To screw or not to screw???

[AndyR]

As I've mentioned in my GPZ thread, my Triumph is currently off the road due to a slow puncture in the back tyre (It couldn't be the front I'm having changed anyway could it?? Oh no! It has to be the back)

Anyway, Reborn was over today and mentioned that on some forums some people have suggested putting a screw into the hole where the puncture is to plug the leak.

One thing I did try was forcing some bicycle puncture repair glue into the hole with a syringe and needle to try and plug the gap after letting the tyre down. But this wasn't very successful.

All I need to do is keep the pressure in the tyre for about 20 miles so I can get it to the tyre spot I'm using, (the local one and I had a fall out big time recently so I can't use them), for it to be plugged. Luckily the hole is right of center on the tyre and in a place not too close to the edge of the tread so a plug repair should be perfectly possible.

Should I put a screw into the hole to try and plug it or leave it be and ride the bike over stopping every 5 miles or so to pump it back up with a foot pump?

Or is there another way I could plug this hole??

Suggestions please

[grotbag]

I follow every thread when it comes to repairs and stuff Andy and there are loads in here about pluging tyres but no one here has ever mentioned using a screw.

Here's a few threads I found using the search function

Nails in tyres

Leaky back tyre or wheel?

Punctureseal

[Reborn]

Originally Posted by AndyR

Anyway, Reborn was over today and mentioned that on some forums some people have suggested putting a screw into the hole where the puncture is to plug the leak.
Suggestions please

I don't advocate it as a safe alternative, only that someone had done it to get them to a repair station. It may make the tyre itself unrepairable.

[druidsam]

i wouldn't risk it, cant you take the wheel off the bike and take that to the tyre place?


.........................Sam

[jonnywombat]

Just take it to your local tyre guy... If it is plugable and 90% of times it will be it should get change out of a tenner.

[thunderlad]

I would never advise or use a screw to plug it, buy yourself a proper plugging system @£20, if the screw came out....what then??

[Nomad]

Why not plug it yourself - go to a bike shop and buy the puncture repair plug kit - it is relatively easy to do and is all a garage would do if they repaired it.

Once fixed you can decide what you want to do - Chance the plug and ride on for the life of the tyre or ride to the tyre shop and get a replacement.

Alternatively you could call out the breakdown van (If you have carol Nash, or Devitt Insurance) you are probably covered for breakdown....

[Rerb]

Are you in the AA?

Must say Sam's idea sounds the easiest.

[AndyR]

Thanks for the suggestions, however here are the problems:

1) Local bike spot - They and I had a huge fall out over the so called repairs they're supposed to have done on the GPZ so the next nearest place to get the tyre plugged is about 20 miles away.

2) Getting the bike to the tyre spot is the problem. All the repair kits I've looked at say they're only tempt kits and restricted to 400km and a max speed of 60km. Not a problem but by the time it's come it'll be Thursday/Friday and I've got to get the bike in on Wednesday as it's booked in for the front tyre changed and they can deal with the rear puncture while it's there.

3) Nope, I'm not a member of the AA, RAC or anything like that

4) No main stand and no paddock stand means I can't take the wheel off myself and take it in.

All I need to do is get the bike to last for 20 miles.

Grotbag, I'll be having a look at those threads Thanks

[Rerb]

Get yourself a Tiptop plugging kit or equivalent, they come with a couple of gas canisters to inflate the tyre.
I keep one under my seat and they cost around 15 quid.