Tyre Repair, Explained

Fix it on the trail

How to plug a tyre with the Deadtree kit

A thorn or a sharp rock in the middle of nowhere doesn't have to end the trip. The Deadtree Heavy Duty Tyre Repair Kit plugs a puncture in the tread of a tubeless tyre right where you stopped, without taking the wheel off. Here's how it works, step by step.

What's in the kit

Heavy-duty T-handle insert and spiral rasp tools, sticky string plugs, hex keys and sealing lubricant, all packed into a tough black hard case that stays in your vehicle until the day you need it.

1

Find it and pull it out

Find the puncture (listen for the hiss, or spray soapy water and look for bubbles). Mark the spot, then pull the thorn, nail or stone out with pliers.

2

Rasp the hole

Push the spiral rasp tool into the hole and work it in and out a few times. This cleans the hole and roughens it so the plug bonds properly.

3

Push in the plug

Thread a sticky string plug through the eye of the T-handle insert tool so it sits in the middle, add a little sealing lubricant, and push it into the hole until about a third of the plug is showing. Pull the tool straight out and the plug stays behind.

4

Trim it, pump it, roll on

Trim the plug tails flush with the tread. Pump the tyre back up to pressure with your compressor, check for leaks with a bit of soapy water, and you're back on the track.

String plugs are for punctures in the tread of tubeless tyres. Don't plug the sidewall or the shoulder, and have the tyre checked by a tyre fitment centre once you're back in town.