How to plug a flat tire (walkthrough)

5367 Views 53 Replies 23 Participants Last post by cvlighthouse, Aug 7, 2006

~BLACK ICE~

Discussion Starter · Jul 22, 2006 (Edited)

after being on this website for quite some time now, i am very aware of those of you who are totally against fixing a flat. i completly understand your point of view. on the other hand, i have done this several times and have had not one single problem with plug'n it up. from personal experience the plugs work GREAT!!!! for those of you who are totally against fixing a flat.... please SKIP THIS THREAD. i am postly mainly for those interested in knowing how to plug. i have had the experience of having less than 1k on a tire and i pick up a nail. in this case it was a lot more than 1k.... but i still decided to patch her up. i braught my camera along with me......

TIRE PLUG KIT
1.purchased this at AUTOZONE for about less than $10

due to i do not have a compressor... i drove to the gas station. here is the nail i picked up. IN THE TIRE.

2.Take the nail out ..... make sure you let most of the air out. I used the nail itself to push the needle in to let preassure out faster.

3. The tool kit came with a tool that looks like a needle file. Insert rasp tool into hole and slide up and down to roughen and clean inside of hole.

when you insert the tool... make sure you file in the same angle the nail was in the tire.

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~BLACK ICE~

Discussion Starter · #2 · Jul 22, 2006

4. once that is finished and area is clean. you can begin to use the remainder of the kit.

Remove plug material from protective backing and insert into eye of needle , and coat with rubber cement.

5. Insert with plug centered in the eye of the needle into puncture until plug is pushed approximately 2/3 of the way in

6. pull needle straight out with a rapid motion, do not twist needle while pulling out.

7. cut off excess plug material flush with the tire tread.

8. Reinflate the tire to recommended pressure and test for air leaks by applying a few drops of soapy water to plugged area, if bubbles appear, repeat the process.

that is a little write up for those who are interested.
once again... if you dont like it the process please skip. i am just doing the write up for those who are curious.

-Black Ice

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theRTGUY

· #3 · Jul 22, 2006

Nice how to, but man this to me is one of the most un-safe things that can possibly be done to a bike.

On a car ya, but bikes have 2 tires.

In my opinion this should only be done in an emergency situation.

Kevlar

· #4 · Jul 22, 2006

Is that a racing tread? If not, those things are pretty shagged out for street tires, and should probably be replaced anyways.

TOMIMOTO

· #5 · Jul 22, 2006

I don't think I'll be doing this anytime soon. Won't you be able to feel that big bump of plug sticking out?

NewRedRider

· #6 · Jul 22, 2006

Nice write up Black! But I would only plug a tire in an emergency if I were stranded and I have. If you have the option please take if off and put a patch/plug in from the inside. THE best method when you get a nail.

James06CBR

· #7 · Jul 23, 2006

Bad idea friend. I did a plug yesterday on a car tire. I carry that kit you show in my trunk and have saved a bunch of people. The only time I'd use that kit you have on my bike is if I am stuck in the middle of nowhere and need to get to a safe place for a true fix. Honestly, you should NEVER ride on a plugged motorcycle tire!! You should replace the tire when these things happen, I know it sucks but it is safety concerns.

welldrilleRR

· #8 · Jul 23, 2006

NewRedRider said:
Nice write up Black! But I would only plug a tire in an emergency if I were stranded and I have. If you have the option please take if off and put a patch/plug in from the inside. THE best method when you get a nail.

+1, patching from the inside is best.

G

· #9 · Jul 23, 2006

you cannot fix a motorcycle tire puncture on a sportbike. You can use emergancy procedures like this, but do not expect to have the same tire you did before. Plug are weak and plug/patch combos do not hold for very long. replace the tire, no spirited riding until then.

on a car this would be fine, but on a motorbike, forget it as a long term fix.

td_600rr

· #10 · Jul 23, 2006 (Edited)

thanks for the great write-up bro : ), wish you had this before i had to do mine. I ended up with one of the sticky things stay in the tire, lol; however i eventually got it patched up. : )

Too_Funny

· #11 · Jul 23, 2006

I had to perform an emergency plug like that once. When I first plugged it no air was escaping. After a short ride to the dealer though my tire pressure went down 6 psi. Of course my puncture was huge compare to yours but just be safe.

NewRedRider

· #12 · Jul 23, 2006

No patches guys. Patch/Plugs only or a plug in an emergency. I've ran both and they hold up very well for the lenght of the tire. This repair method is recommended by Dunlop.

http://www.mz3.net/articles/156.html

http://www.dunlopmotorcycle.com/infocenter_tiretips.asp?id=30#tip

arturo10

· #13 · Jul 23, 2006

quit being a cheap ass and buy a new tire. if yall can"t afford a tire when you need one ,maybe u shouldn't own a bike

NewRedRider

· #14 · Jul 23, 2006

arturo10 said:
quit being a cheap ass and buy a new tire. if yall can"t afford a tire when you need one ,maybe u shouldn't own a bike

Try saying that after your 3rd nail in 2 months. Not everyone has an endless bank account like some people. Stop looking down your nose at people.

tripage

· #15 · Jul 23, 2006

I will have to back up ~BLACKICE~ on this.. I have used plugs on 3 rear tires and I have never had a problem, in fact I have one on my rear right now.. I just remembered that!!!!
Those of you who have some deep pockets sell me your tire that only has 100 miles on it!!!! There is no way I am going to spend another $150 for a new tire because of a little nail hole that can be fixed.

Don't knock it till you have tried it.. You will feel a slight bump from the patch, but it wears down and it's not noticable.. I wouldn't go to the track or hard twisties, but regular riding it will be fine..

tripage

· #16 · Jul 23, 2006

NewRedRider- Where can I pick up some of those patches????

NewRedRider

· #17 · Jul 23, 2006

tripage said:
NewRedRider- Where can I pick up some of those patches????

Any of the locals should carry them. Call your local Pep Boys or Napa store.

Here's a place online but I've never used them.
http://www.patchrubber.com/tire_repair/14040.html

I found this while searching for the patch/plugs. Very interesting picture comparing the different methods of repair.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=77

~BLACK ICE~

Discussion Starter · #18 · Jul 23, 2006

yeah i know i was going to get bashed.... but i have had lots of experiences with patches. (not to say i am happy about it...) i always have crappy luck with purchasing some new tires and i pick up a nail. instead of purchasing another tire, i just patch her up and be cool about my riding style. even though i ride cool... Disco still have trouble keeping up... HAHAHAH (sorry inside joke i had to say)

i thank you guys (for those who watch my back and mention about safety).... but if i had $$$$ to dish out for another tire... TRUST ME I WOULD DO IT!!!!!

i still have not received the sponsorship from Tripage yet

hahahaha

NewRedRider,
you always have GREAT stuff to say. thanks for the advise!! so when is your promotion to be a moderator??? u have my VOTE!

tripage

· #19 · Jul 23, 2006

~BLACK ICE~
Are you going to Laguna next year???
You might have your first gig!!!!!!

~BLACK ICE~

Discussion Starter · #20 · Jul 23, 2006

i am for sure going next year... even if i have to WALK!!!
first gig ??

hey everybody.... I GOT A JOB!!!! lmfao

what ever the deal is... count me in if you need help. on monday i have to finish the business cards and your page.

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