I saw this product advertised somewhere (maybe on the XL Forum) and thought it might be good to have on the bike for those roadside emergency tire repairs. Well, I picked up a nail in my rear tire and thought I'd give the product a try. Here's my review:

What it is: on the wheel tire repair for tubeless tires.

Where I got it: http://www.stopngo.com/plugger.asp is the website, but I bought the kit at Cycle Barn in Lynnwood, WA. Probably other bike shops carry it, too.

What it cost: $38.95 at Cycle Barn.

How it works: Remove the nail, open up the hole with the rasp (included), plug hole with mushroom-headed plugs.

Here's how I did it: The kit has about ten or twelve mushroom-headed plugs, a laminated instruction card with easy to understand instructions, a drill-like twist rasp with handle, a pointed awl with handle, a knife, the plug tool, and an allen wrench for the plug tool. Remember, I did this with the tire (rear tire) mounted on the bike. I removed the nail with pliers, then used the rasp to enlarge the hole so that the plug tool can be forced into the hole. I also used the awl, but the rasp really was the tool that opened it up. I backed out the allen bolt in the bottom of the plug tool (according to the instructions) and pushed a plug down into the tool. Note that the mushroom head inverts - this is normal. Then I screwed on the nozzel (part of the plug tool) and forced the tip into the hole on the tire. I had to use considerable muscle power to get it in, nothing too difficult, just a lot of grunt until it finally went. Then I took the allen wrench and screwed the bolt from the bottom out until it stopped. This bolt drives the plug into the tire. Then, I removed the plug tool and nozzel from the hole, leaving the plug inserted with the stem out (mushroom head in the tire). I then took a pair of needle nose pliers and pulled the stem out about two inches (it stretches) which seated the mushroom head firmly to the inside of the tire. I then used the knife (included) to trim the stem flush with the tire. Then, I inflated the tire with my trusty bicycle pump (oh, forgot to mention, I did this in my garage) up to about 30 lbs and then wheeled the bike out near my car and hooked up a small portable electric tire pump (battery powered from the car) and finished out to 36 lbs. Easy!

Results: I've driven approximately 100 miles on pavement with no leak or loss of pressure, so the plug is holding. No glue or adhesives are needed, so nice and clean installation.

Quality: the kit is made in Taiwan, but the tools are high quality and should last a long time. Additional plugs can be purchased at the website. The kit comes in a handy pouch and easily fits in a bag or in luggage on the bike.

What I needed that wasn't included: needle nose pliers and something to inflate the tire. The vendor does offer a kit with CO2 cartridges for a quick inflate out in the boonies.

What else: I think this kit worked well. It took me about 15 minutes to complete the repair, but I think it would be faster the next time, since I now know what I'm doing (hopefully, there won't be a next time - fat chance, though :rolleyes: ....

Here's the site again: http://www.stopngo.com/plugger.asp

They are very handy, just remember thats it's a temporary fix. ;)

Ride safe.


Bart

Yeah, there's a disclaimer in the kit that says have the tire removed and inspected at first chance. I'm curious as to how long the plugs will hold up, though. Anyone have any info on this?

Yeah, tire pluggers are very handy. Actually, I keep one for EMERGENCY repairs in my tool bag on my bike, not the one you have, but one of the original older style ones that I picked up at Wal-Mart - cost was about $10. It has the rasp tool and plug insert tool to push in the black, tarry, tire plugs. It is very inexpensive, don't have to spend a lot of money on something like this because it is supposed to be TEMPORARY. I used it this summer, worked like a charm and got me to a dealer!

Wolfgang, I'd replace the tire first chance you get. The plugs are great, but anything that wasn't originally designed into the tire probably shouldn't stay there permanently. I wouldn't chance it. :)

I've ridden 11,000 miles on a plugged tire, 20 years ago. On a Goldwing(Considered a heavy weight motorcycle.). My pal had to plug his rear tire last summer......he went at least 10,000 miles on that plug. On his Electra Glide.
For a 'temporary fix' (especially a nail or screw hole) and if the tire is in good shape, let's say for argument's sake less than 5,000 miles, I'd monitor the plug and pressure and ride that puppy down to the wear bars in a heartbeat.

Excellent review Wolfgang!

yeah that thing is a life faver, I have been running one of those pluggs in a tire for a long time(like 5000 miles true I did put a tube in under it...but it is still there...

I have had excellent luck with plugged tires both cycle and automotive. I used to deliver tools to jobsites and was constantly puncturing tires on my truck. I discovered the plug repair kits many years ago and I have found the repairs to be very solid. I am guessing at the number but I would estimate after about 50 repairs I never had one fail...ever!!! The only issue I have had is that sidewall repairs are not really fixable. The flexing of the sidewall makes any repair temporary at best. My cycle tire repairs are always checked at tire replacing time. I am always impressed at the bond when inspecting the old tire.
Some of the automotive kits use adhesive, others have the adhesive built into the plug/patch material. Unless the hole is VERY large, the plugs will do the trick permanently. I now use an automotive kit I have put together myself from various pieces I purchased at Pep Boys. I am sure the disclaimer is for very real legal reasons. (See who advertises in a lot of daytime TV shows!!!!)
Jim

Well, the weather has turned crappy here in Western Washington, so I only put on another 20 or so miles, 120 miles total on the fix. Checked the air again, holding steady at 36 lbs. In case it wasn't clear - no adhesive is used on these plugs. The mushroom head design of the plug should work to seal off the hole from the inside, I'll keep riding on it and if anything changes I'll post it.

I went to REI yesterday and found all sorts of tire pumps and CO2 cartridge devices, including a small screw-on adaptor, relatively inexpensive, so I may pick it up with some cartridges and just keep everything in my bag on the bike. Compact, takes up little room.