After trying to plug a tire from a small screw in my driveway with a sticky string plug, my success seamed to depends on my ability to get the hole reamed out big enough to get the string pushed in the hole. I used the reamer that came in the kit that did not really work very well. After trying for quite a while I resorted to a drill with a 5/16" bit. Since I don't carry a drill and bit with me usually I am asking how others deal with this on the road. Thanks for your comments, Jim

 

A drill should never be needed. You need more practice. probably. Just to be on the same page, the reamer either looks like a screwdriver, or has a "T" handle, and a very rough, studded shaft. The shaft is inserted in the hole (you might use a little spit, if needed), and the reamer is shoved in and out VIGOROUSLY, at least 20 strokes. The reamer is not turned, like a screwdriver, it is pushed in and out until the original hole is round and large enough that the reamer passes through easier than when you started reaming. Now, you force the sealing strip into the slot in the driver, coat the strip with adhesive (which will make it slide in easier), and insert the strip. It will initially be difficult to insert, but will eventually slide in...stop when about 1" of the strip is inside the tire. Withdrawing the driver should cut the strip, leaving about half of it inside the tire, half outside. Once the adhesive is set, you might want to use a razor blade to trim the external ends of the plug to about 3/16" sticking out. After driving, it will flatten into the tread, and hardly be noticeable.

There are various plug kits which may look different, or have different methods, but the idea is to get the coated plug tightly into the hole. They generally will not work on the sidewall. A well-done plug will last the lifetime of the tire. Or, you can get to the nearest shop and buy a new tire, if you choose.

 

I plugged a hole last month. Used a kit with a t- handle, it definitely took some force to penetrate the tire. Id imagine one with a screwdriver style handle would be much more difficult to use.

 

I have plugged a few tires using the plug kit. The T handle reamer is required, because it will give you a better grip and torque. The reamer that looks like a screwdriver is junk, and almost impossible to get enough torque to properly get the tool in the tire to ream the hole. I also carry a pair of side cutter pliers that can be used tonpull out a nail or screw, and also cut the excess plug from outside the tire.

 

I have used this kit a couple of times. A little more pricey but works great. It definitely takes some effort to get the plug inserted.

 

Like others have said...the reamer with the T handle and its still pretty hard to get it in.



Ive done it several times and never took the tire off the car....good luck...

 

Best plug I’ve ever used. Plugged a tire that was punctured by 2” long 1/4” drive socket extension with it before.

 

My advice is leave the screw, nail, etc. in the tire and consider it a temporary plug until you can remove the tire from the car and plug it or get it plugged. Carry a small air compressor to use when you can't get to a gas station to fill the tire with air. Pump it up to 51 psi. Monitor the tire pressure with the TPS.

 

I have plugged lots of conventional tires and never had an issue. I plugged the right front Bridgestone RFT on the Centennial and had one hell of a time reaming the hole out. For anyone who hasn't tried it, RFT tires are constructed way way tougher than regular tires; I wasn't sure I was going to be able to get the t-handle reamer through the tire. I ended up with a small leak after plugging so had to take it to a tire store and have it done properly with a patch plug.

 

That's a nice kit

 

carry a big hammer......it works

 

If your in your driveway. I would overinflate it to near max. and drive carefully to a tire shop for a proper repair.
Also as walt white coup said "My advice is leave the screw, nail, etc. in the tire and consider it a temporary plug until you can remove the tire from the car and plug it or get it plugged. Carry a small air compressor to use when you can't get to a gas station to fill the tire with air. Pump it up to 51 psi. Monitor the tire pressure with the TPS."