Tire plugs, flat repair kit

^ I think most people call starting fluid ether.....

 

Some sort of compressor is definitely necessary though. Kinda pointless to be able to plug a hole if you can't air back up. I carry the arb "compressor in a box". It works wonders.

 

Like others have posted. But its not a normal or recommended "in town" thing to do. Just a quick trail fix when you lose a bead due to being aired down too far when offroading and want to retain a functional spare. Even then its best to try a big strap with a good compressor or CO2 first.

 

Starting fluid is ether. At least all the older stuff was and I have a can that had been banging around my shop for at least 20 years. Probably longer. A quick internet search confirms that ether can form peroxides but I can't yet confirm that it may be a problem with starting fluid in a pressurized can that also contains other ingredients including stabilizers.

 

I have a cheap set that I got at Walmart or maybe Harbor Freight, don't remember. It has as reamer, plug tool, plugs and lubricant. I bought it for the lawn mower but then have used it on about 3 plugs on my wife's car and once on my truck.
I have been told that you should use the plug as a temporary fix and then have it patched on the inside as soon as possible. I have never done that though - have run the tires with plugs only until worn down - 30,000 miles plus, and never had any problems.

I agree with above comments that if it is for off-road purposes a compressor (or manual foot-pump) is a must; otherwise the plugs are useless.

 

From a safety standpoint - only use plugs for punctures made by nails or screws - i.e. round holes. Don't use plugs (long term) when you have a hole caused by sharp rocks that makes a long hole or tear in the tire - it may continue to spread, like a crack in a windshield. The ply bands in the tire will reinforce it and keep it somewhat from spreading, but you never know what can happen under highway speeds and full pressure.
With that being said, if you are stranded off-road anything that can get you back to civilization is good - and then fix it right or replace the tire.

 

I don't know if its the same Ether and all of them are Ether, but I would not use old fashion pure Ether. Only Carb cleaner or Starting fluid.
Last thing we want is somebody blowing himself up on the trail...

Personally I always use carb cleaner because I always have one handy for cleanup up things.
It works and its fairly safe. it has slightly slower burn than starting fluid.
Gives extra seconds to move head and not get eyebrows burned

 

I like the idea of using carb cleaner. The only carburated motors I own are on lawn mowers and boats so there wasn't any reason to carry starting fluid in my trail toolbox other than emergency tire fixes.

 

This kit looks pretty sweet, just what I'm looking for!

Anyone have compressor recommendations?

 

Viair 90P. Had it 7 years now. Still works!

 

You can spend a whole lot of money for a really good one that does things you don't need or a little on one that does just what you need. How often will you use it? Every weekend for offroading? Occasionally for offroading? Only in an emergency when a tire is flat?

 

More than likely only in an emergency. I don't air down or anything, just spend a lot of time in the mountains and want to be able to get out if necessary.

 

I have this same kit. Used it once last August. ~5000 miles later and the tire is still going strong. Great piece of gear

 

I've doubled up on plugs for a big hole once to get back home. On small holes, plugs are easy and work great.

If doing the ether trick, pull out the core if the valve stem so the rapidly cooling air inside the tire doesn't unseat it again.

Any compressor will work. I suggest spending the money on a good one. Viair, ARB, etc...

 

People will tell you that you need a $150 to $200 compressor but honestly a Q Industries MV50 or Master Flow MF1050 (they are identical) will be just fine. I have one and it isn't fast but so far it has inflated three 32 to 33 inch truck tires from full flat and twenty more from 12-15 psi up to 35 psi and it never missed a beat. Shop around and you can probably find one for $50 on sale. Harbor Freight had one that looks identical but avoid that one even if it's on sale for $5.

 

Anyone have experience with the smittybill kit? Seems decent for the cost and the soft sided case is smaller and could be added to as well.

 

I got my plug kit from NAPA, no case. I keep it with my random tools. I paid less than $10.

 

Originally what I was thinking too, reamer, plugger and plugs? Anything else really necessary besides the compressor?
Rubber cement?

 

I don't use rubber cement. I imagine you could, but it's not needed.

Nothing else is necessary. I do carry a couple extra valve stems. My tire shop gave them to me when I was buying tires.

 

Maybe some plugs require cement but the ones I buy don't. One time I tried to use cement with a plug in a lawn tractor tire and it wouldn't hold air. Had to remove the old plug, ream the heck out of it, and install a bigger plug.