How to use tire plugs


How to Plug a Tire (With Video)

| How-To - Wheels and Tires

We show you how to fix a flat, in the driveway or on the trail.

Tires—sometimes even the best go flat, especially when you use your 4x4 off-road or on back roads. We recently picked up a 4-inch lag bolt in one of ours, and when it came time to fix the leak we thought we'd shoot a quick video on the topic so you could see the process. Using a plug, you can fix a tire almost anywhere, and having the tools and knowledge to plug a tire can save your bacon as it did ours. Check it out!

Tools to Plug a Tire

There are several tools that will make fixing a tire on the side of the road possible. When we found the bolt in our tire we had on hand a tire plug kit, a bevy of hand tools, and a portable air compressor. Our tire plug kit is from Power Tank and is known as the Pro Series Tire Repair Kit, but we also like the Safety Seal Tire Kit from our friends at Premier Power Welder. Our air supply is the ARB Twin High Performance Portable Compressor for 12-volt systems, but a charged Power Tank would work well, or even a can of compressed air would do in a pinch. We also needed a pair of locking pliers, although the Power Tank tire repair kit comes with some needle-nose pliers that would work for many jobs.

Procedure for Plugging a Tire

Needle-nose pliers help get the plug into the plug insertion tool. You want to center the plug in the tool before inserting it into the tire.

You can now pull out the object that has created the leak. You can add air before or after inserting the plug, but a little air pressure will help keep the tire firm and help you get the plug or plugs in.

If the hole is big you may need more than one plug. Several plugs may come out more easily than one would, as they will add more weight that will want to exit when the tire spins fast.

With the plug pushed into place you can quickly yank out the insertion tool. You may need to add more plugs to seal up the hole. Be careful when adding subsequent plugs so you don't push existing plugs into the tire.

You'll want to trim the excess plug material flush with the surface of the tread.

This Pro Series Tire Repair Kit from Power Tank is old and tattered but still does the job. It's one of the best because it's small and portable but has everything you need and more.

Tire plug insertion tool and reamer.

The kit also comes with some handy needle-nose pliers, a valve core tool, a couple of extra valve stems with valve cores, some lubricant that can be helpful for getting multiple plugs installed, a small knife to trim the excess plug material, and more.

This kit also comes with a valve stem installation tool and a length of wire you can use to try to stitch up any larger cuts or tears in a tire if you must. With the tire stitched up, ideally you can then shove plugs in the remaining holes to help plug the tire until you can get back to someplace where you can be rescued. Don't drive on the road with a very damaged tire—that can be very dangerous.

First you need to find the source of the leak. In our case it took some looking but eventually we noticed a big old bolt head in one of the tread blocks. Once you find the leak, get your tire repair kit out and thread a tire plug through the insertion tool. Pliers will help with this. You want the plug to be centered in the tool. Then, pull out the object creating the leak and quickly shove the plug in the hole. You can add air before, during, or after the plug is inserted, but having some air pressure in the tire will help you get the plug in place. Once the plug is in the hole, you will pull the tool out quickly, and hopefully leave the plug in the hole.

Some plug tools have a collar that helps keep the plug in place when you remove the tool. If the hole is big, you may need to install two or more plugs in the hole. Some kits come with a reaming tool to help make the hole round to accept plugs, and most kits include some lubricant to help with inserting the plugs, but this can also help them self-eject when you don't want them too. With the plug or plugs in place and the leak sealed you will want to trim off the excess tire plug material flush with the surface of the tread. Now the tire is plugged, but that doesn't mean the plugs won't come out when you are driving home or to the tire shop. A tire shop can make a more permanent repair to many holes in tires, although not all holes in all tires can be fixed.  

Sources:

  • ARB, arbusa.com
  • Power Tank, powertank.com
  • Premier Power Welder, premierpowerwelder.com
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How Long Does A Tire Plug Last? Is It Safe To Plug In A Tire?

Tire plugging is the fastest method to repair a punctured car. Tire plugging uses a cord to prevent the airhead from escaping. If you are an experienced person, you can avoid damage to your car with simple tips.

So, how long does a tire plug last? Most manufacturers say that plug versions can last 7-10 years if installed correctly. 

Yet, this number is meant as a reference because you can’t always fix it perfectly. The article gathers useful knowledge and some of the most frequently asked questions about tire plugs. Let’s scroll down to read more information!

Buy Best Tire Repair Kits at Amazon.com

What Is A Tire Plug?

It is the primary tool in the repair by plugging method. From the outside, it looks like a standard wire, and the structure is quite remarkable; it is a sticky object; depending on the case, the item can expand or contract to match the size of the hole.

Its working principle is also quite simple: after being inserted into the tire, the plug wire will sense the pressure, determine the shape of the wound, and then automatically expand to adapt.

In addition, the material that makes the wire must be guaranteed to meet the standards, confirming the certainty so that after the air is pumped in, there will be no problems.

There is no denying the convenience that the plug method brings, and you can even repair it without removing the tire from the rim. You can even plug in the tire in some exceptional cases, even when the wheels are connected.

How Long Does A Tire Plug Last?

When a vehicle is repaired correctly and maintained, a plug’s life span can last up to 7-10 years. It is an unbelievable number for a wheel that has been repairable.

However, manufacturers advise users not to overdo patching like this in practice. When using too many repair measures, the impact will affect the inherent functions, causing deflation and explosion. 

When traveling on the road, the car’s wheels have problems, do not rush to decide when the experience is not proficient; the best way is to take the car to a repair center to have expert advice on the appropriate repair method.

Is Plugging A Tire A Good Idea?

Buy Best Tire Repair Kits at Amazon.com

Plugging or patching is only a temporary measure before you have enough time to change into a new tire. The life of a tire after plugging can last from 7-10 years or 25,000 miles; no one can be sure that there will not be any problems. 

Plugging in tires will be a good idea, even effective if the wheel is in an emergency that needs to be moved.

Is It Safe To Plug In A Tire?

You can safely use your plugged-in tires when traveling in a specific section of the road. Unlike a spare tire, which has a short life, it is possible to prevent air from escaping through a previous puncture completely with a plug repair method.

Via many surveys, experts think there is a better measure than a plug – radial patch. It is a suitable method available on almost all popular tires on the market.

The process takes about 30 minutes while using a wire to insert the air hole takes up a few minutes. Both must be vulcanized to reinforce and increase the rubber surface’s certainty.

Is It Ok To Drive On A Plugged Tire?

As long as the wound has adequately been reinforced, you are entirely safe traveling by car with tires. The safest time to use is not too long from when you repair using the above method.

 Besides, some notes have also ensured stability when operating this type. 

However, do not drive when there is a wound near the wall or on the side of the wheel; if the plug diameter exceeds ¼ inch, it is best to replace the tires. 

Finally, the body’s weight, do not use plug tires to carry heavy objects; this inadvertently puts pressure on the wheels when the tires are weak.

How To Plug In A Tire?

Here are some ways to help you better understand the plugging process.

Step 1: Locate the leak
  • Fill the tires with air, press to see if the pressure has reached the standard when you feel the hardness, then ok.
  • Dilute the soap and water solution and spray it all over the surface of the wheel, where there are air bubbles; that’s where the puncture is.

This step does not require you to remove the wheel altogether, but you can use a jack to support the wheel’s weight, so it is pretty easy to do the following steps.

  • Use pliers to pick up the sharp object, locating the hole.

Step 2: Drill holes
  • Use a T-tool to close the hole, of course, before doing this step, and you need to sand around the wound.
  • Pierce the damage to an appropriate extent, once the spot is round.
  • If the pin is too small to be reamed, use a hand drill with a smaller tip to expand and then machine the whole face.

Step 3: Plugs ready
  • Prepare a strip of plugs from the kit; insert the repaired string into the eyelet (plug tool). 
  • Use pliers to pull the thread through the hook to a certain length.
  • Apply a layer of cement powder to cover the thermos strip and the hole in the car’s body.

Step 4: Insert strip
  • Press the plug firmly into the hole.
  • After the pin has entered the muscle a certain length, leave about an inch outside the wheel surface, slowly remove the plug. 
  • End slot in eyelet, allowing free fall as long as the pin goes into the tire.

Step 5: Pump tires
  • Fill the tires with air again, and the required pressure index is 10% lower than the standard.
  • Spray a layer of solution all over the face to check the level of leakage occurs again or not.

Step 6: Cut off the excess
  • Use a piece of paper to wipe off the cement coating; let it cool down to dry completely (about 5 minutes).
  • Use a cutter to cut the cord, leaving only about ⅛ inch.

Step 7: Test
  • Continue to spray a layer of solution on the surface; check for the last time to see if the gas is still fizzed.
  • Remove the auxiliary equipment, to let the car return to its original state.

Conclusion

The above article has provided you with knowledge related to plugging or manipulations to perform this process. Hopefully, it will help you when you encounter a similar situation. 

Alvin Reyes

Alvin Reyes has expertise in automotive evaluation. He collaborated with famous newspapers and is still making efforts in tire review for DrivingPress.com

 

This post was last updated on

How long does a tire cap last (and why)? -

Last updated: December 2, 2022 / author Sandeep Bhandari / Fact verified / 4 minutes

Exact answer: seven to ten years.

Cars today are made with many new technologies that can extend the life of a car. However, not all car parts will last a long time. Parts such as tires are subject to a lot of wear.

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Conclusion

1

The main reason for this is that this is the most vulnerable part of the car. In addition, given the condition that the tire can come into contact with any road, the case of a tire burst or leak is quite common.

In such cases, tire plugs can be used to solve the problem, which can extend the life of the tire.

How long does a tire plug last?

The tire plug is an elongated piece of rubber that is malleable. The tire plug is inserted into the tire at the point where the leak is coming from. Inserted from the outside of the tire. However, the fact remains that a plug can only be inserted into a tubeless tire.

The busbar plug is a convenient option as it has many advantages. Tire plugs are considered to be a quick solution as with a plug a tire can be repaired in minutes without having to remove the tire from the wheel. It is also comparatively cheaper compared to other forms of repair.

With all the benefits, tire caps can easily last seven to ten years. However, how long the end cap lasts can depend on many factors such as how the tire is used, how the end cap is installed, and more.

A tire plug is not a complete solution when a tire leaks. It's just a device that is used for emergencies. It still takes a very long time. There are several reasons why a tire plug can last so long. The reasons are as follows:

  • The main factor that can affect how long a plug will be usable is the brand of the plug. Some brands may sell tire plugs, which can be a little more expensive than others, but they also have components that make tire plugs very durable. Good quality tire plugs can last even more than ten years.
  • How the driver drives the vehicle will also be a determining factor for how long the tire stub will last. If you drive recklessly or frequently on rough or rocky roads, the tire stub may be damaged. Excessive stress on the tire can cause the plug to become useless even after a couple of weeks.
  • How well the plug fits into the tire can also be a factor in determining the life of the plug. If the tire plug has been installed by professional repairmen, it can ensure that the tire plug will last in the tire for a long time. Similarly, if the tire plug was self-installed, it may not insert properly and may fall out.

Conclusion

Plugging a leaky tire is a solution that can last up to a decade at limited cost. You need to make sure that it is handled with care. It is always recommended to use a tire plug as a mortar only once or twice to ensure that it lasts at least seven to ten years.

When multiple end caps are inserted into a tire, it can also damage the tire over time. However, it can also pose a threat to people who drive or operate this vehicle.

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    Sandeep Bhandari

    Sandeep Bhandari is the founder of ExactlyHowLong.com.

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    Schneider Electric Eays9 comb busbars

    Schnieder Electric Easy9 comb busbars for use in conjunction with Schneider Electirc power distribution systems and switchgear and switchboard assembly.

    Functions and features of Easy9 comb busbars

    - Ensuring simple, convenient installation of switching equipment: marking of copper elements, which allows you to easily place the teeth of the bar against the corresponding terminals of the device
    - Supplied with two IP20 side plugs
    - Bar can be easily cut to the desired length (use of plugs is obligatory)
    - Free teeth insulated with protective caps

    Main technical data of Easy9 comb busbars:

    - Number of poles: 1P, 2P, 3P, 4P
    - Rated current 63 A
    - Rated voltage 230/400 V AC
    - Rated insulation voltage 500 V
    - Short circuit withstand current - 4. 5 kA
    - Material: self-extinguishing, withstands (non-flammable) temperatures of 960 °C for 30 s
    - Colour: gray (RAL 7016)
    - Power supply via rigid cable 16 mm 2 or flexible cable 10 mm 2
    - Operating temperature 40 °C
    - Available in 12 module lengths (18 mm wide) or 1m long
    - Clear and visible marking for any type of power supply (bottom/top)
    - Quick assembly and dismantling of connected devices

    Accessories and accessories :

    - Set of 4 adapters 35 mm 2
    - Sets of two-, three- and four-phase plugs, 10 pcs.
    - Set of protective caps, 10 pcs.

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    Items: 1-10 of 220004 10387 - Growen Shinka Domovaya 1P 12m

    Category - Accessory/Separate detail:
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    Product type:
    Combined tire 9000

    [UE] Nominal working voltage:
    9000 230 V. /N

    [ui] rated insulation voltage:
    500 V AC conforming to IEC 61439-1

    Colour:
    light gray (RAL 7035)

    Number of channels:
    12 1 L

    Price:
    on request

    The cost is indicated without VAT

    Delivery Duration:
    12 - 15 days

    Reference:
    10389

    Name:
    10389 - Growen Shinka Domovaya 2p 12m

    Lines Description:
    1L + N

    Category/Sepa0005

    Product type:
    combined busbar

    [ue] rated operational voltage:
    230 V a.c. Ph/N 400 V a.c. Ph/Ph

    [ui] rated insulation voltage:

    VAC according to IEC 61439-1

    Colour:
    light gray (RAL 7035)

    Number of channels:
    6 channels N + 1 L

    4 Price:
    0005

    The cost is indicated without VAT

    Delivery term:
    12 - 15 days

    Reference (Zazaka Code):
    10391

    Name:
    10391 - Grebenny Shinka Blood 3P 12m

    accessory/separate part:
    connection accessories

    Product type:
    combined busbar

    [ue] rated operating voltage:
    230 V AC Ph/N 400 V AC Ph/Ph

    [ui] rated insulation voltage:
    500 V AC according to IEC 61439-1

    Colour:
    light gray (RAL 7035)

    Number of channels:
    4 3 l

    Price:
    upon request

    Cost is indicated without VAT

    Delivery Duration:
    9000
    10396

    Name:
    10396 - Isolating caps on contacts with the sign "Lightning", 50 pcs. , Germany

    Name of the product:
    Linergy FH

    Series of the product:
    Easy9 Domae

    Quantity in one set:
    set of 10 pcs.

    Category - accessory/separate part:
    insulating accessory

    Product type:
    serrated busbar cover

    Market Segment:
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    Product Compatibility:
    Easy9 ID Switch Easy9 Aut. circuit breaker without overcurrent protection Easy9 modular circuit breakers Easy9 avt. circuit breaker with overcurrent protection

    Price:
    On request

    Price without VAT

    Delivery time:
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    Manufacturer reference:
    10397

    Name:
    10397 - A set of 4 adapters

    Product Name:
    Linergy FH

    series of product:
    9000 Domae

    Number of one in one set: 9000 900 4 things.

    Category - accessory/separate part:
    connection accessories

    [in] rated current:
    63 A

    Market segment:
    residential market small businesses

    Connections - terminals:
    cable connector 1 cable(s) 35-35 mm²

    Product compatibility:
    Easy9 modular circuit breakers I ID Easy9 aut. circuit breaker with overcurrent protection Easy9 auth. switch without overcurrent protection

    Price:
    On request

    Price without VAT

    Delivery time:
    12 - 15 days

    Referent (Zazaka Code):
    10398

    Name:
    10398 - Side plugs for two -pole, 10 pcs., Germany

    Name of the product:
    9000 Linergy FH 9000 9000

    Select Domae Easy9

    Quantity in one set:
    set of 10 pcs.

    Category - accessory/separate part:
    insulating accessory

    Product Type:
    Busbar Side Cover

    Market Segment:
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    Product Compatibility:
    Easy9 Aut. circuit breaker without overcurrent protection Easy9 ID switch Easy9 modular circuit breakers I Easy9 avt. circuit breaker with overcurrent protection

    Price:
    On request

    Price without VAT

    Delivery time:
    6 - 8 weeks

    Referent (Zazaka Code):
    10399

    Name:
    10399 - Side plugs for three -pole, 10 pcs, Germany

    Name Product series:
    Domae Easy9

    Quantity in one set:
    set of 10 pcs.

    Category - accessory/separate part:
    insulating accessory

    Product Type:
    Busbar Side Cover

    Market Segment:
    Small Business Residential Market

    Product Compatibility:
    Easy9 Aut.


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