Patching tires
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,757
Likes: 70
From: Elk River, MN
I would never patch a tire with more than just a nail size hole. That said, I only use the patch that you insert from the outside with a round rubber worm thing greased up with rubber cement. I carry this type patch kit in all my vehicles and have patched several tires by just jacking them up and patching the hole and re-inflating.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 137
Likes: 12
I'm with Ranger Pat. As a home builder for 15 years, I have likely plugged a hundred nail holes, inserting the rubber plug from the outside as he described. I don't believe I have ever had a problem with this method. Even if you were to patch from the inside, a plug would be needed to keep water out of the steel belts. A simple patch from the inside would not protect the belts.
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
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I'm with Ranger Pat. As a home builder for 15 years, I have likely plugged a hundred nail holes, inserting the rubber plug from the outside as he described. I don't believe I have ever had a problem with this method. Even if you were to patch from the inside, a plug would be needed to keep water out of the steel belts. A simple patch from the inside would not protect the belts.
To the OP: If you must go cheap on something, leave the tires and brakes out of it.
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Elder User
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Ishpeming Mi.
The reason I asked this question is because I need to do it on an atv tire. Their walls aren't nearly as thick as you would think. While the point brought up with salt and steel belting is interesting, these aren't steel belted. While I know this isn't an atv forum, I also know there are a lot of old shade tree mechanics who did 'patch' their tires back before the era of radial steel belting came along, thus my posting this. So my question still remains open.
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
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The reason I asked this question is because I need to do it on an atv tire. Their walls aren't nearly as thick as you would think. While the point brought up with salt and steel belting is interesting, these aren't steel belted. While I know this isn't an atv forum, I also know there are a lot of old shade tree mechanics who did 'patch' their tires back before the era of radial steel belting came along, thus my posting this. So my question still remains open.
Seems to me the patches are a lot softer than inner tube rubber, which probably helps with the cement and bonding and helps them conform to the surface.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,726
Likes: 10
From: down south
I would never patch a tire with more than just a nail size hole. That said, I only use the patch that you insert from the outside with a round rubber worm thing greased up with rubber cement. I carry this type patch kit in all my vehicles and have patched several tires by just jacking them up and patching the hole and re-inflating.
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Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
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Per my tire lawyer buddy, get 'em both and seal it from both sides:
Black Jack Tire Repair Patch Plug Combo 3/8" Stem
Black Jack Tire Repair Patch Plug Combo 3/8" Stem
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Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,414
Likes: 22
From: Tucson USA
There used to be a tire patch called a 'boot'. It was for sidewall repairs and was very well vulcanized. I think this if still available would be more of what you need vs a standard patch or plug. The use of tire cement and a rubber not really designed as a patch material will leave much to be desired. If you recall the old 'hot patch' was actually the best afollowed by the plug patch. A patch on the inside vulcanized to the tire and a plug that was pulled thru to seal the hole. Lazy folks just went to plugs and called it a day.
So it will depend on the size of the patch required and where, but in a basic answer to your question NO, IMO.
So it will depend on the size of the patch required and where, but in a basic answer to your question NO, IMO.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,175
Likes: 9
From: So. Cal.
Per my tire lawyer buddy, get 'em both and seal it from both sides:
Black Jack Tire Repair Patch Plug Combo 3/8" Stem
Black Jack Tire Repair Patch Plug Combo 3/8" Stem
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 247
Likes: 0
From: Concrete WA
Bazzman I guess you can call me old. I worked in a tire shop and patched (on tread), boot (big thick patch on sidewall) and plugged a lot of tires. You should be able to buy a patch at the local tire store or auto parts and service station if you have one nearby. The patch / boot are sealed and has raw rubber that helps it to stick to the hot glue. I am not sure the tube will get clean enough to stick and seal.
Bob
Bob
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Elder User
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Ishpeming Mi.
Thanks for the feedback gentlemen, I'll go buy a couple of patch kits. I have 7 !!! nails I have to remove from one tire, and I still have a pair I still need to check. My experience with plugs on atv tires is that plugs will only work where there is the actual tread that's punctured. Where the puncture is on the smooth part the plug does work for a short time but will work itself loose and pop out in a matter of days. Fordteamone, when I first started driving bais-ply was all that was available. I figured there would be an old hand who would remember way back when!
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,016
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Plugs are worthless and dangerous.
Patch only!!!!
If you're concerned about water getting to the steelbelts which really isn't an issue than spend the extra money and have the patches installed that have a mini plug on it which patch/plug on the inside.
Patch only!!!!
If you're concerned about water getting to the steelbelts which really isn't an issue than spend the extra money and have the patches installed that have a mini plug on it which patch/plug on the inside.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,016
Likes: 1
The reason I asked this question is because I need to do it on an atv tire. Their walls aren't nearly as thick as you would think. While the point brought up with salt and steel belting is interesting, these aren't steel belted. While I know this isn't an atv forum, I also know there are a lot of old shade tree mechanics who did 'patch' their tires back before the era of radial steel belting came along, thus my posting this. So my question still remains open.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,016
Likes: 1
Thanks for the feedback gentlemen, I'll go buy a couple of patch kits. I have 7 !!! nails I have to remove from one tire, and I still have a pair I still need to check. My experience with plugs on atv tires is that plugs will only work where there is the actual tread that's punctured. Where the puncture is on the smooth part the plug does work for a short time but will work itself loose and pop out in a matter of days. Fordteamone, when I first started driving bais-ply was all that was available. I figured there would be an old hand who would remember way back when!
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