck or equipment tires just so you can get the repairs in there).

It works differently than other "sticky string" type repairs.

More reading that addresses this and other questions:
http://www.tirerepairkit.com/easyuse.htm
http://www.tirerepairkit.com/FAQ.htm

First, you insert the tool and rock it back and forth. This helps clean out the puncture and helps fold over the ends of the wires without creating further damage to the tire. Then you insert the repair and rotate the tool 1.5 turns. When you withdraw the tool, this helps create a knot on the inside of the tire. Then you cut the tool free.

You end up with four strands of the repair material instead of two, with a knot on the inside so it can't pull out. Plus, you don't need cement.

I've used these many times on tubeless motorcycle tires and car tires with no issues. Upon demounting, the knot on the inside had formed a very firm, close seal on the inside of the tire, and had bonded firmly with the tire -- the repair was very difficult to pull out from the inside.

 

[BonzoHansen]

I used to work in a tire shop and I've personally repaired hundreds of tires.

I don't think anyone in this thread has mentioned the proper type of repair, a patch/plug. That's the only type of repair that's RMA approved.

Plugs alone or patches alone are not approved repairs by the RMA.

https://rma.org/sites/default/files/prp_wallchart1111_0.pdf

If you are going to plug, I recommend Safety Seal brand. However, it's not the best type of repair and if I was a shop owner I'd only be doing RMA approved repairs.

Here's a simpler type of patch/plug that's quicker and easier but still meets the guidelines.
http://www.safetyseal.com/safetysealplus.php

This.

Other methods will likely void any manufacturer warranty.

 

[vettex2]

I had read all that and watched the youtube video.
Have you ever plugged a run flat?
You NEED a reamer.

No, the Nealey kit doesn't normally need a reamer on motorcycle, passenger, and most light truck tires (you might need a reamer or drill to open up the hole a bit on very heavy truck or equipment tires just so you can get the repairs in there).

It works differently than other "sticky string" type repairs.

More reading that addresses this and other questions:
http://www.tirerepairkit.com/easyuse.htm
http://www.tirerepairkit.com/FAQ.htm

I've used these many times on tubeless motorcycle tires and car tires with no issues. Upon demounting, the knot on the inside had formed a very firm, close seal on the inside of the tire, and had bonded firmly with the tire -- the repair was very difficult to pull out from the inside.

 

[bwringer]

I had read all that and watched the youtube video.
Have you ever plugged a run flat?
You NEED a reamer.

No, I've never plugged a run-flat. Ya got me there.

So if you're regularly plugging run-flats, then I guess you should get a reamer, or maybe carry a drill.

 

[vettex2]

Run flats are insanely stiff.
My kits have reamers.

 

[vettex2]

I used to work in a tire shop and I've personally repaired hundreds of tires.

Me too ! That was my second job ever !
I don't miss it.
I do miss being that young though.

 

[bushmechanic]

I used to work in a tire shop and I've personally repaired hundreds of tires.

I don't think anyone in this thread has mentioned the proper type of repair, a patch/plug. That's the only type of repair that's RMA approved.

Plugs alone or patches alone are not approved repairs by the RMA.

https://rma.org/sites/default/files/prp_wallchart1111_0.pdf

If you are going to plug, I recommend Safety Seal brand. However, it's not the best type of repair and if I was a shop owner I'd only be doing RMA approved repairs.

Here's a simpler type of patch/plug that's quicker and easier but still meets the guidelines.
http://www.safetyseal.com/safetysealplus.php

That manual is pretty far out there; as if written specifically for legal protection. And just who are they approving, anyway? Do they have regulatory power in any useful capacity?

Their procedures, while competent, take much more time and energy than a plug. That's money you've got to charge the customer. Suddenly, what used to be an in and out tire repair is now a long, expensive project.

You can line up Safety Seals in a sidewall and they'll hold pressure. Stuff four in a large hole. Put them in the shoulder. Heck, anywhere around the tread section a Safety Seal will last longer than the tire it's in.

They've been good enough for me in the toughest situations, and always held up for the journey and the life of the tire. High speed, low speed, rocks, mud, gravel, tarmac; it doesn't matter. They hold. Period.

Any regulation ought to consider the simplicity and permanence of this repair before mandating complexity.

 

[WhiffySpark]

That manual is pretty far out there; as if written specifically for legal protection. And just who are they approving, anyway? Do they have regulatory power in any useful capacity?

Their procedures, while competent, take much more time and energy than a plug. That's money you've got to charge the customer. Suddenly, what used to be an in and out tire repair is now a long, expensive project.

You can line up Safety Seals in a sidewall and they'll hold pressure. Stuff four in a large hole. Put them in the shoulder. Heck, anywhere around the tread section a Safety Seal will last longer than the tire it's in.

They've been good enough for me in the toughest situations, and always held up for the journey and the life of the tire. High speed, low speed, rocks, mud, gravel, tarmac; it doesn't matter. They hold. Period.

Any regulation ought to consider the simplicity and permanence of this repair before mandating complexity.

The issue is you don't break the tire down when plugging a tire. Therefore you can't see if it's damaged. A good tire tech can tell visually or by feel without taking it apart, but that's few and far today.

 

[WhiffySpark]

I had read all that and watched the youtube video.
Have you ever plugged a run flat?
You NEED a reamer.

We don't fix run flats. You are buying a new tire if you have a run flat or you can fix it yourself.

We called Goodyear a few weeks ago and they said do not fix them as well

 

[HoosierBuddy]

We don't fix run flats. You are buying a new tire if you have a run flat or you can fix it yourself.

We called Goodyear a few weeks ago and they said do not fix them as well

The more I learn about run flats....the less I ever want to own any.

Phil

 

[RocketScott]

These are the patch/plugs I use most often:

http://www.blackjacktirerepair.com/cu-306

If you are patching a Z rated tire that's the easiest way to fix it and maintain the rating.

I have a tire machine so for me to pull the tire and patch it from the inside isn't a big deal. I also have extra wheels so if I get a flat I can swap the whole wheel and patch the tire when I have more time. I carry plugs but consider them a 'get home' fix.

On my Peterbilt 379 I use a separate plug and patch as the patch is much bigger. Don't need the tire machine for those, just a set of tire levers.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

I just plug them

I have plugged over 1000 tires with https://www.amazon.com/Tooluxe-50002L-Universal-Repair-35-Piece/dp/B002I52RG0/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1488824018&sr=8-6&keywords=tire+plug and works great, even did a couple in the sidewalls of my personal car back when I was broke.

have the same tool, love it. it occasionally goes on sale for $11.99

I prefer the black plugs, they seem sticker to me, so I buy those for refills.

I don't know what brand patches I have, I pick them up all the time on clearance or flea markets so brands are pretty varied...

the cement stores fine in the cold garage as long as it hasn't been opened. for that reason I stock up on the little tubes and just toss them once I open them.

It's been a long time since I worked in a tire store but we didn't plug steel belted tires back then. The word was that the steel would cut through a plug and the tire would blow out. Is/was that true? or do you only plug tires with non-steel belts?

I plug any and everything. if it holds, it holds, if not, maybe a patch. I've even done sidewalls on newer tires and not had a problem.

I know many people who are vehemently against fixing any tire and regularly thrown them away before they age out regardless of usable life...so you'll likely get varying opinions. but for me, if the plug holds, the tire rolls....

Not an issue at all nowadays -- they made the plug material tougher.


The Nealey tire repairs are my favorite -- I carry Mini Kits in my cars and on my motorcycles with tubeless tires.
http://www.tirerepairkit.com/whichkit.htm

Nice kit

I just have the $5 cheapo kits.
1 in each vehicle

Plugs work. They also void many tire warranties. Michelin requires patches. It's not about whether the plug will fail, it's about whether the tire will fail. Plugs do not require tire dismounting like patches do, so the tire is not inspected for internal damage.

Tommy

 

[bushmechanic]

The issue is you don't break the tire down when plugging a tire. Therefore you can't see if it's damaged. A good tire tech can tell visually or by feel without taking it apart, but that's few and far today.

Of course the tire was damaged; a nail was stuck in it, and it's going to get worse when I jam a lubed up reamer in there and twist it around.

 

[WhiffySpark]

Of course the tire was damaged; a nail was stuck in it, and it's going to get worse when I jam a lubed up reamer in there and twist it around.

Internal damage. They come apart when driven on low air. There will be a powder inside of it. You can usually sign a line around the sidewalk

 

[vettex2]

We don't fix run flats. You are buying a new tire if you have a run flat or you can fix it yourself.

We called Goodyear a few weeks ago and they said do not fix them as well

I do if they haven't been driven on very far.

 

[bushmechanic]

Internal damage. They come apart when driven on low air. There will be a powder inside of it. You can usually sign a line around the sidewalk

I know that. I was just being sarcastic.

 

[WhiffySpark]

I do if they haven't been driven on very far.

Not worth the chance these days. If you're going to whine about it you shouldn't have brought a car that requires run flats. Sorry you're $80k BMW needs a $400 tire

 

[calif phil]

Safety seal is the best, Blackjack is also great. I have been plugging tires for 40 years and never had a problem. You can also plug and or patch runflats anyone that says you can't just wants to sell you a tire. Our Cadillac has runflats and I have a plug in one.

 

[Showkey]

Sounds like no one here has been asked to defend a shop or technician practice in a liability case where industry standards where not followed, poor workmanship or bad judgement was the norm ........and some one got seriously injured.

 

[vettex2]

Not worth the chance these days. If you're going to whine about it you shouldn't have brought a car that requires run flats. Sorry you're $80k BMW needs a $400 tire

I only fix my own nowadays and no I don't toss good tires because there is a plug in it.
That is stupid.

 

[blacksporty]

Don't patch. Plug. This is your brand:

Done.

This is actually the brand that I used to plug 1000's of tires with, it's been 30 years but that stuff worked, except for thetime I pulled a spark plug out of the tire....we used to charge $5.00 and the owner loved it....or course I was only making $3.50/hr back then.