Patch or plug?
 

Picked up a piece of shrapnel in one of my drag radials. Patch or plug?

Re: Patch or plug?
 

I tried both. The patch ripped away after a few runs. The plug leaked after the second run and got worse and worse. I would either put tubes in them or new tires. It's not worth the risk of it going flat on the big end! Just my experience and opinion. Jim

Re: Patch or plug?
 

Jerry, I worry about the term "shrapnel".
If it's just a puncture, I've used those gummy rope type plugs with success. Twist 'em up good and tight and trim it flush.
Fact is , I won't leave home without them.

Re: Patch or plug?
 

If it's only a puncture ,I've had good success with the Black Cat rope type plug . .....I light them up and let the plug burn down flush ,which according to the manufacturer vulcanizes the plug........I wouldnt fix anything other than a small puncture. .....Tom

Re: Patch or plug?
 

The proper and approved way to fix a puncture is actually to do both....properly prep the puncture for the plug, then install it.....cut it off flush inside the tire then grind the remaining bit even with the inside tire liner then prep and put a patch over the plug.........this only applies to the tread area.....side walls - replace the tire......

either way I wouldn't run it on the track anymore, just the street......


D L Rambo.....

Re: Patch or plug?
 

Plug them all the time. I plugged the side wall on a rear dually tire about 4,000 miles ago still there. 2 trailer tires have plugs. My last set of rear slicks had 2 in 1 side and 1 in the other. NO PROBLEMS. I have one of the nice plug kits that you get off the tool trucks. Don't use them Wal-Mart $1.98 plugs.
Chip Johnson

Re: Patch or plug?
 

Thanks guys. The piece of metal I pulled out of my drag radial was paper thin and about a 1/4" wide. It was dead center in the middle of the tread, pretty much a slow leak until I pulled it out. I'm about due for some new tires and I'd like to make one to two more races this year so I think I'll plug and call it a day. Thanks again.

Re: Patch or plug?
 

Plug it! I like the green "slime" ones.... ;)

Re: Patch or plug?
 

you can buy a patch and plug all in one.all you do is pull the plug threw from the inside out and the patch sticks on the inside.

Re: Patch or plug?
 

I have never had an issue using a plug, a cheap, quick and easy way to fix a leak between rounds. It's saved my "bacon" a few times.

Shawn