tire plug problems

[Rand]

did you let most of the air out of the tire?
When you pulled out the object try to determine the angle it was in tire.
The reamer is like a file it doesnt matter if you twist.
If hole was extremely tiny you may need to drill it.

When inserting the plug you do need to go straight in.


OTOH if the tire is worn out just replace it???

 

[Silverado12]

A really small hole like what you have would get slimed if it was my tire.

 

[The motor guy]

I think it's the plugs. I can easily push it in without the plug. All the plugs I used are half melted from keeping them in the truck I guess, unless they're supposed to be all sticky like they are.

 

[The motor guy]

Originally Posted By: DeafBrad
When I use these, I need to twist the reamer back and forth to get it to go in.


I should just cut the handle off and and put it in a drill chuck. Wonder if that would work.

 

[The motor guy]

As I suspected nobody would fix it.

 

[eljefino]

Originally Posted By: motor_oil_madman
Originally Posted By: DeafBrad
When I use these, I need to twist the reamer back and forth to get it to go in.


I should just cut the handle off and and put it in a drill chuck. Wonder if that would work.


Don't do it; the reamer is sized for hand use. You'll open your tire hole up too much.

Get some new refill plugs for a couple bucks before you condemn your old ones. They are supposed to be slimy and you need experience with your technique. Your problem is you. Follow the instructions exactly, watch youtube, etc. It takes a reasonably strong arm to yank it forcefully at the right part of the procedure.

 

[The motor guy]

I meant using it on the one with the plug. I got the reamer in fine.

 

[Rand]

Originally Posted By: motor_oil_madman
I meant using it on the one with the plug. I got the reamer in fine.


That one you have to push straight in...... no twisting.

Did you not just have a thread complaining about not mechanically inclined people?

I would think anyone could figure out inserting a tire plug with a drill would be a terrible idea.

Reaming it with a drill is a bad idea too.. you just need 2 or 3x with the reamer.. a drill would do that in about 5revolutions.

 

[eljefino]

You need a good yank so the plug stays with the tire. You already have a junk tire that noone will touch, but you might save. Practice!

 

[The motor guy]

I took it to an independent shop and they fixed it.

 

[The motor guy]

Thanks for all the help though, I didn't know it was going to be this big of an ordeal. I hope this doesn't happen with my mower tires, that's why I bought these plugs. My guess is the mower tires aren't as stiff as a trailer tire. Who knows....

 

[Rick in PA]

Originally Posted By: Ducked
What? No one saying how irresponsible/illegal/wicked/stingy/ghetto etc this all is?

Never happen on a British website, perhaps because you havn't been able to get the plug kit there for decades. Tyre industry said it wasn't profitable...I mean, safe.

I used loads of them on my Sierra and never had a failure. Small holes I drilled out, sometimes using the nail that made them.

Use it or loose it, but you might loose it anyway.


All the tire plug packages here clearly state "for temporary use only". But, I've run with a few plugged tires over the years. Internal patching is best, but if you don't have access to a tire machine... Lawnmower tires are another story, you can generally get them apart.

Tire industry is the same here. Very limited guidelines for patching, no plugging. "Sidewall" extends 1" (25mm) into tread area. Steel cords must be sealed to prevent rust. Hole has to be small with no damage to cords, etc. The official bottom line here is often "get a new tire".

I'd recommend wearing sturdy leather gloves while working the reamer and plug insertion tool. You wouldn't want that cheesy plastic handle breaking and having the metal stem driven into the palm of your hand.

 

[The motor guy]

I've never had a problem with a plug not holding if it was installed correctly I ran one until the tire dry rotted. No sense in buying a new tire just so it can pick up more nails. I usually have one or two nails in each tire by the time it's time to replace them. I leave them alone unless they cause the tire to leak air.

 

[HerrStig]

If you can't plug it buy a tube for it. But you have to do something to keep water out of the steel cords.