Fix my own flat

[Benny Kearns 2]

Hey all,



Does anyone know if one could repair their own flats? Is so, where to get the tools/materials? I'm tired (get it - tired) of paying 10-15 bucks a pop (it seems that there are lots of screws/nails in the road around here).





thanks!

 

[David Ponder]

Benny,



I have repaired a few of mine in the past, using a plug. Thats not the "right" way to fix them anymore, but I have done it for years and had no issues. This is for a nail or screw in the tread part, and NOT on or near the sidewall.



The "right" way is to pull the tire off the rim, and patch from the inside.



Dave

 

[Todd Z]

I do most of mine with he kits you can buy.... Works well...



Todd Z

 

[EddieS'04]

A plug made from sticky cord is good for temp. Truly new steel belt radials, need a patch plug from the inside. The plug part keeps water getting between the belts and rusting the steel belts. The patch part insures air seal. Leaking air can also get between the belts.



Worst case is belt seperation.

 

[Bo Loo]

I've done it quite a few times with the inexpensive kits you can buy. BTW, some tire shops will fix flats for free, although they don't advertise it. Discount Tire in Colorado would. I don't know about other locations, but you could call and ask.

 

[Alan Peters]

Do you have a good tire shop around you? Usually fix a flat is $10. Might worth having them pull off the tire and inspect....

 

[Robert Caffyn]

The tire/repair shop that I go to will fix it for free. Considering that I have spent an enormous amount of money there!! Check around, even the Shell station that I also use, will do it for free(in my case) or about $12 for the guy off the street. BC

 

[Benny Kearns 2]

Thanks guys!



Yeah, the local shop I usually go to (and Walmart) both fix from the outside. They never remove the tire from the rim. So... It looks like I can do that myself!



Thanks again!

 

[Benny Kearns 2]

Update:



OK guys, went to O'reilly's and bought a "tubeless tire repair kit" by Xtra Seal. Reading the back instructions however have me a bit concerned - perhaps unwarranted.



Specifically, the last steps imply I insert the plug, cut the excess and then apply a patch to the innerliner. Also - there is a caution against "on the wheel" repairs...



Worried about nothing???





thanks again!

 

[Bill Koonce]

When I worked at a service station, we used the gum and twine plugs a lot. They worked well most of the time. It's your only choice if you don't have the very expensive equipment needed to remove, reinstall and balance newer, lower aspect ratio tires and aluminum rims.



Paying $10-15 to have it done the right way seems like a bargain to me, though.