Best fix a flat kit


Best Tire Sealants (Review & Buying Guide) in 2022

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BYNoelle Talmon/ LAST UPDATED ON June 3, 2022

Most car owners will find themselves by the side of the road with a tire failure at some point due to a screw, nail, or other sharp objects. These punctures often lead to a loss of air, which can make driving unsafe and/or impossible. If you don't have access to a spare tire and you're stranded on the side of the road due to a flat tire, there is a solution that doesn't involve calling a tow truck for help. 

Tire sealants are a great way to quickly repair a slow-leaking tire, and they can also be used for preventative measures. You can easily store this product in the trunk or other area of your vehicle for emergencies. The best tire sealants are affordable and easy to use, but they're not all created equally. We did the research and found some of the best options, so you'll be prepared the next time the unexpected occurs.

Best Overall

Slime Emergency Tire Repair Sealant

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Summary

A strong and fast-acting tire sealant capable of filling 1/4-inch punctures.

  • Fit to handle tires from cars, trucks, Jeeps, SUVs, ATVs, trailers, and RVs
  • Small size gives you the power to take it anywhere
  • Comes with restrictions on how fast you should drive with the tire sealant
  • Could lead to rusting

Best Value

Fix-A-Flat Tire Sealant and Car/SUV Tire Inflator

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Summary

Designed for cars and SUVs, this tire sealant is 24 ounces and can be used on extra-large tires. It fixes punctures up to 1/4-inch.

  • Simple to use; no tools required
  • Non-toxic and non-corrosive
  • Small bottle is easy to store
  • Eco-friendly formula
  • Tires need to be positioned in a certain spot in order to apply the sealant

Honorable Mention

TireJect Tire Sealant Kit

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Summary

This formula is available in 10, 20, or 40 ounces as well as a one-gallon container. It can fill punctures up to 3/8-inch.

  • Easy to use
  • Injector tool included
  • Mess-free installation
  • Prevents future flats
  • Can be tough to determine how much is needed for a particular repair
  • A little pricey

Summary List 

Our Methodology

Why Trust Us

Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, “wisdom of the crowd” assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.

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I took several factors into consideration when choosing the best tire sealants. First, I focused on well-known brands that have a reputation for producing high-quality products. I also looked at the effectiveness of each item. Using user testimonials as a reference, I compared how each sealant performed in real-world conditions in order to determine how well they functioned overall. 

I included products that are both solutions to a puncture and I made sure to pick products that can be used on a variety of different tires, from passenger cars to larger pickup trucks. I also included items in a wide range of prices to suit a variety of budgets. For more information on our methodology, go here. 

Best a Tire Sealant Reviews & Recommendations

Best Overall

Slime Emergency Tire Repair Sealant

Specs
  • Brand: Slime
  • Size: 14 ounces
  • Application: Fills punctures up to ¼-inch
Pros
  • Good preventative measure
  • Compact design for storage
  • Includes valve core removal tool
Cons
  • Only effective with speeds up to 65 mph
  • Requires an air source

While the name may be gross, Slime tire sealant is one of the most effective sealants on the market. It is capable of filling punctures up to 1/4-inch, which is around the size of a normal screw or nail. It’s a great preventative measure to help fight against the possibility of full tire blowouts. This small and powerful formula is fit for cars, trucks, SUVs, ATVs, trailers, and RVs. Plus, it’s compact enough to take with you, no matter where you plan on driving. One of the best features we found is that the bottle comes with its own valve core removal tool, giving you easy access to prevent leaks in your tires. However, if you are using it for a car or trailer, there is a restriction on how fast you should drive. It’s only effective at speeds up to 65 mph, and should only be used as a quick fix if you tend to drive at speeds around this mark.

Best Value

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Specs
  • Manufacturer: Fix-A-Flat
  • Part number: 24 ounces
  • Connection type: Works on punctures up to 1/2-inch
Pros
  • Compact bottle for storage
  • Easy to use
  • Nontoxic and noncorrosive
Cons
  • Requires specific tire position for repairs

This simple small yet effective tire sealant is capable of making sure a large tire holds its air until you get it properly taken care of. Its compact bottle means you can take it with you and quickly use it in case you have a tire emergency. You can easily check what tires Fix-A-Flat fits by checking out the guide on their website. It is able to fully block a puncture up to 1/4-inch. While it isn’t a permanent fix, it will last long enough for you to drive it to the shop or back home. It’s easy to attach to your tire nozzles as well, giving you more time to get back on the road and less time worrying about how much air you’ve lost. It’s nontoxic, noncorrosive, and nonflammable as well, making it safe for the environment. It’s also safe to use on cars with a TPMS monitoring system. While it may be fast-acting, you will have to move the car to the right position in order for the compound to take hold effectively. That means you have to make sure to park where the puncture is at the six o’clock angle, which can be difficult to do by yourself.

Specs
  • Manufacturer: TireJect
  • Part number: 40 ounces
  • Connection type: Works on punctures up to 3/8-inch
Pros
  • Various sizes available
  • Easy to use
  • Mess-free
Cons
  • Determining correct amount needed for a particular repair can be confusing

When ordering this tire sealant, you have the option of choosing 10, 20, or 40 ounces. You can also choose to order a one-gallon container. The sealant is a liquid rubber mixture that contains tire particles and Dupont Kevlar fibers. Every 10 ounces of sealant comes with one bladder bag and one injector tool. You can use this repair kit to repair punctures in your tires from screws, nails, thorns, or anything else. The sealant only works on punctures that are up to 3/8-inch. You’ll find this sealant system is easy to use, thanks to the included injector tool. You connect it to your valve stem for a mess-free installation. You can even install this sealant on all four of your tires and prevent future flats for the next year.

Specs
  • Manufacturer: Ride-On
  • Part number: 8 ounces
  • Connection type: Works on repairs up to ¼-inch long
Pros
  • Balance and seals tires
  • Good preventative measure
  • Eliminates the need for wheel weights
  • Dampens road vibration
Cons
  • Can be hard to empty product into a tire/squeeze out the contents

This tire sealant is meant for use with motorcycle tires. It will balance and seal your tire by evenly coating the inside surface of your tire. If your tire suffers a puncture while you’re riding, the centrifugal force of your rotating tire and the internal air pressure will move the Ride-On sealant into the hole. This will instantly seal it. This will work on punctures that are up to 1/4-inch in tubeless tires and 1/8-inch in tube tires. You’ll like that this sealant turns your tires into self-sealing tires. They’ll also eliminate the need for ugly wheel weights. This sealant is specifically designed for use in high-speed tires. It’ll improve the performance of your motorcycle tires by dampening road vibration and noise.

Specs
  • Manufacturer: Berryman Products
  • Part number: 1 gallon
  • Connection type: N/A
Pros
  • Several different sizes available
  • Works with a variety of metals
  • Won’t corrode or cause rust to occur
Cons
  • Pricey
  • Pump isn’t the best quality

This tire sealant comes in a variety of sizes based on your needs: 8, 16, or 32 ounces or a one-gallon container. It will instantly seal your pneumatic tires and tubes. It protects against thorns, screws, and any other sharp objects. To use, extend the included hose and attach it to your tire valve. Then use the reliable pump action nozzle to dispense the sealant into your tire. What’s nice about this sealant is that it specifically states that it’s safe for use with a variety of metals. This includes chrome, steel, and alloys used in wheel making. You can confidently use this sealant without worrying that it will ruin your wheels. It also stays liquid and won’t corrode or cause rust.

Specs
  • Manufacturer: Slime
  • Part number: 16 ounces
  • Connection type: Works on punctures up to 1/4-inch
Pros
  • Includes a tire inflator
  • No jack required
  • Tire-sensor safe
  • Easy to use
Cons
  • Pump is loud and slow

The Slime 50107 Kit contains two distinct elements: a powerful tire inflator and the emergency tire repair sealant. Instead of having to use a jack to change out the punctured tire, leave that hassle behind. The sealant is tire sensor safe and works well with standard car tires. The Slime tire sealant repairs tread area punctures up to 1/4-inch in diameter. Along with the kit’s included inflator, you can repair and inflate the tire within 15 minutes. Simply plug the tire inflator into your vehicle’s 12-volt accessory power outlet to get it started. It features a quick connect air hose and a built-in tire pressure dial gauge. The 16-ounce bottle of the emergency non-toxic tire sealant instantly seals punctures. The process is simple and hassle-free. However, some users have experienced issues with the product going dead and not working when they needed it. Some actually lost more air after using this sealant.

Specs
  • Manufacturer: STP
  • Part number: 20 ounces
  • Connection type: Fixes defects up to 1/4-inch
Pros
  • Works on cars, trucks, and motorcycles
  • Nonflammable
  • No tools or jack required
  • Safe to use with TPMS
Cons
  • Temporary solution

Whether you drive a car or truck or ride a motorcycle, STP Tire Fix Sealant and Inflator works well without any tools required. The non-flammable formula seals punctures that are up to 1/4-inch in diameter, it is easy to clean up with water, and it will hold air for as long as three days. The product is also safe to use with tire pressure monitoring sensors. We like that this product is so easy to use: just fill up the tire to seal and inflate it, and go. Sixteen ounces fills a standard-sized tire, while 20 ounces fills larger tires. Overall, it's great for emergencies and is a short-term solution. The company recommends going to a repair shop for inspection and a permanent fix within a couple of days after application.

Our Verdict

Slime Emergency Tire Repair Sealant is well-known in the industry and can repair screw or nail punctures up to 1/4-inch long. It can be used on cars, trucks, SUVs, ATVs, RVs, and more. It includes a valve core removal tool to make the process easier. For a slightly more budget-friendly option, consider the equally effective Fix-A-Flat Tire Sealant and Car/SUV Tire Inflator.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Tire Sealant

Types

Aerosol Tire Sealant

Aerosol tire sealant is one of only two types. A single-use product, aerosol sealant is for emergency repairs that will allow you to drive short distances on a punctured tire. It comes in a bottle that sprays, allowing a simple application to fill holes in the tire with great accuracy. When you spray the product into the valve, the punctured tire will inflate. The formula coats the inside of the tire to plug any leaks or holes.

Gel Tire Sealant

The second type of sealant for a punctured tire comes in the form of a thick gel. Using the gel option can be a bit more difficult than the aerosol tire sealant, as it is harder to put in place. Plus, it can be messier due to its slimy substance. To use the gel sealant, you will usually need tools or equipment to make sure the tire is properly sealed and no longer leaking air.

Tire Sealant Pricing 

Many tire sealants are very affordable and cost between $10 and $20. These products are often at least 16 ounces in size and work as promised. They are no-frills, but they get the job done. If you spend upwards of $60, you will often find much larger sealant containers or those that are part of a kit, which can include items such as tire inflators. If you have room in your vehicle for a kit, it may be worth storing one in your trunk due to the added features, such as accessories for inflatable and carrying bags.

FAQs 

You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.

Q: Is tire sealant permanent?

Tire sealants are for temporary use and not a permanent solution. The tire sealant’s purpose is to get you to the nearest gas station, automotive shop, or dealership to fix the tire. Depending on the amount of damage to the tire, you may need to get a brand-new tire put on the vehicle.

Q: How long does tubeless sealant last?

Tubeless tire sealant should last an average of two-six months. However, the life span depends on several factors, such as temperature, humidity, driving frequency, tire casing thickness, and the number of punctures.

Q: How long do tire sealants last?

This depends on the type of tire sealant and the brand. Each product should state how long they last, but generally they can last up to two years before needing to replace the tires.

Q: How much sealant do I need to use on a tire?

A: This varies on the size of the tire you are trying to fill the puncture in. A lawn mower tire is smaller and therefore doesn’t need that much product. However, a Jeep tire is larger and will typically need an entire bottle of tire sealant.

Q: How do I properly use tire sealant?

A: You inject the tire sealant through the valve or tire nozzle. After completing that step, you then fill the tire with air until it is at the required amount.

Fix a Flat Tire Yourself

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As any wheeled vehicle enthusiast (powered or otherwise) will tell you, the threat of a popped tired is one that always looms if you use your mode of transportation a lot and really rely on it.

Those who prefer to be prepared and don’t mind learning hands-on care tactics for their modes of transportation can take a little extra initiative, however, in purchasing and carrying a tire repair kit. That way, if something does happen and your tire gets punctured, you’ve got what you need to temporarily fix it, at least until you can get home and replace the tire.

Editor’s Choice

Boulder Tools heavy-duty repair kit

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Puncture Repair Kit

Grand Pitstop tubeless tire puncture repair

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universal kit

Tooluxe universal tire repair kit

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What is the best tire repair kit?

Like most things, tire repair kits come in all different ranges and kinds when it comes to their inclusions; you might purchase a basic kit that has only a puncture patch, for example, or you might carry a fully stock reparations kit that will let you change out an entire wheel. We understand that carefully evaluating the perks and drawbacks of all the repair kit possibilities is crucial in figuring out which one actually meets your needs, which is why we’ve been doing some research and collecting options to compare and contrast.

Because we think tire repair kits are so important, we opted to take on some of the responsibility of researching the best kinds out there, just so you know what’s available.

Below is a list of brands and types that we’d absolutely consider ourselves, in hopes that you’ll find the analysis of features helpful in deciding in which kit might be the best investment for you.

1. Boulder Tools heavy duty repair kit

If you’re a jack of all trades when it comes to the kind of wheeled vehicle you own or can regularly be found driving, then it’s probably the best idea to invest in a tire repair kit for the pocket of your backpack that’s quite universal and can handle small repairs n just about anything. This all-purpose repair kit from Boulder Tools is the perfect example of what we mean. For a reasonable price, this kit features tools in a range of smaller, basic sizes, flat tire plugs, durable full-sized pliers, and a full instructional manual. All the pieces come organized in a durable case, and the whole thing is covered under warranty for a year.

Although this kit can feasibly be used on all kinds of vehicles, ranging from trucks to bikes to ATVs, the limited size and range of the tools clearly make it a more diverse pack for smaller tires and frames. You’ll still benefit from having one of these in your car or truck, but the tasks you can perform with it will be slightly more limited.

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2. Grand Pitstop tubeless tire puncture repair

Are you looking for a slightly smaller kit that you can carry a little more space efficiently, but you also need something that’s specifically catered towards use on tubeless tires? Then perhaps this kit from Grand Pitstop is the kind of thing you’re looking for. Whether you’re riding a bicycle or a motorcycle or driving a car, this kit will work on your tires, providing they are a tubeless model, as most are these days. The kit is formulated for ease of use, friendly to beginners, and even intended to enable your repairs without even forcing you to remove the tire first.

As reflected by its price, this kit is slightly less thorough in the sheer number of tools it contains. This doesn’t make it a less quality choice for its intended purpose by any means, but it does limit the kinds of additional repairs you can do beyond dealing with punctured tires.

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3. Tooluxe universal tire repair kit

Were you quite intrigued by the easy-to-use nature and universality of the first kit we showed you, but you couldn’t help wondering if it was almost a little too well stocked and whether you might not actually use all of thing things it had to offer? Then we’re convinced you’d prefer this more basic option from Tooluxe that contains everything you need to repair a punctured tire of any kind, but without all the added extras you saw in the first orange kit. That great durable case is still the same, though!

The drawbacks to this kit are similar to the first one, but for different reasons. This time, rather than the size of the available tools being what limits some of the repairs you might feasibly face on the road, it’s their absence.

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4. BeTooll 22-piece repair kit

This next option from BeTooll might not look like the most thorough kit you’ve seen so far, but it actually is on the better-stocked side in the grand scheme of things. In fact, it contains an impressive 22 pieces all together in that little square case. The whole goal of this kit in its entirety is to be, according to the brand, “simple but complete.” This is partially achieved by the two main tools you see on one side is adjustable in terms of their tips; you can change out what’s there and replace it with a multi-tip piece. All in all, the kit gives you everything you need to temporarily repair a tubeless tire, fitting it all together space efficiently like a puzzle.

Although this durable little kit was created to be impressively long-lasting from the outset, it does have a warranty. This warranty, however, is very limited; it only covers you for a full refund on any manufacturing flaws you might find upon receipt.

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5. Secureguard 66-piece heavy duty tire repair kit

If you’re looking for something a little more well stocked and heavy duty, since you’re on the road a lot and you know it takes a toll on your things, then we’d encourage you to check out this kit from Secureguard that’s not only a little more thorough and built for versatility, but also has safety measures in mind. The case, for example, has a neon hazard sign on the front that you can prop up in a visible spot in case you break down at night, ensuring that passing cars will see you and pay your mind. The kit also boasts a pair of durable cloth and rubberized palm gloves that will protect your hands while you work. Besides the hardy steel of the tools themselves, the plugs and even the case that this kit offers you are all built with durability, accessibility, and organization in mind.

Because this kit was specifically created to be so long-lasting, it’s naturally a bit more of an investment in terms of price. The number is by no means an unjustified one, but it’s not necessarily the case you’d invest in if you’re buying a kit mostly as a precaution and you’re not actually out on your bike, ATV, or whatever else in rough conditions very often.

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6. Teccpo 94-piece heavy duty tire repair kit

If you thought that a 22-piece kit was a whole lot to take stock of, wait until you see what this bundle from Teccpo has to offer! This kit is actually the largest one we’ve shown you so far, boasting a total of 94 pieces organized expertly into a specific place inside the case. Part of the reason this kit contains so many pieces is that it actually features more of the absolute essentials, like tire plugs to stop leaks. This is due to the fact that, although it’s universal and will work on anything that has tubeless wheels, it’s specifically intended to be kept in your car, as well as to be left there to use again and again, even after you’ve patched up a leak or two.

Given the number of things it features, this kit is quite impressively priced. Its size is a little bit physically larger, however, making it a less convenient option for those who wanted to buy one kit that they could easily transfer from, say, their car to their mountain bike. Unless you bike with a backpack on and don’t mind a little extra weight, it’s not the most portable choice in the same way that kits intended for riding would be.

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7. Rhino USA tire plug repair kit

If you’re aiming somewhere between 22 pieces and 94, because you don’t want to go too big or too small, then perhaps this 56-piece option offered by Rhino USA will be slightly more suitable for your needs. This kit was designed by a small family business and, as a thank you for supporting entrepreneurs, you’re provided with a lifetime warranty on the product. Its entire intention, besides being universal for any tubeless tire, is ease of use. Even if you’re a person who has never plugged a punctured tire before, the layout of the kit, the ease of their tools, and the thoroughness of their instructional manual aim to let you succeed so you’re not stranded waiting for a tow truck.

Like the larger kit, we showed you earlier, this one isn’t necessarily the most portable or transferrable when it comes to moving it from your car to a bike. Although the durable case is a huge perk in other ways, it makes the wide case rather heavy for riding with, and it doesn’t have any clamps or straps for attaching it to your bike frame directly.

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8. Autown flat tire repair kits

If you’re a person who rides only in cars, trucks, and other larger motorized vehicles and doesn’t see any chance of experiencing a puncture on a bike motorcycle, then Autown definitely has you covered. Because you’ll only be carrying the kit in your card, the heavier nature of the filled case and its wider dimensions aren’t necessarily a drawback, given how well-stocked it is. Besides reinforced gloves, this kit features a range of plugs for different kinds of tires (imagine summer versus winter tires, for example). It’s also stocked with tools that are full-sized rather than miniature for smaller vehicles, enabling you to perform other small emergency repairs right there on the road as well.

Now, when we say that this kit is full-sized, we mean that, unlike many of the others, this case is actually the size of a small toolbox or the kind of case you might find a small power drill in. You’ll be in business if your vehicle has lots of trunk space, but much smaller cars might find keeping it always on hand a little more inconvenient.

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9. ARB speedy seal tire repair kit

Just in case you’re still looking for a full sized repair kit that’s best used on cars and other large vehicles but you’re the kind of shopper who really likes to compare so that you have more than one similar option to choose from, here’s a comparable but slightly more simplified version of the kit above, courtesy of ARB. The company’s goal in paring down what the kit includes and being a little more selective in the tools was to make things a little more easy to navigate, with each piece having a clear and defined function and place in the repair process.

Like the one above, this kit is on the larger side. Additionally, it’s also the most expensive option on our list so far. That’s understandable when the impressively durable and high-quality materiality of what it contains is taken into consideration, but it’s certainly a limitation if you’re working on a budget.

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10. Slime 9-piece tire repair tackle kit

If your main priorities in purchasing your repair kids are absolutely speed of use and conservative size, then we think this eye-catching little kit from Slime might be your best choice. Designed to look like and stow away as easily as a small fishing tackle box, this kit holds the convenient minimum in terms of the essentials, boasting a total of only nine pieces inside. The goal is to provide you with an easy-to-carry kit with a straightforward temporary repair process, all at an affordable price, and that’s precisely what you’re getting when you purchase this piece.

Of course, because it covers only the basics, this kit does work best for smaller forms of transportation, like bikes and motorcycles. It will work on cars in an emergency, but the kinds of other repairs that you can do besides plugging a punctured tire are essentially non-existent; that’s just not what the kit is intended for.

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11. Victor tubeless tire repair kit

When you began your search for a tire repair kit, were you actually only really looking for a one-use thing that you might put in your glove compartment in case of emergency since you’re a safe driver with only one vehicle? Then this simple package of just the basics and some easy instructions, all provided by Victor might be your best investment. It’s the kind of thing that will absolutely get the job done and gives you the option to repair more than one tire, but it’s by no means a long-term investment or solution. It sure is easy to use, though!

In fact, the kit is so simple that it doesn’t even come with a protective or reusable case. This is part of what accounts for the incredibly affordable price; it’s not even $5!

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Tire Repair Kit FAQ

Why carry a tire repair kit?

Whether you’re a leisure biker who might just ride your secondhand bike calmly in the park to and from work, a mountain biker who rides into the wilderness and rough terrain for hours at a time, or a vehicle driver who relies on their car or truck to get just about anywhere, a tire repair kit is a great emergency tool.

In the event that your tire punctures and is flattened when you’re in a remote area or no one else is around to help you, temporarily patching the hole up so you can minimize the air loss and get yourself to help more safely is something you can do with a tire repair kit. You’ll still have to replace the tire later, but at least you’ll have a chance not to be stranded!

What’s in a tire repair kit?

The answer to this question really depends on the kit you’re selecting. There are kits intended for cars and trucks that feature more durable and heavy-duty supplies, while some include smaller versions of common tools that are more appropriately sized for bikes. Some kits will boast full toolsets designed to help you make all different kinds of repairs rather than just those concerning tires, while still others focus mostly on punctures and providing you with patches that will help you stop whatever air is left in the tube from escaping until you can have the whole thing replaced. No matter which kind you get, you’re practicing safe vehicle ownership by making sure that you’re always prepared for the possibility of a tire puncture or similar issue, even if you know it’s not really all that likely.

Who should purchase a tire repair kit?

If you ask us, anyone who owns or operates any kind of vehicle that has wheels should keep at least a small or basic tire repair kit on hand at all times. Luckily for all of us, they’re usually quite small and often come with cases that are easily strapped to bike frames or tucked into glove compartments, depending on the kind of vehicle you use most often. You might not think that you’re likely to use it, but purchasing a tire repair kit is kind of like purchasing insurance; you might never need it at all but, on the rare occasion that you suddenly do, you’ll be very glad indeed that you have it.

How do you use a tire repair kit?

Of course, any kit that you buy, no matter which one you settle for, will come with full instructions pertaining to that specific model and how it’s best used. In general, though, the process is quite standardized and simple. If whatever punctured your tire is still there, you’ll use your pliers to remove it (just pull it right out). Then you’ll use the sharp, straight tool, called a reamer, to clear the hole and actually make it a little larger so the plug you’re about to put in will fit.

Next, thread the rubber plug or “string” through the hole in your other tool, called the threader. This is the one with the end that looks like the eye of a jumbo needle. You’ll put the end of the rubber piece through just like you would a thread and pull it until the tool is in the center of the rubber piece’s length. If you have rubber cement in your kit, you can apply it to the length of the rubber piece now (this will afford it a little more durability). Finally, push that threader tool into the hole so the rubber piece doubles over and becomes a plug, filling the hole.

This part requires some force, so push hard. Finish up by pulling the threader tool (sometimes called an extractor) out of the hole nice and harder; the cut in its very end lets it escape the hole while the rubber plug stays wedged in, stopping the air from escaping.

If you have a tire pump, you can refill your air a little bit here; this is best done in combination with a pressure gauge to make sure you don’t overfill the tire and risk it bursting.

How long can you drive with a repaired tire?

In actuality, you can drive on your plugged (or patched) tire for as long as it’ll last until air starts escaping again; some kits will last you months if you installed everything correctly. Whether or not it’s legal to drive with a plugged tire, however, varies from place to place. You’ll certainly be permitted to drive to the next service station or make it home to have your tire replaced, but the laws surrounding whether you can drive with a plugged tire long term are different everywhere, so we’d suggest checking that information out for where you live.

Conclusion

Do you know another car, bike, or motorcycle enthusiast who has been thinking about preparing themselves in advance with a good tire repair kit but who also feels like they could use as many suggestions as possible before they make their final decision? Share this post with them so they can weigh their options too!

How to choose the right ski mask? What is the difference between using goggles on "urban" slopes and in big mountains?

Man is arranged in such a way that he receives up to 80% of information about the world around him through his eyes. Vision is a key source of data on the basis of which we make decisions about our actions. It is with the help of the eyes that our brain “measures” the speed at which our body is moving, it is with the help of the eyes that we evaluate the features of the relief, the state of the weather, the distance to obstacles, threats and opportunities, and build the trajectory of our movement. Alpine skiing or snowboarding is an activity that requires a high-quality, objective assessment of reality, and that is why, while practicing these specific sports, amateurs and professionals use special ski goggles-masks that carry a number of functions and have many important characteristics - which ones? - we tell in our article.

At the same time, we will highlight those functions of masks that are well suited for skiing on "urban" slopes and those that are suitable only for large mountains.

1. Why, in principle, goggles are needed when skiing?

  • Goggles protect your eyes well from the wind. Even at the lowest speed, the oncoming wind will not allow your eyes to work normally. The wind dries the eyes, tears are released for their normal work, but the stronger the wind, the more tears. As a result - without protection, your eyes simply do not see anything because of the tears. This function works both in the "city" and in the big mountains, with the only difference being that on the "urban" slopes you will experience slight discomfort, and in the mountains a veil of tears can be a serious source of increased danger when skiing.
  • They protect the eyes from microtrauma. Frozen water crystals falling from clouds in the form of snowfall or falling into the surrounding air from under the edges of skis or snowboards are a real threat to the delicate tissues of the eyes. The mask is needed in order to protect the eyes from micro-cuts from ice crystals. While skiing on the “urban” slopes without a mask, you will definitely experience serious difficulties with the visibility of where you are going, and in the big mountains, if you ride without glasses for at least one day in snowfall, if it is also accompanied by wind, then you can easily get an eye injury.
  • They protect from the cold. Under the mask, a microclimate is created with a comfortable temperature for the eyes and nose, which reduces the likelihood of hypothermia. It is especially important when skiing in high latitudes, Scandinavia, Eastern Siberia. An equally important function for use in the city and in the big mountains.
  • Masks protect the face from ultraviolet radiation. In the mountains, on clear, especially spring, warm days, when the sun is high, there is a high probability of "burning". The goggles, tightly adjoining the face from all sides, reliably protect it from direct and reflected from the snow sunlight. In the mountains, on sunny days, you definitely cannot do without special eye protection and special lenses in goggles. On urban slopes, where there is no such harsh ultraviolet, there is no need to use special lenses that protect against harmful sunlight, universal yellow or orange lenses are quite enough.
  • Special lenses in ski goggles allow you to better see the mountainous terrain. The lenses of the mask, with a filter correctly matched in color or made using a special technology - polarization, help the human eye to better see the unevenness of the terrain: bumps, snow marks, transitions from virgin snow to a worn track - and thus make skiing safer. It's a must in the mountains. It is rare to find yourself in a situation where during your vacation you will have the sun shining all the time, which creates an ideal visibility of uneven terrain - for sure, for several days the mountains will be covered with low clouds, it will snow, and, therefore, without special lenses that help the human eye it is better to see the unevenness of the relief is indispensable. On the "urban" slopes, there is no such need, because for the most part the urban slopes are well prepared - the potentially dangerous terrain is smoothed out by snowcats. In the same way as in the case of UV protection, universal filters are quite enough for "urban" slopes.

We understand for sure that the division of masks into "ski" and "snowboard" is rather arbitrary. However, some manufacturers insist that their models are for skiers or snowboarders. We will not dissuade the creators, we will personally trust your choice:

Ski masks:

Ski Goggles SALOMON 2021-22 aksium photo s1-3 black/blue

9990

Ski Goggles Oakley 2022 ridge line l matte black/persimmon

9 590

Buy

new

Alpina Ski Goggles 2022-23 double jack mag q-lite white gloss

16 990

Buy

Ski Goggles Oakley 2021-22 line miner l s3 posidon/prizm snow sapphire

22 200

Buy

Oakley Ski Goggles 2021-22 flight path l s3 primary blue i am b1b/prizm snow sapphire

29 400

Buy

Oakley Ski Goggles 2021-22 flight deck l s3 redline/prizm snow torch

29 400

Ski Goggles SALOMON 2021-22 sense s2 black/universalrsal flash torange

6990

Ski Goggles Alpina 2021-22 estetica hm white coral/pink sph.

11 490 14 290

Buy

All ski masks.

Snowboard masks:

Oakley Ski Goggles 2021-22 flight path l s3 primary blue i am b1b/prizm snow sapphire

29 400

Buy

Oakley Ski Goggles 2021-22 line miner l s3 jamie sig blue print/prizm snow sapphire

22 200

Buy

Oakley Ski Goggles 2021-22 flight tracker m s3 redline/prizm snow torch

23 600

Oakley Ski Goggles 2021-22 flight deck l s3 redline/prizm snow torch

29 400

Ski Goggles SALOMON 2021-22 radium photo s1-3 black/red

12 990

Alpina Ski Goggles 2021-22 ruby ​​s sh rose/white (polka)

2 390 2 990

Buy

new

Ski goggles Alpina 2022-23 narkoja black

4690

Buy

new

Alpina Ski Goggles 2022-23 scarabeo jr. white rose matt

3 990

Buy

All masks for snowboarders.

Sunglasses will definitely not replace glasses - a "mask". There are several reasons:

A) At high speed, the wind, even in super-closed glasses, still penetrates and causes watery eyes.

B) Ordinary glasses have a much smaller field of view than "masks".

C) When you fall at speed, the "mask" remains on your helmet, glasses can easily fall off.

D) The "mask" well protects the face from mechanical damage when falling, ordinary glasses cannot protect the face, and breaking into small fragments, they themselves become sources of injury.

E) The ventilation systems of "masks" are much better than those of sunglasses.

E) Sunglasses do not keep you warm in frosty weather, and in a particularly strong "minus" their frame becomes brittle.

G) These glasses definitely have a much lower ability to resist fogging than ski goggles, especially when going from warm to cold. If you left a warm cafe in the cold, then your “glasses” may fog up and immediately freeze thoroughly and you will either have to change them or wipe them for a long time with special napkins.

Summary of item 1

Wherever you plan to ride, under whatever weather conditions you plan to ride, goggles are a MANDATORY item of your equipment. And in the "city" and in the mountains, they equally protect your eyes from adverse factors. In the mountains - more severe conditions for skiing, which can be compensated by the correct selection of the mask lens for specific weather conditions, in the "city" you can ride with universal filters or with filters designed for night skiing.

Ride only in "masks", no sunglasses on you, whether in the mountains or in the city, during intensive skiing should not be.

2. The correct algorithm for the selection of ski masks.

  • Selection according to the shape of the face.

    All people have a different shape of the head and face. Women's faces, men's and children's - all different in size and structure. Manufacturers cannot make one mask so that it fits all forms, therefore, when buying a mask, you must definitely measure it. The mask should fit snugly on the face, without pressing on the nose and fit snugly along the entire length of the frame. There should be no gap between the frame and the face in any place where the mask fits on the face. Usually, manufacturers have in their assortment separately “children's” masks and separately “female” masks, which are made taking into account the size and shape of the face, as well as design preferences.

  • Select for ski or snowboard helmet compatibility.

    We highly recommend purchasing and using a ski/snowboard helmet while skiing. It is as basic a piece of equipment as a mask in terms of safety. It would be ideal if you buy both a helmet and a mask at once, moreover, from the same manufacturer, since in this case the compatibility of the shape of the mask and helmet will be the best.

We believe that skiing or snowboarding in the mountains, whatever your level of skiing, is best with a helmet. Head protection at high speeds is important!

All helmets in Kant.

We have 456 helmet models in stock right now.

When buying a helmet and mask in a store, try them on with a balaclava that will reliably protect you from frost and wind in the mountains. The helmet should fit snugly around your head and be comfortable in it. The mask worn together with the helmet should sit just as comfortably on the face, without pressing on the nose, without creating gaps between the helmet, where cold and wind can get.

Comfortable balaclavas in Kant.

And other necessary accessories: socks, gloves/mittens, hats, scarves.

Summary p.2.

It doesn't matter where you are going to use your mask most often - in the "city" or in the mountains. The most important thing is that it fits the shape of your face and your ski or snowboard helmet correctly. Based on this summary, remember that the brand of the mask is not so important - if you buy yourself a mask of a cool brand that does not fit your face shape or helmet, it will be much worse, because. poses a potential threat to your health.

3. How important is the amount of ventilation technology and the presence of special coatings to prevent fogging?

Different manufacturers have a different approach to the number and technology of ventilation of the internal space of the masks. There is never too much ventilation - it directly affects whether your goggles will or will not fog up during different use, in different riding conditions.

For "urban" use, it is enough if the glasses have 1-2 ventilation systems: the slopes are short - you most likely will not have time to sweat while sliding down to their foot, there is no temperature difference between the valley and the ski area, clouds / clouds, heavy snowfalls, suddenly appearing high humidity - no. Riding in real mountains is another matter, where: all adverse weather factors can be present in full and appear suddenly, for example, the sun is shining and dry below, and the strongest snow is falling above. If you buy goggles for big mountains, then pay attention to models with at least 3-4 ventilation systems.

Goggle manufacturers almost always apply special anti-fog coatings to the lenses, which reduce or eliminate moisture condensation inside. In the case of such a coating, you should carefully read the instructions from the manufacturer for the care of such lenses. It is possible that they cannot be wiped with a cloth if such glasses are fogged or wet, or washed using only special detergents.

Fogging glasses is an extremely uncomfortable process. It can be minimized by using a special anti-fog spray, which is easily and quickly applied to the inside of the masks.

Summary p. 3

For “urban” slopes, there may be 1-2 ventilation systems in the mask, in masks for large mountains - the more ventilation systems, the better. The leading manufacturers of high-quality ski goggles of ventilation systems can have 3-4 + mandatory anti-fog coating.

4. Points for glasses - OTG (over the glasses).

If you need to constantly wear corrective glasses due to farsightedness or nearsightedness, we recommend using masks with OTG (over the glasses) technology. These are masks with increased volume and additional ventilation that can be worn directly over prescription glasses.

Ski Goggles Oakley 2022 ridge line l matte black/persimmon

9 590

Buy

Oakley Ski Goggles 2021-22 flight path l s3 primary blue i am b1b/prizm snow sapphire

29 400

Buy

Oakley Ski Goggles 2021-22 flight tracker m s3 redline/prizm snow torch

23 600

Oakley Ski Goggles 2021-22 flight path l s3 redline/prizm snow torch

29 400

Buy

new

Ski Goggles Alpina 2022-23 double jack mag q-lite black-rose matt

16 990

Buy

Alpina Ski Goggles 2021-22 estetica hm white coral/pink sph.

11 490 14 290

Buy

Ski Goggles Salice 605darwf charcoal green/rw green s3, s2

10 090

Buy

new

Ski goggles Alpina 2022-23 narkoja black

4690

Buy

All points for points in Kant.

Summary of 4.

It doesn't matter where you ride - in the mountains or on short, local slopes. If you do not have 100% vision: myopia or strong "pluses" for farsightedness - you need to use OTG glasses. For your own safety and comfort.

All OTG masks on the Kant website.

5. Coating of the outer lenses of the masks.

Mirror coatings on the outer lenses of the masks make them spectacular and attractive from an aesthetic point of view. Such coatings perfectly protect the eyes from direct and reflected sunlight from the snow in good weather. At the same time, such lenses should be used only when the sun is really blinding and there is a need for additional protection.

It makes no sense to use masks with mirror coatings on urban slopes - there is no such sun that would be worth protecting from. In the mountains it is worth having such a “lens”, but it is worth using it only during good weather, because. in bad weather, the mirror surface only reduces the quality of the “image” and worsens the visibility of slope irregularities.

Models of masks with external, additional lens coating:

Ski Goggles SALOMON 2021-22 s/view photo s1-3 white/blue

12 990

new

Alpina Ski Goggles 2022-23 double jack mag q-lite white gloss

16 990

Buy

Ski Goggles Oakley 2021-22 line miner l s3 posidon/prizm snow sapphire

22 200

Buy

Oakley Ski Goggles 2021-22 flight tracker m s3 redline/prizm snow torch

23 600

Oakley Ski Goggles 2021-22 flight deck l s3 redline/prizm snow torch

29 400

Ski Goggles SALOMON 2021-22 radium photo s1-3 black/red

12 990

Ski Goggles ATOMIC 2021-22 savor photo s1-3 black

8990

Ski goggles Salice 605darwf charcoal green/rw green s3, s2

10 090

Buy

All masks with additional coating.

Summary p.5

"Mirror" lenses are needed only in big mountains, in the "city" they are useless.

6. What is the best lens shape: cylindrical or spherical?

Over the past few years, the shape of the masks has changed significantly: firstly, they have grown in the covered area, which led to an increase in viewing angles, and secondly, the division of masks into two types according to shapes has clearly taken shape - cylindrical and spherical.

Cylindrical shape (when the lens is only curved horizontally) provides a wider horizontal field of view, virtually eliminating side vision interference. These masks are easier to make and less expensive than masks with spherical lenses. The peculiarity of such lenses is that the image may be slightly distorted at the edges of the mask.

Cylindrical models:

Ski Goggles SALOMON 2021-22 aksium photo s1-3 black/blue

9990

Ski Goggles Oakley 2022 ridge line l matte black/persimmon

9 590

Buy

Ski Goggles SALOMON 2021-22 sense s2 black/universalrsal flash torange

6 990

new

Alpina Ski Goggles 2022-23 scarabeo jr. lightblue matt

3 990

Buy

Ski Goggles SALOMON 2021-22 aksium photo s1-3 white/red

7 490

Ski Goggles ATOMIC 2021-22 savor photo s1-3 white

9990

new

Alpina Ski Goggles 2022-23 scarabeo jr. black matt

3 990

Buy

new

Alpina Ski Goggles 2022-23 scarabeo jr. black neon matt

3 990

Buy

All masks with cylindrical lenses in Kant.

The spherical shape (when the lens is curved both vertically and horizontally) more accurately conveys all the features of the relief, because. rays of light reflected from the surface enter the eye without distortion. But such lenses are more expensive to manufacture and, consequently, masks will be more expensive.

Spherical lens models:

new

Alpina Ski Goggles 2022-23 double jack mag q-lite white gloss

16 990

Buy

Oakley Ski Goggles 2021-22 flight tracker m s3 redline/prizm snow torch

23 600

Ski Goggles SALOMON 2021-22 radium photo s1-3 black/red

12 990

Ski Goggles Oakley 2021-22 flight tracker m s3 sky blue i am b1b/prizm sapphire

23 600

Buy

Alpina Ski Goggles 2021-22 estetica hm white coral/pink sph.

11 490 14 290

Buy

Ski Goggles Salice 605darwf charcoal green/rw green s3, s2

10 090

Buy

Ski Goggles Salice 605darwf black/rw silver s3, s2

10 090

Buy

Ski Goggles Salice 605darwf black/rw clear s1, s2

10 090

Buy

All masks with spherical lenses in Kant.

Summary p.6.

Spherical lenses reduce distortion on the sides and are ideal for bad weather riding at high speeds. But the difference in the quality of perception is minimal, but the price of spherical lenses can be very different upwards from cylindrical ones. From the point of view of functionality - there is not much difference: what form of lens to use in the city, and what - in the mountains.

7. Models with easily interchangeable lenses.

In the last few years most of the major manufacturers have started producing models with quick release lenses. The lenses are attached to the frame either with the help of special mechanisms - clips, or with the help of magnets. These are very convenient models, because. you can:

a) change your lens quickly if your lens is fogged up;

b) put a lens that is more suitable for the weather conditions. At the same time, all this can be done without even removing gloves and a mask from the helmet.

This function is very good for mountains - with their variability in lighting, humidity, etc. and is practically useless for skiing on urban slopes, where the weather is most often stable.

Interchangeable masks:

Ski Goggles SALOMON 2021-22 aksium photo s1-3 black/blue

9990

new

Alpina Ski Goggles 2022-23 double jack mag q-lite white gloss

16 990

Buy

Oakley Ski Goggles 2021-22 flight path l s3 primary blue i am b1b/prizm snow sapphire

29 400

Buy

Oakley Ski Goggles 2021-22 line miner l s3 jamie sig blue print/prizm snow sapphire

22 200

Buy

Oakley Ski Goggles 2021-22 line miner l s4 henrik sig orange/prizm snow black

22 200

Buy

Ski Goggles ATOMIC 2021-22 savor photo s1-3 black

8990

Ski Goggles Salice 605darwf white-gold/rw gold s3, s2

10 090

Buy

Oakley Ski Goggles 2021-22 flight path l s1 matte black/prizm snow hi pink

29 400

All masks with interchangeable lenses in Kant.

Summary of item 7.

With two or three spare lenses for different weather and lighting conditions, you can ensure excellent visibility in all conditions with the lens change model.

If you choose a mask for trips to the mountains - the design with interchangeable lenses is a great option, if for the city - there is no point in using such a mask and taking spare lenses with you.

8. Polarization

Lens polarization technology, despite being quite expensive, is being used more and more in ski goggles. In the collection of every self-respecting company you will find such models. The essence of polarization technology lies in the fact that with the help of a special composition of plastic lenses, light from the surrounding space, glare from a large number of reflected light sources (snowflakes, ice, hillocks, slope irregularities) are "ordered", the visual perception of the mountain slope is brought to a higher level , the "picture" becomes especially clear - both in sunny weather and in cloudy.

Summary p.8

"Polarized" lenses are very good in big mountains. On the "urban" slopes, although they will give a clearer "picture", in such simple conditions it's like riding a Formula 1 car in Moscow: expensive and inefficient - for the "city" it is better to use lenses without polarization.

9. Lens color selection

Why do ski goggle lenses come in different colors? The fact is that in different lighting conditions: bright sunlight in the middle of the day, dense fog, partly cloudy, low-lying sun in the early morning or evening, the light that forms the “picture” for our eyes is reflected from objects in different ways, respectively, for In order to see well all the features and irregularities of the relief, this “picture” must be corrected, which is what color filters do. Lens color is a key factor when choosing a mask. It may not fit the shape of your face a little, or the cutout of the helmet may not match the shape of your mask, but the color of the lenses should exactly match the conditions in which you intend to use it. In the matter of choosing lenses, you should not focus on the cheapest solutions or super-famous brands - choose for yourself exactly those lenses that are suitable for exactly the conditions in which you will ride.

  • Clear lenses.

    Used exclusively for riding at night, under artificial lighting or in very cloudy weather.

    In the big mountains they are practically not used, only for night skiing. Very comfortable for city riding, can be used throughout the day.

    Models of masks with clear lenses or with interchangeable clear lenses.

  • Yellow lenses.

    Used in poor or "flat" (cloudy or poor visibility for other reasons) and artificial lighting. They enhance contrast and clarity well, even in cloudy, snowy or foggy weather you will clearly see the terrain and clearly distinguish the features of the track in front of you.

    Can be used both in the mountains and on urban slopes.

  • Pink lenses.

    Increase the contrast in lighting objects and emphasize their volume by enhancing shadows. You can use these lenses for ski goggles when the sun is shining, but they work best in moderate levels of “flat” lighting.

    Can be used both in the mountains and on urban slopes.

  • Orange lenses.

    They have the ability to increase contrast in sunny weather and enhance the depth of color perception in moderate lighting conditions. Works especially well during moderately sunny/cloudy weather. This option can be chosen as a universal one if you are not going to buy several masks or interchangeable lenses.

    Can be used both in the mountains and on urban slopes.

  • Copper red lenses.

    Similar in properties to the previous ski goggle lens color, but let in slightly less light (36%), making it an even more versatile option for sunny weather.

    It is better to use only in the mountains - on the "urban" slopes they will be a bit dark, even in clear weather.

  • Gray / dark gray lenses.

    They let in no more than 25% of the light, so they are ideal for providing real color perception in sunny weather, especially when direct and reflected rays of the sun literally dazzle the unprotected eyes of the skier.

    For use only in the mountains - in the "city" they are too dark.

  • Dark brown lenses.

    An option for skiing on the clearest and sunniest days - high in the mountains, on glaciers. The best protection for the eyes - only 10% of the light passes through such lenses.

    For use only in the mountains - in the "city" they are too dark.

    • Summary of item 9.

      Choose the color of your lenses (both in versions with the possibility of changing lenses and in those models where lenses are installed on a permanent basis) based on the conditions where you will ride. For the "city" lenses with minimal or no dimming are suitable, for mountains, and especially for spring-summer skiing on glaciers, during the period of the greatest intensity of the light flux, choose lenses with maximum dimming.

      Selection of masks, depending on the weather:

      • artificial lighting
      • clouds + sun
      • partly cloudy
      • fog and overcast
      • sunny weather
      • universal masks

      10. UV protection.

      Modern goggles offer 100% UV protection, even goggles with clear lenses that are designed for skiing in artificial light. Ultraviolet is dangerous in daylight, in high altitude conditions, especially in spring and summer.

      Summary p.10

      All masks provide 100% UV protection, even those with a completely transparent filter.

      11. Masks - "chameleons".

      Lenses that change their degree of darkness depending on the intensity of sunlight. Such properties of lenses give them great versatility. Photochromic lenses are more expensive than conventional lenses, but their unique qualities allow them to reach a larger audience each year.

      The peculiarity of lenses with a photochromatic effect is that they do not change the degree of transmission of sunlight instantly - it takes some time before the lenses adapt to the changed conditions.

      Photochromic masks:

      Ski Goggles SALOMON 2021-22 radium photo s1-3 white/blue

      13 990

      Ski Goggles SALOMON 2021-22 sense photo s1-3 black/montana/red

      12 990

      Buy

      Ski Goggles ATOMIC 2021-22 savor photo s1-3 white

      9990

      Ski Goggles SALOMON 2021-22 four seven photo black/aw

      9990

      Ski Goggles Salice 105dacrxpf black/dacrx p s2-s3-s4

      8690

      Buy

      Ski Goggles Salice 969dacrx black/dacrx s2-s3-s4

      7690

      Buy

      Ski Goggles Salice 708dacrxf black camo/dacrx s2-s3-s4

      6 290

      Buy

      Ski Goggles Salice 618dacrxf black/crx

      7 990 10 590

      Buy

      All masks with photochromic lenses in Kant.

      Summary p.11

      Photochromatic lenses are needed primarily in large mountains, where there is changeable weather and changing lighting conditions. In the conditions of the "city" masks - "chameleons" are useless.

      12. Double and single lenses.

      The vast majority of modern masks are equipped with double lenses. This design better fights internal fogging due to the fact that the air contained between the layers of the lens compensates for the large temperature difference between the inside of the mask with warm, face-warmed air and the outside cold ambient air.

      Single lenses are used in models used by skiers or snowboarders. The oncoming powerful air flow from high speed, passing through the ventilation systems of the masks, perfectly fights fogging in such models.

      Summary p. 12

      The use of both double and single lenses is acceptable both in the city and in the mountains. The difference is only in speed: you ride fast - you can use single-layer lenses.

      13. Number of masks required for skating.

      In big mountains, especially if you are freeriding, it is always better to carry a second, spare mask with you. Not a spare lens, but a mask, because, for example, a mask that has fallen into the snow, fogged up and wet, will still remain wet, even if you change the lens in it, which means, most likely, it will quickly fog up as soon as you put it on put on.

      Summary p. 13

      In the mountains, the presence of a second, spare mask is necessary, in the "city" there is no such need.

      14. Shading degree.

      About visible light transmission and

      mirror lenses

      In order to correct the amount of light reaching the skier's or snowboarder's eyes, a certain amount of lens tint is used. This parameter is called "visible light transmittance". It is defined as a percentage - 100% is a completely transparent lens, 3-8% is the strongest dimming for high altitude conditions and bright sun.

      To facilitate the selection of lenses with different degrees of light transmission, they are assigned an index from 0 to 4.

      Index % light transmittance Application
      S0 80-100 Fully clear lenses. Used for evening skiing in the mountains or in the city.
      S1 43-80 Slight shading. For cloudy weather, skiing in the fog.
      S2 18-43 Medium shade. For variable weather: sun + clouds.
      S3 8-18 For protection from the bright sun, during clear weather.
      S4 3-8 Lenses with this tint are used only in high mountains, for skiing on glaciers, with very bright sun.

      Models of masks in "Kant" by protection category:

      • S0
      • S1
      • S2
      • S3
      • S4

      General table on the difference in masks for "urban" slopes and for large mountains.

      Mask features Urban slopes Big mountains
      Number of ventilation technologies and availability of special anti-fog coatings 1-2 + coating 3-4 + coating
      OTG masks (over the glasses) Yes Yes
      External lens mirror finish No Yes
      Spherical lenses Yes Yes
      Cylindrical lenses Yes Yes
      Easy-change lens masks No Yes
      Polarization No Yes
      Clear lenses Yes Yes (night skiing only)
      Yellow lenses Yes Yes
      Pink lenses Yes Yes
      Orange lenses Yes Yes
      Copper red lenses No Yes
      Gray / dark gray lenses No Yes
      Dark brown lenses No Yes
      UV protection Yes Yes
      Chameleon masks No Yes
      Double lenses Yes Yes
      Single lenses Yes (for athletes) Yes (for athletes)
      Spare mask for skiing No Yes

      All ski masks in Kant.

      We highly recommend purchasing masks from Kant stores after a personal visit and consultation with our professional sales people. However, if you are sure that the model is 100% suitable for you, then our online store is at your service.

      When buying online, we have different payment systems:

      • cash to courier
      • bank transfer
      • by card
      • by installments
      • with gift certificate

      All details on different forms of payment here

      If you have absolutely no time to visit offline stores, then we can deliver the purchased clothes directly to your hands: by courier or transport company. We also organize delivery to legal entities.

      All details about the delivery of purchased goods

      We also offer pickup from a store near you if that's more convenient for you.

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      Upon purchase, you can apply accumulated or welcome bonuses for the first purchase. To do this, you need to register in the new bonus program "Kanta" and receive welcome bonus rubles to your account only for registration.

      Author: Alexander Kozlov

How to choose ice drill knives. What are the best knives.


All fishermen who are passionate about ice fishing know that the first friend of an ice fisherman is an ice drill. And drilling depends on the type and quality of the knives. Over the long years of the evolution of tools for making holes in the ice, a person went along the path from the ice pick to the “spoon” drill, then they came up with the “ring”, followed by the “cylinder” or the so-called “glass”. With the change in the design of ice screws, the cutting surface also changed. But progress does not stand still. And now all fans of winter fishing use auger ice screws. Modern augers have gone through many improvements over the years, but even more experimentation has been made with ice auger blades. After all, it is not a drill that drills, but the correct cutting surface of removable knives or a replaceable removable head.

To a simple question “which ice drill knife to choose”, you will answer me that now this is not a problem. You come to the store and say what kind of drill you have, they offer you knives. But not everything is as simple as it seems at first glance. In fact, a wide variety of ice drill knives are on sale. But they all differ in price, shape, steel, sharpening angle, purpose and much more, not to mention the location of the mounting holes. With such a variety, of course, you will need a guide to choosing knives.

Let's talk about the shape of ice drill knives

For Russian and imported ice drills, manufacturers now produce several forms of knives, such as

  • spherical;

  • semicircular;

  • universal;

  • stepped;

  • jagged.

All of them are working, but are designed for different models of drills and different drilling conditions. About all types in order.

Spherical blades - such blades are used on Mora and Rapala ice screws. These are the two most famous foreign companies engaged in the production of ice screws and knives for ice screws: Mora from the Swedish company Ericson and Rapala from the Finnish international concern Normark. The spherical shape allows the angler to easily drill both dry and wet ice, regardless of its density. Spherical knives have only one drawback - sharpening. It negates all the advantages of Mora's ice drill knives. It is extremely difficult to sharpen them yourself, and even few of the masters undertake to do this. That is, the knives, most likely, will have to be changed, and their price bites.


semi-circular ice drill knives are especially popular with amateur anglers. They are designed for those who go fishing in frost and thaw. A drill with semicircular knives gives less stress on the hands when drilling. The knives of domestic production have the same center-to-center distances of the landing holes and therefore the knives for the ice drill Tonar 130 mm will also fit the ice drill Nero 130 mm. The advantage of semi-circular blades marked "wet ice" is manifested in the wet, simply splashing moisture in the spring cover of reservoirs. Gnawing into the upper crust, they easily pass wet ice. Semicircular knives are also difficult to sharpen on their own, but their price is several times cheaper than imported ones. Therefore, you can always have a spare set of knives with you, and upon arrival from fishing, give it to professionals for sharpening.


Utility or flat blades . There are many types of knives from different manufacturers. The difference between the models lies in the size of the angle between the two cutting surfaces. The closer this angle is to 90 degrees, the more these knives are suitable for drilling soft ice. By reducing the angle, the knives cut hard ice more aggressively in cold weather. But the edge of an acute angle is more brittle when it falls sharply on the ice or gets into a solid foreign layer of ice (branches, pebbles). The center-to-center distances of the holes of such knives are also the same for many manufacturers, so the knives for the ice drill Tonar 100 will fit the ice screws of the “hundredth” diameter of other manufacturers. An example of such flat knives made in Barnaul is Skat ice drill knives.

Their peculiarity is that they are bolted. This is a more secure mount than a screw.

Stepped blades are recommended for cold weather and hard dry ice. As the temperature drops below -15C, the properties of the ice cover change, just at this time step knives will help you, they easily solve the tasks. Crushing hard ice, quickly pass to the water. At warmer temperatures, unfortunately, they are not so effective, but we have frosts for a couple of months, which means that stepped ones should be in the arsenal of a real winter fisherman.


Toothed or, as they are also called, “Beast” knives for ice screws – this model is interesting because it can be made from a flat knife that has already been used. To do this, you need to saw through the "jagged" grooves across the cutting surface. Critters in practice showed themselves well on a river with sand drifts in ice.


For the convenience of buyers, manufacturers write specific knives made for dry or wet ice. As mentioned above, the difference is in the angles of sharpening. In practice, a different angle of attack of the knives gives a different drilling speed of the same ice screw. You probably noticed that with some knives the drill goes smoothly and you, without making any effort, reach the water target. And when using other knives, under the same weather conditions, the drill passes through the ice layer faster by a couple of turns, but a little more effort can be expended.

We are all different, so you should choose for yourself both the ice drill itself and the knives for it. Fast aggressive drilling is closer to me, it is more pleasant for someone to make a little more turns of the handle without making any effort. But not everyone knows that you can change the angle of attack without changing the knives. This can sometimes come in handy on a pond when the air temperature and ice structure change during fishing. With a sharp drop in temperature to -20C, Russian craftsmen came up with the idea of ​​putting a spacer for knives , thereby increasing the angle. The method is effective, but not very reliable. The knife is no longer attracted tightly and becomes more brittle.


How to sharpen ice drill knives

There are all sorts of situations when going out on the ice. You can accidentally get on a frozen stick or a layer of sand in ice or some other solid foreign bodies, thereby incapacitating your drill. I always have several sets with me. Some are the same as already screwed, and two sets for other conditions. But what if there are no spares with you? How to sharpen ice drill knives on your own, because when fishing, sharpening knives is problematic, but you can fix the cutting surface in order to somehow finish fishing. To do this, you will need a small flat abrasive block. Without unscrewing the knives from the ice screw, run the bar along the cutting surface along and down several times. Such editing will save fishing, but upon returning the knives will have to be sharpened. If you do not have professional skills, then we do not recommend self-sharpening ice drill knives, because you need to press the entire surface to be sharpened to the abrasive exactly at the same angle, and not everyone can do this and there are gaps in sharpening.

To make sure the quality of the restored knives, you can carefully take the knife with two fingers and run it over a sheet of newspaper. It should be cut, then the knives can be put in place.

With good knives, not only meter-long river ice is not terrible, but thicker ice of the Far North. I will open another “secret”, there are many varieties of knives for an ice drill for 100, but instead of the hundredth size, you can buy knives for an ice drill 130. Drilling will not be so comfortable (the drill will walk left and right during drilling), but the hole will turn out to be larger in diameter. This trick can be used when you have found a fish, but it does not go through a hundredth diameter and you do not have a second drill at hand, but there are spare knives of a larger diameter. The center-to-center distance on knives in 100 and 130 diameters is the same - 16 mm.


Which knives are suitable for Barnaul ice screws Tonar

Correspondence table of knives to TONAR ice screws

Knife Installation Recommendations

And in conclusion, a few more recommendations for installing knives on an ice screw.

First you need to unscrew the old knives from the drill. If they are rusty and cannot be unscrewed, you can gently tap them with a rubber mallet and unscrew them. If this does not help from “sticking”, you can try soaking with kerosene or WD-40. To do this, pour it into the mounting holes on the back of the knife platform and leave it for a couple of days. The main thing when dismantling is not to break the screws and do not break the knives, otherwise you will have to drill out these screws later, and you can’t restore the knives like that.

Preventing "sticking" is always easier than dealing with its consequences. Here, too, there are two ways.

The first is to wind up several turns of thread with Fum tape when installing new knives. The tape will prevent rusting and sticking, and will also help tighten the screw. Knives screwed on with a seal will not loosen on their own. But do not forget, the winding is one-time and when changing knives, the fum tape needs to be updated.

Another way is to apply graphite grease to the threads

Even for further convenience in operation, you can immediately replace the slotted screws with hex screws. The wrench itself is much smaller than any screwdriver, and the force is transferred to the screw more than to slotted screws. If a standard screwdriver slips off a screw, injury may result. The hex wrench barely slips. When installing and removing knives, you must protect your hands from cuts.


After removing the old knives, we get new ones. Knives for Barnaul ice screws used to be produced in a box wrapped in oiled paper, but now they come in a light blister that does not allow moisture to pass through. The blades come with new screws. Use them or replace them, it's your choice. But it is best to attract new knives with new screws, and leave the old ones complete with old knives. You need to install the knives on the ice drill in the same way as the past ones were.

The correct installation of knives on the ice drill Tonar is identical to drills from other manufacturers. If you have a new drill in your hands and no knives are installed on it, then first we unscrew the screws from the head of the ice drill. The knife should be placed with the cutting edge up to the platform of the head of the ice screw (as a hint - chamfers for screws). The screws are twisted in relation to the vertical drill from the bottom up. The area under the knives and the knives themselves must be clean. The screws are well tightened. Otherwise, you can bring down the adjusted angle. The blades of the knives should go towards each other.

Storage Tips for Ice Drills and Blades

  • When transporting the ice auger, always put cover on the blades. This will protect you from cuts, and if the drill falls, the knives will not break.


  • When fishing, it is better to take a screwdriver suitable for your screws, or a wrench, a piece of an abrasive block, a spare set of knives and a rubber mallet.

  • When fishing, after drilling a hole, the drill must not be placed on ice. There are several reasons for this. First, for security reasons. Each of you can remember several stories of falling on a lying drill and open knives of your friends, acquaintances or "familiar acquaintances". Secondly, lying wet knives freeze over, snow sticks to them, after which it becomes difficult to drill with them. But if immediately after drilling a hole, drill a drill next to it, the knives will remain dry and clean. It is enough to go through the ice literally 10 centimeters.

  • Even if your knives are frozen, in no case should you hit them with metal objects, such as a scoop or an ordinary hammer. This can be dealt with either by gently tapping on the frozen ice with a rubber-tipped mallet, or by lowering it into a hole where the water will help thaw the knives.

  • When you approach a potential fishing spot and lower the drill onto the ice to drill a hole, don't drop it. No need to peck with knives on the ice - they have the very tip of the knife breaks and they work worse because of this.


  • Do not drill old holes. It is better to drill a new one nearby. Pulling a fish a meter or two is easier than getting a jammed drill. The structure of ice in a frozen hole is not uniform and it is much more difficult to drill it.

  • If strangers approached you and asked for a drill to drill a hole, it is better to help and drill it yourself. After all, there is no certainty that your knives will not be broken simply from the inability to handle an ice screw.

  • It doesn't take much effort to drill. If the knives "whistled" on the ice, then pressure on the drill will not help. It is better to look at the knives, most likely you need to tighten the weakened ones or replace the dull ones, but do not put pressure on them. Whole knives can always be sharpened, but broken ones are much more difficult to repair.

  • At the end of fishing, it is better not to tap the ice screw and knives from frozen ice. If possible, bring it to a warm place so that it thaws on its own. Then dry the ice screw and knives so that they do not rust during storage.

  • When removing the drill for summer storage, be sure to lubricate the knives with machine oil.

Winter fishing is a great form of recreation. But before you get to the fish, you need to drill through the ice sheet. This means that you should have a reliable friend in your hands - an ice drill. Barnaul knives for ice screws manufactured by Tonar Group of Companies are made wisely.


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