How to use a tubeless repair kit Make sure the tire is completely deflated. Locate the puncture. It’s often easy to locate as you’ll see some sealant residues. Remove any stuck debris such as glass, stones, or nails. Thread the plug (rubber strip) through the eye of the needle.
Full Answer
Are all tubeless repair kits the same?
Although most tubeless repair kits use the same technique by shoving a sticky slither of rubber into the puncture, as with almost every bit of bike kit out there, tubeless repair kits aren’t all created equal. Some may simply suit your needs better than others.
Can a tubeless tyre repair kit fix a puncture?
For almost any modern cyclist, the shift to a tubeless tyre set up drastically improves a bike’s ride. However, the sealant you should have sloshing around your tyre won’t fix every hole. Thankfully, there are a variety of kits to plug those pesky punctures mid-ride. Here’s our guide to help you pick the best tubeless tyre repair kit for you.
How do you tape a tubeless bike rim?
Properly taping the rim is crucial to a successful tubeless setup. Start by cleaning the inside of the rim. Use rubbing alcohol or a degreaser to get any residue or factory finish off the rim. This ensures that the tape will stick.
What makes tubeless tires easier to install?
The latter is the key to their ease of tubeless tire installation. Although you can often use standard tires for a tubeless setup, a tubeless ready (TR) model will likely seal better due to its optimized bead design. You’ll appreciate this all the more when installation conditions aren’t optimal.

How do you use a tubeless tire repair kit?
0:462:36How to use PRO BIKE TOOL tubeless bike tire repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe first step to plugging the hole in your tire is using the reamer of the tool to enlarge the holeMoreThe first step to plugging the hole in your tire is using the reamer of the tool to enlarge the hole in your tire. This will make it easier to insert the strip.
How do you use a tire plug repair kit?
0:374:48How to repair a flat tire using a tire plug kit | Hagerty DIY - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBasically like a tire rubber material. Press it into the hole. Pull it out a little bit and it sealsMoreBasically like a tire rubber material. Press it into the hole. Pull it out a little bit and it seals up the other way to do things is you can take a patch kit.
How do you repair a tubeless tire?
0:3211:23How To Repair Tubeless Tyres | MTB Maintenance - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd stuff like that basically a super sticky soft rubber compound worm there sits on this prong. AndMoreAnd stuff like that basically a super sticky soft rubber compound worm there sits on this prong. And you effectively stab it into the hole.
How long does a tubeless tire repair kit last?
Plugging or patching is only a temporary measure before you have enough time to change into a new tire. The life of a tire after plugging can last from 7-10 years or 25,000 miles; no one can be sure that there will not be any problems.
Do you have to use rubber cement when plugging a tire?
The rubber cement itself does not need to be “vulcanizing.” Regular rubber cement will work as a vulcanizing agent and create an effective seal between the rubber and the patch.
How long can you drive on a tire with a plug in it?
So, how long can you drive on a plugged tire? The safe travel distance for the tire plugs will be about 8 miles.
Are tubeless repairs permanent?
While inserted tubeless plugs can stay put for a good long time, this kind of repair shouldn't be seen as a permanent fix, rather than a get-me-home solution. The plugs can work their way out under the forces that general riding puts through a tyre.
How often should you put sealant in tubeless tires?
every six monthsSealant replenishment times are typically in the neighborhood of 2-12 months, with low humidity necessitating more frequent intervals. If in doubt, check your sealant levels at least every six months. Oh, and don't forget to SHAKE the sealant bottle – a LOT – immediately before adding it to your tire.
How long does tubeless sealant last?
2-6 monthsThe sealant should last an average of 2-6 months depending on factors such as: temperatures and humidity in your area, how often you ride, where you store your bike (cooler is better), tire casing thickness, number of punctures the sealant has already sealed that you never knew you had, etc.
Are tire repair kits permanent?
Tire Plugs and String Repairs are Temporary Repairs Emergency roadside plug repairs are NOT intended to be a permanent tire repair. Plugs and string repairs are designed to get you back up and rolling long enough to get home or to the nearest service center to perform a proper tire repair.
Is it better to patch or plug a tire?
Patches are better than plugs for bigger holes, holes closer to but not the sidewall and holes that aren't completely straight. Note that if you're looking to do tire sidewall repair, a patch will usually not cut it and you'll likely want to replace the tire. Don't patch the tire if it's near the sidewall.
Can a tire plug cause a blowout?
So, if you plan on racing, off-roading, or just want to go fast, a plugged tire isn't going to work. Over time, it's possible for that small puncture to slowly get larger. This results in a greater loss of air while also increasing your chances of a blowout on a road.
Is a tire plug as good as a patch?
Plugs, when installed correctly and in the right situations, can help a tire last for up to 25,000 additional miles. But while plugs can be effective, usually patches are considered to be the better, more secure option of the two. The patch/plug combo is the safest and most reliable option.
Can I plug tire without taking it off?
Typically, you don't even need to remove the tire and wheel from the vehicle to plug the hole in the tire. You just locate the puncture, which is easier if the item that caused the hole is still present. Remove the object, install one or more plugs into the hole, trim the plugs, and air the tire back up.
How close to the sidewall can you plug a tire?
1/2 inch awayFor a safe repair, the puncture must be 1/2 inch away or more from the edge of the tire tread where the internal steel belt begins. Any puncture less than 1/2 inch from the start of the internal steel belt on the shoulder or sidewall of the tire cannot be repaired (highlighted in red).
Can a tire be patched after being plugged?
Repairs cannot overlap. A rubber stem, or plug, must be applied to fill the puncture injury and a patch must be applied to seal the innerliner. A common repair unit is a one-piece combination unit with a stem and patch. Not all tires can be repaired.
Tubeless repair kits - Everything you need to know
Although most tubeless repair kits use the same technique by shoving a sticky slither of rubber into the puncture, as with almost every bit of bike kit out there, tubeless repair kits aren’t all created equal. Some may simply suit your needs better than others.
How do you use a tubeless repair kit?
Tubeless repair kits can look a bit intimidating but they're super simple to use. If you're unlucky to pick up a puncture that your sealant can't work its magic on, flip your bike, find the hole, remove any debris and clean the general area.
Standalone
The easiest and cheapest option out there is a standalone kit. Brands such as Ruzer and Muc-Off offer tubeless repair kits that come in small tubes or cloth pockets but they can pack a mighty punch.
Why Carrying A Tire Repair Kit Is Important?
Your tires are responsible for carrying the whole car and the passengers on the road . Tires are the first point of contact with the road. And there are many dangerous things on the road that can cause problems for your tires. As a result, it is quite common for tires to puncture and get flat every now and then.
How to remove a punctured tire from a car?
After carefully parking your car at the side of the road, take the tire removal kit and uninstall the tire from the vehicle. Then, use the pair of pliers to remove the sharp object that caused the puncture in the first place.
What is tubeless tire?
Tubeless tires are mostly used for bicycles. Bicycles are very prone to punctures. As a result, you should know which type of tools to carry and how to use both regular repair kit and tubeless tire repair kit for your convenience.
Why do you need extra tubes when moving?
It is essential to carry extra tubes so that when your tubeless tires are punctures, you can change it immediately. These must be taken extra care of you when moving.
What happens when you ride a tire?
A simple small needle can puncture a new tire, and even a huge sharp object can cause severe damage . Having the proper toolkit with you is essential. More than that, knowing how to use a tire repair kit is exceptionally crucial.
What is used to widen a puncture hole?
Lubricants are used on the tools that widen the puncture hole to be shoved in the leak.
Can you repair a small puncture hole?
These can ensure a permanent repair for normal punctures. Small puncture holes can be repaired with these plugs.
Tubeless Tire Setup
Setting up your wheels and tires tubeless isn’t as difficult as you might think. Watch our video setup guide below, along with some tubeless setup tips. Also, scroll to the bottom of the page to find our step-by-step guide to setting up tires tubeless before and after flying with your bike.
Tubeless Repair
Here’s our full video guide to tubeless tire repair. Watch it, then scroll down to find important tips, tools, and other information.
Tubeless Tire Repair Kit
We’ve posted a full-blown bikepacking repair kit in the past, but here’s the tire repair kit of the future. Start by thinking less about tubes and more about repairing your tires and keeping them sealed.
Tire Pluggers
With a proper tubeless setup, and generally tough tires, it’s not often that you have to resort to tire plugs. However, they’re an indispensable part of a proper bikepacking repair kit. And since tubeless tires have become ubiquitous with modern mountain bikes, there’s a wealth of tire pluggers on the market.
Tips for Traveling Tubeless
One roadblock to tubeless for a lot of people is traveling with your bike—particularly travel that involves flying. For the most part, you can set your bike up tubeless beforehand, and simply add a little extra sealant and inflate your tires upon landing.
