tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040486715126429420.post2480506445008930418..comments2024-01-16T21:08:41.534-06:00Comments on On a Wing and a Whim: Flat Tires and Thinking aheadOn a Wing and a Whimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00754595334684845895noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040486715126429420.post-85250248121692436052013-01-25T01:21:03.866-06:002013-01-25T01:21:03.866-06:00Along with that compressor, I would suggest packin...Along with that compressor, I would suggest packing a tire plug kit. WalMart or auto parts stores carry it. Consists of a reamer tool, and the insertion tool, and a package of sticky plugs.<br /><br />Quite often you can fix it without removing it from the vehicle.<br /><br />Inflate the tire, then move the vehicle until the hissing point is located at an angle you can access.<br /><br />Might need to add some more air now. (If the tire doesn't inflate, the odds are not good on it being repairable. Sometimes, you might have several nail holes, which is ok)<br /><br />Pull the nail/object. Angle cutters (dykes) tend to work best at grabbing something that may be flush with the tread.<br /><br />CAUTION: if the hole is in the sidewall, the tire is toast. You may be able to plug it, but realize your next stop should be a tire store, as this will be a very temporary fix. <br /><br />Quickly poke the reamer tool into the hole, and run it in and out until it moves fairly smoothly. A dozen strokes, or so, should do it. You may hear metal on metal, that would be the steel belts under the tread, which is one of the reasons you are "filing" the surface of the hole.<br /><br />Pull one of the sticky strips halfway through the hole in the end of the insertion tool, and push the tool into the tire, until the sticky ends are maybe a half-inch above the tread. Rotate the tool a quarter turn, and pull it out of the tire. If the hole is still hissing or bubbling, try inserting a second strip. (If it takes two, odds are the tire shop won't consider it repairable)<br /><br />This roadside repair may last until the tire goes bald, but if you can afford it, consider having a shop re-do it with a plug/patch repair. This requires removing the tire partially, or completely, from the rim, so they can access the inside.Willhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00722792638246578812noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040486715126429420.post-16361523006410325272013-01-20T06:46:00.602-06:002013-01-20T06:46:00.602-06:00Great story.
"But watch out for old sergeant...Great story.<br /><br />"But watch out for old sergeants, officers with gray hair, and mothers of teenagers!"<br /><br />I'm saving that one...MSgt Bhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00035771485514432736noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040486715126429420.post-9301748803376293222013-01-19T19:29:44.855-06:002013-01-19T19:29:44.855-06:00Good for y'all... and yes, work arounds DO wor...Good for y'all... and yes, work arounds DO work! :-)Old NFOhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16404197287935017147noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040486715126429420.post-72349764422134536902013-01-19T17:25:59.914-06:002013-01-19T17:25:59.914-06:00I so understand. Good for you.I so understand. Good for you.Stephenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09752401490789789451noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040486715126429420.post-27258792572345345902013-01-19T14:16:34.718-06:002013-01-19T14:16:34.718-06:00What DaddyBear said - and good for you, for being ...What DaddyBear said - and good for you, for being prepared. <br /><br />And yes, finding new ways to accomplish old tasks due to aches, pains, and old injuries does lead to innovation. :^)Rev. Paulhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04588179227576383679noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040486715126429420.post-2753753191884842782013-01-19T11:49:45.613-06:002013-01-19T11:49:45.613-06:00Good for you guys! And I totally agree on finding...Good for you guys! And I totally agree on finding ways around the soreness and pain. It's sometimes a struggle to explain that even though I can do the jobs I used to be able to do, it takes longer and takes more out of me.<br /><br />And a good mechanic and tire store are worth their weight in gold, as is a road hazard warrantee on tires.DaddyBearhttp://daddybearsden.comnoreply@blogger.com