Things You'll Need:
- Tire plugging tool
- Pliers
- Auger
- Plugs
- Cement/glue (some kits)
- CO2 cartridge or tire pump
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Step 1
Identify the cause of the flat tire, and remove it. If the puncture isn't easy to find, rubbing soapy water over the tire and looking for bubbles coming from the surface may help identify the location of the problem.
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Step 2
Clean the hole with an auger type tool. It also helps to have the edges slightly rough, since it gives a better surface for the plug to stick to. This also gives an opportunity to make sure there are no tears in the flat tire. Holes in a motorcycle tire can be fixed, but torn tires need to be replaced.
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Step 3
Cover plugging material and hole with the glue or cement if necessary for the type of repair kit available. Not all kits require this step, and some plugging material already has a coating of glue. Follow directions on the packaging carefully on this step. Do not be skimpy with the adhesive, but don't use so much it can't make a proper seal.
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Step 4
Insert the plugging material into the tire plugging tool. For common "mushroom" plugs, open the tire plugger tool, holding the threaded end up, and center the plug in the barrel with the mushroom cap on top. Screw the tire plugger tool down until the drive rod makes contact with the plug. Place the end of the tool against the puncture in the tire and screw down the drive rod until the nozzle is in the puncture. Then screw the plunger into the nozzle.
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Step 5
Insert the plug into the hole in the tire. Push the drive rod until the plug is forced all the way through. Use a pliers to pull the plug slowly and firmly until it stretches to about two inches. After releasing the plug cut the tail sticking out from the repair flush with the tire. Do not pull the plug while cutting it. Failure to trim the plug causes it to stretch and pull as the tire turns and pulls the plug out of shape causing it to leak, and possibly even to pull completely from the tire.
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Step 6
Let the plug sit for 10 to 15 minutes to become fully set. The rubber appears to rebound to full size immediately after being stretched, but it can take a few minutes to become fully set. In cold temperatures the waiting period is even more important than if it is warmer due to the stiffness of the rubber, and to the slowed set time for glue or cement.
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Step 7
Inflate the tire with a CO2 cartridge or tire pump. CO2 cartridges are only good for one use so it is important to get it firmly seated so the air released goes into the tire rather than escaping. Depending on the size of the tire, and the pressure needed it may take more than one cartridge to get the tire back to driving pressure.
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Step 8
Test the tire repair. Keep speeds very slow for the first 10 or 15 minutes after repairing a flat tire on a motorcycle and getting back on the road. After riding about 15 minutes, stop and check the tire pressure to make sure the repair is working. If the repair initially seems to be working, continue riding at reasonable speeds but check the tire pressure at least every hour or so. If the repair has a slow leak, continue to monitor air pressure regularly until the tire can be looked at by a professional. If the repair is leaking air rapidly, remove the plug and repeat each step.
