Tire Plug Repair Kits - Which is the Best ?

Which is the best emergency tire repair kit: a tire plug strip, mushroom plug kit, sticky strip or tire screw repair kit ?. This video demonstrates how to use each kit with internal views to show what’s actually happening inside the tire.
The kits are:
1. Tire Plug Strip: This consists of a rubber strip which is inserted into the tire using an open-tipped insertion tool. The middle of the strip is pushed into the tire, leaving about ½ inch of each end remaining outside the tire. As you withdraw the tool it bunches the strip inside the tire which acts as an internal plug. The strip ends are then cut away using a blade. Some kits add rubber cement to the strip, some use a lubricant/sealant and some kits don’t add anything to the strip before insertion into the tire.
2. Mushroom Plug: A nozzle is placed in through the hole in the tire with the help of a probe tool. Then, the head of the mushroom plug is squeezed through the nozzle by rotating a force screw inside the core of the main body of the tool. The nozzle is then pulled out of the tire, leaving only the mushroom stem protruding from the tire. This is cut away using a blade. The mushroom plug kit does not use any rubber cement or any other type of glue.
3. Sticky Strip: This Chemi-cure kit is similar to the tire plug strip kit but this one uses a closed tip insertion tool. The center of the strip is pushed into the tire, rotated a few turns and pulled back out through the tire. The excess strip outside the tire is then cut away using a blade. The rubber strip cures into and becomes part of the tire. This kit does not require any rubber cement or any other type of glue.
4. Tire Repair Screw: This kit is the quickest to use and is basically a small screw, covered in a rubber sealant, which is screwed into the tire, sealing the puncture.
These kits are designed for tubeless tires and are generally used as an emergency and temporary puncture repair. I am only demonstrating how to use the repair kits. I am not endorsing or recommending the use of either of the kits as a replacement for a professional or permanent tire repair. If you find this video helpful, please subscribe to my channel.
Disclaimer:
Under no circumstances will Knobsdialsandbuttons be responsible or liable in any way for any content, including but not limited to, any errors or omissions in the content, or for any loss or damage of any kind incurred as a result of any content communicated in this video, whether by Knobsdialsandbuttons or a third party. In no event shall Knobsdialsandbuttons be liable for any special, indirect or consequential damages or any damages whatsoever resulting from loss of use, data or profits arising out of or in connection with the availability, use or performance of any information communicated in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of Knobsdialsandbuttons, it cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. Knobsdialsandbuttons assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. Knobsdialsandbuttons recommends safe practices when performing any do it yourself repairs and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of Knobsdialsandbuttons, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Knobsdialsandbuttons.

[@nevinyoung9147]

The screw plug for the roadside maybe but I would not have faith in it for long. The strip type has been used for decades. They now say they are "unsafe" but I think they are only unsafe for tire shops' wallets.

[@colinmckay3175]

I see where you're coming from, but the screw is a lot easier for a roadside repair. I don't see why you couldnt use the screw plug to limp your car off of the highway and potentially home, then remove it and do a rope plug.

[@robertwootton2161]

I like the inside shots

[@knobsdialsandbuttons]

Thanks !

[@spookyfingers]

That's what she said

[@lupinamway6992]

I carry a Tire Repair Screw tool kit on my scooter for emergency use, and use the Mushroom Plug to repair the tire after I get back home.

[@davidmagazzi514]

i think the mushroom plug is probably the most reliable, but the screw is a great easy quick fix to get you down the road, id probably use a little tire glue and turn the screw past the surface a hair.

[@bethw5998]

excellent video - love the inside shots. i have no clue what's best but the screw repair is the only one I could do on my own.

[@knobsdialsandbuttons]

Thanks for watching !

[@sandramays795]

They’re all easy 😊

[@Cosmic_Soul]

Thanks for the video, very informative. Method # 1 is best. Always used this method.

[@knobsdialsandbuttons]

Thanks for watching !

[@aramaz9886]

Mushroom Plug ,the best for me!

[@roger1857]

The third one is technically best. Mushroom plug is easy to fit but as we are making oversize hole, it's not long lasting. In third slug is moulded as per the hole and it makes intact repair. Screw kit is only compatible with same size hole and again we are putting metal part in the tyre which is not good idea.

[@cosmic_JAV]

I've only ever used the sticky strips used in #3 on every vehicle I ever owned on varing size tires from 12" to 17" and have never had one problem. #3 is a permanent fix aside from some 1 in a million freak occurrence

[@rowenramnath2016]

My manager is always watching me do this. And it is easy. And even the annoying mechanic guy is always watching me, too. Because I mostly strip the tires out of the rims

[@MariaGonzalez-ei1pv]

Love the 1st video well explain slow motion .love the details inside the tire now I know...thank you I'm a diy😊

[@knobsdialsandbuttons]

You are welcome!

[@kkhalifah1019]

I've got the screw plugs in my puncture kit along with the usual plug strips. But I never use them because somehow I never learned to trust them the same way I trust the plug strips. I think it's because when you apply rubber glue to lubricate the insertion of the plug strip, you just know that sticky stuff will cure and really help to bond the strip to the tyre. I guess the sticky strips work the same way, but I wonder if the glue on these will dry out when you need to use them. I'd rather keep the glue in the tube.

[@denizkumbasar5154]

Hello what is the difference between the first and the third one?

[@saibalkm]

Great job!

[@knobsdialsandbuttons]

Thanks!

[@rowenramnath2016]

I remember pulling the screw from the customer tyre. He watched me. So he came and see. He took the screw driver. And he unscrew it out. That was smart.

[@benjaminball1635]

I have used the push in strips on my motorbike, 80 ks limit on these but i ignored this once i had confidence in the repair & just treated it as a tyre without a repair , no probs at all 100s speed & it lasted until the tyre wore out from close to new.

[@petsidischristos84]

I think the Mushroom plug is the best.👌🙂

[@justinfufun5483]

They pop out. They were banned in the EU about 30 or 40 years ago. I used them and yes they pop out.

[@movingmountains4784]

Sorry it withstands the least pressure before failing...saw another video to prove that...old fashioned rubber plug is best

[@johnyorchak5162]

Nice video. Thanks

[@knobsdialsandbuttons]

Thanks for watching !

[@rolandcarlile9568]

Ive used string types with good results on my bike. Have used the mushroom type and time consuming if on side road or raining. Number 4 ,screw type i have but not used,next time,take 1 min to repair then i would repair with the string type that forms a plug inside. They will not come out. So number 1 and 3 is my preference to leave for longer period. They say they are temporary. But tyres are temporary on a big bike.

[@knobsdialsandbuttons]

That's very true !, thanks for your comments.

[@mmendoza1971]

I would prefer type 3 and then type 1. They seem like the safest methods. Then type 4. The mushroom plug tends to fall into the tire once placed.

[@james5796]

Why would mushroom plug fall into tyre if properly glued in?

[@davidreed9217]

@@james5796 The Stop and Go mushroom plugs manufacturer don't advise to use a glue for some reason, I have used them and found them about 50% air tight. Once, before changing a tyre I pushed against the plug with a screwdriver and was shocked at how easily it went into the tyre.

[@KS_VAL_OISE]

Great video. Thanks for the ditactic job. Well done. I prefer the third one it seems to be the best. Regards

[@knobsdialsandbuttons]

Thanks for watching!

[@tanguturilakshminarayana369]

Super

[@knobsdialsandbuttons]

Thanks !

[@SiuWingNoah-zx5kj]

I have tried #1. Maybe I am not strong enough that difficult to insert all into the hole. Any method to make it easy? I am considering buy a mushroom kit now...

[@enoz.j3506]

I repaired a tyre today, string method first in the video, it was difficult to get into the tyre, so just used the rubber cement supplied in kit ,by putting some on the tip of the string insert tool,and it worked perfect, thats the method i would recommend.

[@gopinathdas1793]

4th is very easy ! It can safely take the vehicle to the near by puncturewala !!

[@sandramays795]

#3

[@Marvel66666]

last one is the easiest and you not must rasp the hole like with the others

[@sandramays795]

Easiest isn’t necessarily best. Usually isn’t. #3 is least likely to fail if done properly.

[@InOrlando]

That last was super elegant! Can you do that one for nails, too?

[@justinfufun5483]

its too rigid and does not flex with the tire so it wears loose. Its only to get you to a repair centre.

[@Atomkraftwiedereinstieg]

Which product do you think deserves to be the winner? I ordered product number 4 from eBay. I think it is very easy to use.

[@knobsdialsandbuttons]

I think most people prefer the original tire plug strip with the added rubber cement.

[@KingZoneOne]

I believe #3 is the best. You get the best of #1 and #2. It creates a knot which backs up against and seals the inside of the tire like the mushroom style, and you seal the inside of the puncture with a chemical bond that melts the strip and tire rubber together without glue (which dries out). The mushroom style tends to fail often, because they fall inside of the tire as it flexes during heat/cool expansion cycles, and I wouldn't trust #4, and have never heard of it before this post. It's too short, is limited by the size of the puncture (it's gotta be a SMALL hole) and can be agitated out of or into the tire if the head is worn off by the road surface. I wouldn't base you decision on "ease of use", but the technical aspects.

[@gopinathdas1793]

Video is very nice ! But apperently 1 and 3 look same ! So can you please explain what's the difference between them ?!!

[@stefstaf]

In 1st case you force the strip inside the tire just once and you have two strands of the strip sealing the hole. In 3d case you force the strip twice (in and out) so you have four strands sealing the hole. I would trust #3 the most out of all the rest

[@peterherkild3112]

1. er limet i 3. siger han, går i forbindelse med dækket

[@LukeFlegg]

Why do NONE of the kits on Amazon include the rubber cement/ solution??

[@elswick1542]

If you get the third type it’s not necessary. Do not dip on the box actually means don’t put glue on the strip.

[@thomasshi9138]

I like the latter.

[@anykinehanainu]

So besides the rubber cement, what's the difference between #1 and #3?

[@KingZoneOne]

#3 doesn't require any type of vulcanizing rubber cement added to the strip or puncture hole, unlike #1 you MUST TWIST it 1.5 times, and when you pull the tool out you must NOT pull it all the way out like with #1 or else you risk pulling the entire strip back out. You must only pull it out enough to cut it. The main difference is that with #3 you create a knot inside that mimics what the mushroom type of plug does, which backs up against and seals the inside of the tire surface as well as the inside walls of the puncture. With #1 only the inside walls of the puncture are sealed and there is no knot created. #3 is made from uncured buytl which activates a chemical reaction with the tire rubber and they melt together and bond.

[@rkorkie]

Can you not twist #1 the same as #3 and get the identical knot underneath?

[@dennisjue1533]

@@rkorkie Possibly, but the cordage is much thicker and not intended to have the bottom of the loop pulled back up. Plus, the compound coating the cordage itself is different, it's ultimately a simple (albeit very strong) adhesive, while the butyl (as KZO mentioned) is a binary fusing compound. It's basically akin to the difference between soldering (#1) vs welding (#3). The simple fact is that #1 is designed to be a temporary repair, but it can often last as the remainder of the tires life through brute strength of the materials and the simplicity of the design (remember this will typically be only a percentage of the tires life 20%...50%...75%...90%...which could be a long time but is USUALLY not the whole life of the tire)). As you point out, #3 isn't really that far off in basic design, but it addresses really the only two really plausible failure points of #1 in a theoretically superior way. That being the possibility of the seal failing (mitigated by actually fusing with the tire on a molecular level) or the entire plug somehow getting entirely pulled out (mitigated by the presence of the knot which means only something traumatic enough to rip an even LARGER hole in the tire than what was originally repaired would have to happen...which really amounts to a SECOND puncture event rather than a failure of the first repair).

[@user-zy5em2vf2d]

А если в первом варианте после того как всунули клеящий материал в шину и прокрутить как в третьем варианте лучше будет?

[@knobsdialsandbuttons]

I just use each kit as the instructions tell me to :)

[@racionais623]

Onde eu consigo um desse vc tem o link

[@racionais623]

Using stop é go tire plug Repair kit

[@knobsdialsandbuttons]

I bought mine on Ebay

[@s1nAzAvR]

Липкие нитки самый надежный вариант, шуруп в герметике это что то новое и не испытаное, на сколько он хорош в перспективе не ясно, гриб тоже достаточно трудоемкий процесс, нитку клеем обмазал сунул высунул обрезал и поехал, у меня шина стерлась а дыра заделана

[@laureenm6394]

Why cant you repair on the shoulder of the tire, the puncture on my tire is right on the edge of the tread and the shoulder?

[@knobsdialsandbuttons]

That part of the tire flexes a lot so there's a higher chance that a repair in that area will fail

[@stevenkerwin4041]

Seems like these repairs last longer on the rear tires since they don't steer. However, I have no scientific evidence that this is the case.

[@Cosmic_Soul]

It’s illegal in Canada to repair the sides of a tire as shown earlier in the video.

[@pete4866]

If already sticky,not need glue can be used as is, if not sticky then use glue

[@attackmodph6084]

Best easy way is no 4;

[@sandramays795]

I wouldn’t choose by which is easiest but by which is least likely to fail 😊

[@yilmazcay80]

Number 1and2 more safety,,,number 4easy,,,Number 3use forever...

[@cosmic_JAV]

#1 is a permanent fix. It'll last for the rest of the tires life.

[@cosmic_JAV]

Im sorry you're correct. I thought he was using the sticky strips on #1, thats why in my previous comment I said #1 was a permanent fix. #3 is a permanent fix. Heck I didn't know there was another type of strip plug other than the sticky kind used in 3 lol

[@jamesduzan3345]

My question is shelf life. Since kits go in the car and sit for 2, 3, 4 years in the hot/cold/wet/dry trunk before you use it, which kits lasts the longest and stays flexible enough to work?

[@knobsdialsandbuttons]

The chemi cure sticky strip is the only one that claims to be a permanent repair. The others I would only use as a temporary fix.

[@jamesduzan3345]

No, not how long will the repair last. How long can a kit sit in a car, unused, and still make a good repair? I've had a kit since 2005. Anybody have any idea if it will still work?

[@knobsdialsandbuttons]

Oh my mistake. I have no idea to be honest, there's no mention of that on any of the packages.

[@MH-lx1tn]

@@knobsdialsandbuttons A sticky strip will lose its strength after a while and no longer stick properly. After 1 year you notice that the strip no longer sticks well. You may still be able to use it, but you should still buy new strips and replace the strip with a new one.

[@aflaz171]

Why, what happens to a repair on the shoulder? I've done a few, I am not wasting a good expensive tyre. I understand the wall is a stupid place to try and repair!

[@knobsdialsandbuttons]

The shoulder and sidewalls are designed to flex so they're not as strong structurally. A puncture repair unit in the shoulder will be exposed to higher stress due to flexing and higher heat build up. This could result in a rapid repair failure.

[@Cosmic_Soul]

It’s illegal in Canada to repair sides and edges of a tire, as shown in the beginning of this video.