Ask Lemmy @lemmy.world XIIIesq @lemmy.world 1y ago

Car Mechanics of Lemmy - Do you have a puncture repair kit that you would recommend?

Hi,

I already have a good tool kit, drill, needle files etc, so I'm mainly looking for a kit that doesn't needlessly double up on tools that I already have but I'm here for your advice so I'll look at anything you recommend.

Ideally the kit would have enough bits and pieces that I could store it and keep it for future punctures also, but I could just order a multiple of single use kits if that is what you'd recommend.

Please let me know! Thanks.

11 comments

The kits that use a reamer, rubber cement, and lil gloopy rubber cords are far preferable to a "fix a flat" canned solution, both in effectiveness and in ease of replacement. A pair of pliers and a good utility knife would go along with this stuff well.

I keep a set of box wrenches (suitable for your car, metric or sae), screw drivers, channel locks, a high-vis vest, tire repair kit, tow strap, air compressor, and a pruning saw in the boot spare around the spare tire.

Hope this helps
- The kits that use a reamer, rubber cement, and lil gloopy rubber cords are far preferable to a “fix a flat” canned solution, both in effectiveness and in ease of replacement. A pair of pliers and a good utility knife would go along with this stuff well.
  
  Another mechanic here, 100% agree. These things work really well.
- Thank you
Check out "project farm" on YouTube. He has an excellent channel and had vids for puncture repair kits, portable compressors and jump packs. He is great.
- Oh yh, I totally forgot about project farm, I love that channel!
  
  Here is the link for anyone interested
  
  https://youtu.be/HcyscXvmXeY?si=aftZT0_gZireH3pA
Rope plugs to get you to a shop.

Unless you have the stuff to pull a tire off the wheel and apply a proper patch-plug, every other option isn't worth it.

Slime, fix-a-flat, or similar can destroy tire pressor sensors so you should only use them for a tiny hole and you have ABS pressor sensors.

The rubber plug style ones without a patch don't hold up as well compared to rope plugs. I have had those fail but rope plugs kept sealed well enough to wear out the tire.

I keep a set of rope plugs and a tire inflator in the trunk, if a spare or those doesn't sort out the problem then I'm getting a tow.
- Just want to emphasize how awesome those gloopy rubber rope plugs are, you can often run through the rest of the tire life on one.
- So there's no particular brand you go for, any type of rope plug is good?
  
  They are all pretty equal because there is like one factory in China that makes them all.
I've got a decent kit from rhino USA. But I don't think the brand makes a big difference.

11 comments