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Why pay $30++ for a tire plugging kit?


markgoodrich

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markgoodrich

What's the advantage of the fancy kits like StopNGo over the Harbor Freight $4 version, or for that matter the Home Depot $8 kit? Other than marginally more compact packaging?

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Okay, I'll be the first to uncork the can of worms. My opinion is that the cheap kits are superior to the "name brand" tire plugs, because the insert material is reinforced with fibers, and cannot be as easily torn by the tire's steel belts. Buy the cheapies. They rock.

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I agree with Scotty but only because I've seen those mushroom plugs fail several times due to the belts sawing through the stem. I'll stay with my sticky ropes.

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Okay, I'll be the first to uncork the can of worms. My opinion is that the cheap kits are superior to the "name brand" tire plugs, because the insert material is reinforced with fibers, and cannot be as easily torn by the tire's steel belts. Buy the cheapies. They rock.

 

I agree. I've had three of the "expensive" ones fail, only to rescue myself with the cheap ones.

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I can't testify to the mushroom type being a problem but I can say that I have had no trouble with the BMW supplied plugs on at least 2 plugged tires. While I have been on vacation I have had a tire repair shop plug a couple of tires for me with the rope type plugs and I haven't had any trouble with them.

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SAAB93driver

I've used the kit that came with the bike successfully to patch a hole I got on way to work. Hardest part was reaming the puncture out big enough. Otherwise I see no reason you couldn't use the Autozone version for a few bucs.

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I drive a BMW M5 which did not come with a spare tire. Twice now I have used the same $4 kit from Autozone after pulling nails from expensive tires - both times on the side of the road without even jacking up the car. No probs.

 

Carry same $4 kit on RT, though I will admit that for some reason which I cannot articulate that I would be inclined to replace a plugged motorcycle tire at the first convenient opportunity.

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Joe Frickin' Friday
And of course I have had the expensive mushroom get me 1500 miles home.

 

OK, so they work. But for $30, do they work any better than sticky ropes? What does the extra $26 get you? Easier to install? More reliable? More compact storage?

 

I'm not saying the expensive ones are worse, but from what I've seen they aren't particularly any better, either.

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Dick_at_Lake_Tahoe_NV
And of course I have had the expensive mushroom get me 1500 miles home.

 

OK, so they work. But for $30, do they work any better than sticky ropes? What does the extra $26 get you? Easier to install? More reliable? More compact storage?

 

I'm not saying the expensive ones are worse, but from what I've seen they aren't particularly any better, either.

 

Yup, easier to install! I've had trouble trying to install Plug and go, and the BMW plugs--Both require reaming the hole. The best plug I've found--but haven't had to use it yet is "Dynaplug". www.dynaplug.com It has a sharp brass tip that easily goes between the wires in the steel belt and uses the same sealing cord as the cheapies. I'd like to get feedback from anyone that has used the dynaplug.

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What does the extra $26 get you?

 

Nifty zipper bag.

 

 

 

I've got a BMW kit, sticky ropes, some other rubber plug things, a couple reamers and a couple inserter tools and tubes of glue stashed in various locations.

 

I've never used any of it in anger, just practice on an old tire I poked a hole in.

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Stan Walker

I'd like to get feedback from anyone that has used the dynaplug.

 

I've used it once on an almost new tire. It took two plugs to seal. The tire remained in use until it was worn out without problems.

 

I took the tool with me on my last long ride (6300 miles). The expensive "mushroom" tool stayed home.

 

Stan

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Stan Walker

Two plugs because the hole was larger than a plug or two plugs because the first didn't seal?

 

Both.

 

And both plugs left in the hole side by side.

 

Stan

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markgoodrich

Good grief! 600+ views of this subject in just two or three days! Sell your Plug N Go stock!

 

Harbor Freight deal is looking pretty good. If I can't fit the T-handles somewhere under the seat, I can cut them off, make it like the expensive spread.

 

Thanks for all the thoughtful replies.

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