HELP-Tyre repair

[jx2mad]

My wife's car has a spare tyre with a nail in it. I know what you are thinking...pull it out and fit plug. But that is the problem. The nail was long and thin and the hole is so small I cannot get the tool in to fit plug. Can I drill the hole bigger ??? Jim

[LowRanger]

My wife's car has a spare tyre with a nail in it. I know what you are thinking...pull it out and fit plug. But that is the problem. The nail was long and thin and the hole is so small I cannot get the tool in to fit plug. Can I drill the hole bigger ??? Jim

Yep,have done so many times,or stick the nail back in and take it to get it repaired properly

[Slunnie]

The plug kit should have a reamer, when you put the Reamer through the plug will then fit.

[Scouse]

The plug kits normally come with a tool to make the hole the right size for the plug.

The RH tool has a sharp screw thread to cut the hole out:

[boofdtl]

Take it to a tyre shop and get it done right dont use a beef plug..

[101RRS]

Take it to a tyre shop and get it done right dont use a beef plug..

I agree - $30 well spent. The plugs in the repair kits are really for emergency repairs only though I have never had an issue when I used them and never got the tyre repaired but is not good practice.

Garry

[jx2mad]

Thanks all. Advice taken. Jim

[bee utey]

Often a self tapping screw can be inserted into the nail hole and carefully tightened until it stops (mostly) leaking. Small countersunk screws work best, tightened below flush. Even a bit of glue under the head helps seal. Soapy water to test. Then get it fixed properly one day when you have the time and enthusiasm.

I actually bought a commercial repair kit with the mushroom headed patches, It's great but expensive up front. Temporary plugs are a get-you-home remedy, a selection of screws works just as well. Sometimes it takes me a couple of months to fix a puncture properly, and don't always bother if the tyre is nearing the end of its life.