theoldwizard1
Well-known member
Where can I buy a GOOD tire plug kit ?
Tire plug kit
- Thread starter theoldwizard1
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WhiffySpark
Well-known member
- Joined
- Oct 22, 2009
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- 6,252
Black jack is the best I've seen for traditional plugs
bp460
Well-known member
rlitman
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wkndwarrior29
Well-known member
+1 for blackjack
stevenhs
Well-known member
Take it to america tires (discount tire) and do they will do it for free
SMKS
Well-known member
Safety Seal are the ones I like.
However, remember that tire plugs aren't the best type of tire repair and the RMA (the trade group for tire manufacturers) says they shouldn't be used. They only say combination patch/plugs are allowed. The most common ones look like this:
However, remember that tire plugs aren't the best type of tire repair and the RMA (the trade group for tire manufacturers) says they shouldn't be used. They only say combination patch/plugs are allowed. The most common ones look like this:
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LEVE
Well-known member
Humm... I just used one yesterday to patch two holes on my wife's car's tire. It was the Slime Delux Plug Kit #20302. It came with a couple of good tools and enough plugs and cement to spare.
areyouanywhere
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- Aug 3, 2011
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- 70
Another vote for safety seal from amazon or anywhere else that stocks it.
articsilber323
Well-known member
this is what i use at my shop comes with two sizes of tire plugs depending on the puncture
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0083IAO5M/?tag=atomicindus08-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0083IAO5M/?tag=atomicindus08-20
bwringer
Well-known member
Nealey. Quite simply the best option for repairing a tubeless tire from the outside.
http://www.tirerepairkit.com/
These things are freakin' awesome. Basically, they're a little thinner than the usual gummy worm, and you install them differently so you end up with four cords in the hole, plus a knot on the inside to make sure it can't come out. No added glue needed, either.
http://www.tirerepairkit.com/
These things are freakin' awesome. Basically, they're a little thinner than the usual gummy worm, and you install them differently so you end up with four cords in the hole, plus a knot on the inside to make sure it can't come out. No added glue needed, either.
frank001
Well-known member
I have used the Stop n Go with good results. Well made tool.
Crazyjake8493
Well-known member
I've used the Slime kit a few times and never had a problem. Patched a tire on my dually a few years ago after I pulled a 10d nail out of it. Went another 18 months before I sold the truck, never lost air. 6 months ago I pulled a roofing nail out of the tire on my durango and patched it with another plug from the same kit, hasn't leaked at all since the repair.
SMKS
Well-known member
I've never seen a plug "come out." Poor installation or other problems can cause them to leak, but I've never seen one come out. I used to work in a shop that used plugs for some repairs, so I've installed many of them.
Safety Seal also doesn't recommend using glue on their plugs.
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sberry
Banned
Safety or Black Jack. I have safety, just got more plugs, we use them regularly.
I worked at a full service gas station 26 years ago. Plugs were somewhat "acceptable" back then.... I've personally installed hundreds of them over the years. Never had a problem with them.
I have the safety Seal kit linked above from amazon. They've been around for decades and is the kit/brand to buy.
.
I have the safety Seal kit linked above from amazon. They've been around for decades and is the kit/brand to buy.
.
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However, remember that tire plugs aren't the best type of tire repair and the RMA (the trade group for tire manufacturers) says they shouldn't be used. They only say combination patch/plugs are allowed. The most common ones look like this:
Why? I've used plugs many times for small holes like a nail or screw.
If the plug were to fail, all it would do is cause a small leak which TPMS should catch fairly quickly.
I just don't see how a small plug could possibly cause a catastrophic tire failure.
SMKS
Well-known member
I never said anything about a "catastrophic failure."
Although, I've read some people claim plugs can allow air to leak in between the plies -because the inner liner isn't sealed- and promote tread separation. I could possibly see that happening if the tire was starting to fail and the air leakage could make it worse.
Read at the link I posted. They explain their reasoning there.
A couple are:
-sealing both the inner liner and injury path.
-the tire must be removed to inspect the interior for damage, such as damage from running low on pressure.
It's pretty obvious that a patch/plug is a better repair. I own and have used plugs, but I know they aren't the best type of repair.
Although, I've read some people claim plugs can allow air to leak in between the plies -because the inner liner isn't sealed- and promote tread separation. I could possibly see that happening if the tire was starting to fail and the air leakage could make it worse.
Read at the link I posted. They explain their reasoning there.
A couple are:
-sealing both the inner liner and injury path.
-the tire must be removed to inspect the interior for damage, such as damage from running low on pressure.
It's pretty obvious that a patch/plug is a better repair. I own and have used plugs, but I know they aren't the best type of repair.
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gtabasso
Well-known member
Speaking of which, I just had a nail in my tire. An awesome coworker plugged it for me. He's very handy. Done in 20 minutes.
The thing I like about the "Stop n Go" kit is their plugs are mushroom shaped. I have used them for years on motorcycle tires and never had a problem. (I did have one of those gummy worms type come out once)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001AWHTBA/?tag=atomicindus08-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001AWHTBA/?tag=atomicindus08-20
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rlitman
Well-known member
I actually like the pistol grip handles on that kit. And the spiral reamer it comes with is acceptable. I keep this kit in the car (the Safetseal kit is in the shop).
Slime also makes a T handle kit where the reamer has a diamond pattern on it. First time I tried it, the diamonds were completely removed when I pushed it through the steel belts. Total trash!
I've included the pictures, for those who are not familiar with the subtle differences that are actually quite significant.
And simply forget about any of the kits that have a screwdriver style handle on the reamer or plugger. Even if you have the hands of Hephaestus, by the time you can manage to get the plug in, the hole is probably reamed too loose to safely plug any more.
allinon72
Well-known member
Safety Seal are the ones I like.
However, remember that tire plugs aren't the best type of tire repair and the RMA (the trade group for tire manufacturers) says they shouldn't be used. They only say combination patch/plugs are allowed. The most common ones look like this:
Well by golly, a trade group interested in selling new tires doesn't recommend that you repair your old tires. Shocked!
Thezapper
Well-known member
The reason the plugs are a problem is that you don't remove tire from the rim to inspect for damage to the side wall when driven on flat. We do fleet work for large rental car company's and they specifically want a patch from the inside and want a close inspection of the sidewall. Half the time the tires have side wall damage so it gets a new tire anyway. When the bossman abolished the plug, he stopped ordering them and said he didn't want to see any plugging tools in the shop period. So I took the extra patches I had in my box and the tools reemer/driver and put them in my truck for a emergency.
At first I hated doing them (patch) but it does make a better repair, you remove the tire, replace valve stem, clean the rim, balance etc... a perfect tire repair. The plugs are good too, I'm not against them. I think the ones we had were called sure seal? Not sure but they were orange in colour and never had one leak or pop out in 20 years. I even remember using 2/3 for those larger holes lol....
At first I hated doing them (patch) but it does make a better repair, you remove the tire, replace valve stem, clean the rim, balance etc... a perfect tire repair. The plugs are good too, I'm not against them. I think the ones we had were called sure seal? Not sure but they were orange in colour and never had one leak or pop out in 20 years. I even remember using 2/3 for those larger holes lol....
yamaha0343
Well-known member
I've been using plugs for years, and haven't had one fail. The Slime kits have worked for me, but I'm going to order the Safety Seal based on ya'll's recommendation.
Outlander
Well-known member
I have a kit in my ATV - rocks are killers for the sidewalls. Had to stop and give plugs and some compressor time in the trail again a couple of weekends back. The old "I left my compressor on the workbench" story
Mr_fixit
Well-known member
safety seal
BD1
Well-known member
OP
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
I am surprised that more people have not mention this brand. Maybe because it is marketed toward consumers and motorcycles, but it works fine on cars and pickups.
The plug design looks good
and their "pocket" kit would fit in almost any glove box (need to add a Leatherman for the pliers and knife).
I always carry plugs in my truck and atv. We used to plug peoples tires on the road when towing/service truck. But we always made sure to tell them that the end result was they were temporary. However I cant tell you how many times ive plugged my work trucks or my own or families cars with good results. Never had an issue to date.
SMKS
Well-known member
You're completely misunderstanding.
If you read what I posted, you'll see they say repairing tires is fine, but plugs aren't fine. Only combination patch/plugs are acceptable.