Thread: How to inflate a tyre with wd40

Originally Posted by steveG

What did you use as a propellant?
WD40 is hopeless compared to the average deodorant/insect repellant etc.

Only time I've physically witnessed it, it failed dismally with WD40, but worked perfectly with deodorant or insect repellent (dont recall which )

Steve

was that my tyre on the otways trip steve? i can't remember what finally did the job either

If you have no propellant there are ways of assisting you doing it the old fashioned air pressure way.

1. Take the weight off the tyre.

2. Take a ratchet strap and tighten it around the circumference of the tyre.

3.Wet the bead, water works quite well, any soap type stuff helps even more.

4. Apply air pressure, even the tiniest of air pumps have worked for me on all occasions provided youve got the time.

Sure im telling most people here stuff they already know. But on the trips ive been on, i have saved two stranded people at the side of the road, all with their own gear?? So maybe not everyone knows

Originally Posted by jazzaD1

was that my tyre on the otways trip steve? i can't remember what finally did the job either

Thats the one..
Pretty sure it was deodorant, but combination of darkness, attempts with different propellants, a few drinks and numerous "Thats nothing - I've done it before with a can of water and a wet match" type stories I can't be sure

I do recall (possibly because it was earlier in the day), that we had some pretty experienced guys on that trip, and a fair bit of time was spent with the ratchet strap technique trying to get it seated - without success.
Just a pity you couldn't quite reach your spare

Steve

Originally Posted by steveG

Thats the one..
Pretty sure it was deodorant, but combination of darkness, attempts with different propellants, a few drinks and numerous "Thats nothing - I've done it before with a can of water and a wet match" type stories I can't be sure

I do recall (possibly because it was earlier in the day), that we had some pretty experienced guys on that trip, and a fair bit of time was spent with the ratchet strap technique trying to get it seated - without success.
Just a pity you couldn't quite reach your spare

Steve

yeah, i will never leave the spare at home again! how embarrassing!

I have seen both the strap and propellant method used and on occassions fail for some reason. I use a different method and so far it has worked pretty much all the time. I use a cam over locking type inflator connection on my compressor and simply bounce the tyre a few times. It does work better with higher volume compressors ( usually first bounce) but it takes a few more bonces with smaller ones. Less work than finding a strap and less exciting than the propellant method.

I've done it with butane from a gas stove when a ratchet strap wouldnt do it.

Not something I would recommend if you have any other options!

Went on with a hell of a bang!

Hmmmm, Aerostart might have a new use.

Hi guys
While this practice may be a specticle and fun to watch..
BEWARE as it can start off a chemical reaction and the whole thing explode!!
I have seen an official BRIDGESTONE article on the web explaining it in full as several people have been killed by various methods of this.
I remember one of the cases took over 24 hours to explode.
SO BEWARE GUYS
Lindsay