ARB Tire Plug Kit - Opinions/Questions

For anyone that has one of these, what's your opinion on them. I used mine for the first time and could barely get the plug in. I used the tool to bore out the hole and applied the lube, darn near bent the needle in the process. The plugs were like tar and had a hard time threading onto the needle.

The cheapo kit I had before was much easier to use. The plugs came with rubber cement and slide right in.

 

in for further reviews..

 

I've had mine from over a year, but I haven't had to use it yet.

 

here for the comments

 

Get the Tech tire kit ive used it hundreds of times at a dealership where i worked. Tech is the best out there, i saw a tire 1 time must have had 50 plugs in it and still held air. Trick is to put some air in the tire before pulling out whatever and reaming the hole out. Then thread the needle , apply the rubber cement then immediately plug the hole then trim off the excess.I would never plug a tire if the hole was near or on the sidewall. The kit is about 60 bucks comes in a little red toolbox.

 

I have used a cheap NAPA set for many years without issue (no rubber cement either) and have never had a plug leak. No experience with this kit. I'd imagine it works just as well as my $10 kit though.

 

Will work if in an emergency situation. The problem comes when you go to have a professional patch done to the tire. They wont do it because of liability issues. That tool that is meant to rough up the puncture can break other belts in the tire causing a weak spot. Then you have an expensive tire that can't be repaired.

Having said this, I do keep a similar tool and plugs along with a compressor in my truck. I'd rather have it and use it then to get stuck in the mountains.

 

I've done dozens of these repairs with no ill effects. I have even done temporary repairs involving many plugs. They got me home. I've learned a couple of things. The slime kits are as good as any. Using the rubber cement GREATLY eases the entry of the plug. Buy extra little tubes of cement and keep them with your kit. Once opened, the cement does not last long. I have made the mistake of getting a big tube, only to find it ruined by the second use. The higher the load rating, the harder it is to ream the hole and install the plug. The last one I did on a friends truck with E rated tires took everything I had. It would have been easier if I had removed the tire first, so I could get my weight above it. Since I run E tires, I now keep an air drill in the truck with a reamer to clear the hole for the plug. It makes the job a lot more manageable. I have never had a plug that required any follow up work, or that caused any damage to the tire.

When I was 19, and didn't even know about plugs, I got a flat out hunting and screwed a sheet metal screw into the hole. It was all I had. I pumped the tired up with a bicycle pump and drove 500 miles home on it.

 

all those little nick nacks in the ARB can be bought separately for a couple of bucks

 

I've used similar kits and have nothing but great things to say about them.

I do know that truck tires are bitch to get the plug in. I've actually took a 1/4" drill and drilled out the hole instead of using the reamer. You do get some strange looks when you walk up to a tire with a cordless drill and drill the tire.

10 ply tires are even worse.

 

Thanks badger, I'll take your advice and get some rubber cement to ease getting the plug in. I think I'll carry a cordless drill also to drill out the hole. I have E rated tires.

 

i was eyeing this the other day..thanks for the brief review