Tire puncture advice

[hewster [OP]]

Any advice for running into tire punctures on a trail? Any kits to help fix small punctures?

I carry a normal tire puncture set, but that would mainly be used for on road applications such as a nail.

[snafu58]

ARB makes a kit. On or off road will be the same, it's either repairable or not.

[hewster [OP]]

I have never had a rock puncture so I was unsure. The ARB kit looks like the standard tire repair kit.

[Woodsman]

Either the ARB kit or the Safety Seal kit.

My only patch to date required two plugs in the tread where a shard of steel went it. It has held about 15K miles so far.

[YellowThumper]

The ARB kit (which I carry) is great for straight punctures in the main tread. And, unlike similar kits, the ARB kit uses all steel/cast metal parts for the reaming and insert tools. Many use plastic handles, and - well, they just don't take the punishment they get when dealing with repairing off road tires. The real issue comes in areas where the terrain is sharp fractured rock - like large shale or fractured granite (areas in the north of Mexico for instance). Then the rocks slice the tires, and things become problematic as the only solution is the spare tire. In these areas it is prudent to carry two spares, and get Kevlar reinforced sidewall types, though the additional cost may or may not be justified.

[Datajockeys]

YellowThumper previously said:

The ARB kit (which I carry) is great for straight punctures in the main tread. And, unlike similar kits, the ARB kit uses all steel/cast metal parts for the reaming and insert tools. Many use plastic handles, and - well, they just don't take the punishment they get when dealing with repairing off road tires. The real issue comes in areas where the terrain is sharp fractured rock - like large shale or fractured granite (areas in the north of Mexico for instance). Then the rocks slice the tires, and things become problematic as the only solution is the spare tire. In these areas it is prudent to carry two spares, and get Kevlar reinforced sidewall types, though the additional cost may or may not be justified.

Link: http://store.arbusa.com/ARB-Speedy-S...-P3580C17.aspx

[GoISU]

You guys need to check out the recent issue Overland Journal. VERY well done article on tire repair kits and how to fix a flat. Sidewall suturing was even covered.

[FJNewb]

GoISU previously said:

You guys need to check out the recent issue Overland Journal. VERY well done article on tire repair kits and how to fix a flat. Sidewall suturing was even covered.

x2, actually a couple different ways to repair the sidewall if needed.

[Old Cruiser]

Very cool. I use Run flats...

When I get a flat- I run to get help...



Actually I have the same tire repair kit as the ARB. Another reason to have the kit with all metal parts is safety. Saw a mechanic break the plastic handle trying to ream out a 10 ply tire and the metal shank went straight through his hand. Big mess. he was fortunate and that it didn't sever any major tendons.

[Hemi71cuda]

If you have "road hazard" coverage or replacement certificates on your tires, check with your retailer first. I mentioned plugging a tire cuz there was a screw in it(luckily it didn't go all the way through) and the guy told me not to do it cuz it would void the coverage I had paid for. This was through Firestone.