Tyre plug kit – what do I need?

TLDR – I need a tubeless plug kit, (I think) use instructions and advice on how long they last unused.

After having a tyre wall tear at the weekend and failing to repair with Anchovies, (appeared to have ‘gone off’ really sticky and couldn’t remove them from the backing – they have a shelf life??) I need to improve my emergency kit.

1. What’s the current go-to, sensible price tubeless repair kit? I don’t want to pay a premium for a swanky tin or titanium tools.
2. Also if you have come across a decent how-to instructional video, that’d be appreciated but I will look on YouTube
3. Does your recommendation have a shelf life so I should set a replacement reminder to chuck away and restock?

Your help is, as ever, much appreciated.

Sorry, cant offer any suggestions, but I’m keen to know what other think.
I’ve had the same problem recently. I got it to work, but it was super sticky. Only about 6 months from purchase. If they keep getting stickier, I can see it being unuseable in the next 6 months.

Others will disagree, but after having a couple of anchovies fail eventually, I don’t see them as a long term fix now.

On trail fix – Dynaplug racer – about 30-35 quid

Once home – Mushroom plug is a proper permanent fix – cheap, check ebay.

Like @pembo6, I bought in insertion tool and a strip of anchovies, and in trying to discover how to use them when first ourchased, I struggled removing just 1 from the backing strip.

Don’t know ow this will work out when I have to use them in anger, in the rain, in the mud, in the depths of winter etc, etc.

Used one of those Stans Darts the other week – worked well and has kept pressure – will just leave it in now. You leave the tail hanging out and it just gets worn away to the point where its then difficult to spot which bit it fixed. Magical !

@drmosh (and others) – get an old tyre, stick nails or whatever into it and practice. Tip: fix one into the applicator and then when you need it it’s ready to deploy.

1. The fancy kits like the Dynaplug racer are good but you only really need one of the cheap setups that use a screwdriver like applicator (forget the usual make)

2. Here’s a video about what to do – https://bikepacking.com/news/tubeless-repair-video-guide/

3. The strips are pretty inert so have a long shelf life, we are talking several years at least.

I’ve tried out on the trails using the anchovies and pronged screwdriver and it was shite! When home went to the LBS and picked up a dynaplug racer, its great because its preloaded and only one piece not several. Its been used several times on mine or my buddies bikes, I did think once plugged I’g go home and repair but the dynaplugs just hold, have had one in a tyre for over a year now with no issues.

Dyna plug mega plugger or the carbon ultralite are maybe better value than the racer

Put a massive hole in my gravel bike’s rear tyre at the weekend, would have been a ride-ender, not sure an inner tube would have even worked without a internal boot. Huge bang and the tyre went down instantly, reckon I hit a half buried flint.

A shot with the Dynaplug air system and 4 plugs later and I was back up and running within a few minutes. Got home just as the rain was starting to fall, it held 35 PSI all the way back.

Going to add a Megaplug into my road/gravel kit though in case I pick up another one like it.

2nd for the Stans dart kit (especially if you use Stans fluid), I’ve 4 had 4 in my back tyre for months. Easy to use and a permanent fix. Just don’t forget to take them out if a tube has to go in.

I use the Sahmurai setup. It is in your bars for easy removal and use. I leave one plug in at ready to go.

No digging for a Dynaplug in your saddle bag, or back pack, or in back pocket to land on.

No digging for a Dynaplug in your saddle bag, or back pack, or in back pocket to land on

All my shorts have a pocket down at the side of the thigh, I have the racer out before I even stop, So no slower than the Sahmurai there, and the racer gets fired straight in, Sahmurai comes with file and prong, so that’s slower.

We’re talking marginal stuff here, but I’ve had a day racing Enduro’s spoilt before due to having to rummel about in a pack for a kit.

This looks a neat litte kit for not much cash

https://www.wiggle.co.uk/nukeproof-horizon-tubeless-tyre-repair-kit

if you choose dynaplug for a mtb make sure you go for megaplug as it has both size nozzle/tubes, the regular carbon ultralight will not allow fitment of the mega nozzle.

https://www.rutlandcycling.com/dynaplug

i got a racer in my gravel bag, but a megaplugger one with loads of spares in my mtb bag as my mates shred tyres for fun.
expensive hobby plugging

cheaper kits work too like
Weldtite Tubeless Repair Kit
or lifeline on crc/wiggle

Also had problems with old anchovies, but this kit uses a sheet of rubber which you can cut to size and works very well (heard rumours that you can cut bits from an inner tube instead).

https://www.condorcycles.com/products/panaracer-tubeless-tire-repair-kit

Repairs are easy (not as quick as the preloaded ones but way cheaper) and permanent – never had to bother with a tyre patch.

@Nobeer – racing’s a bit different, seconds count. I’ve the Sahmurai, you don’t have to use the file, but it’s what you are used to. Main thing to remember is to move it to the bike you are using! Just been setting up a bike for the Cairngorms Loop and couldn’t find them until I remembered I’d swapped handlebars on the current bike – doh! Main thing is that it uses a space on the bike that you tend to ignore.

As for longevity – if you fit the anchovy correctly then it will last the lifetime of the tyre, I think the first one I fitted is still going strong and that went in during the first JennRide so four years(?) ago.

As for longevity – if you fit the anchovy correctly then it will last the lifetime of the tyre, I think the first one I fitted is still going strong and that went in during the first JennRide so four years(?) ago.

I’ve fitted dozens of them over the years, but when one lets go, it’s a pain in the arse I can assure you!.

Mushroom plugs act to strengthen up the area around, lessening the chance of a tear in the area which is obviously weaker than before.

Brilliant, loads to go on here gents, thanks.
The anchovies that had degraded came out of a saddle bag loose, bearing in mind the comments above about the longevity of them I wonder if they take don’t like being squashed by other kit and tool and are better kept in a little box.

As above Dynaplug Racer on the trail, fast, efficient but most of all it works. Once back at home or the camper and repair with a mushroom plug.
Last thing anyone wants is messing around with a flat on a cold, wet, muddy trail, unless you are into that sort of thing.

thanks nobeer et al.
just had a look at those mushroom plugs, not seen them before, will be buying

Dynaplug user here. Had to use two on a cut in the rear tyre about 6 weeks ago. Up and running within 5 minutes and not had any issues with the tyre deflating since (that’s jinxed my next ride…).

These mushroom plugs – are we talking the same ones as used on cars like this, or is there a bike-specific version?

I’ve had problems with anchovies recently. As has been mentioned they used to be a permanent repair but I’ve had several fail on me.

I’ve got the stans dart system now (made sense as I use stand fluid!) they work well but are pricey.

I have also used These once i’ve got home to fix splits. They are possibly a bit large you can get 3mm ones and a large tube of Vulcanising glue!

Ryder slug plug for £10 is the best ‘cheaper’ kit I’ve used.
2 sizes of anchovies, little case for them so they don’t go off.
The tool is small enough to fit in a short pocket or side pocket in bumbag, and has a lid so you can keep it preloaded.

@Dorset_Knob, like so:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/12-TYRE-PUNCTURE-REPAIR-WIRED-3MM-SMALL-HEAD-PLUG-PATCH-MUSHROOM/131208504777?epid=0&hash=item1e8ca2e5c9:g:nJYAAOxymmJTkHmO

:thumbsup:

That’s the boys, proper tyre savers those, even on bead tears. 👍🏻

I have no experience with any kit but decided to go with the Stans Dart. the only set up designed specifically for bike tyres rather than a miniaturised version of the car tyre plug kits. Has an active ingredient that actually reacts with the sealant so not just plugging up a hole but actually reading with the sealant to create a better bond. Also on various YouTube videos with back to back demonstrations seems to be alot more effective than the strip type kits. We’ll see when I get my first puncture that won’t seal.

Ryder slug plug for £10 is the best ‘cheaper’ kit I’ve used.

I had a kit very similar for about the same price, its done me proud. Really quick to plug a hole, file it a bit wider if need be, shove the anchovy in and off you go, works every time.

They last the lifetime of the tyre, had one tyre with about 4 plugs in before it went into the bin.

Recently had to use a plug on a hole right on the bead. I’ve got the Weldtite kit – also got some bigger worms/plugs from ebay ages ago.
Used one of the worms that came with the kit (adding some of the gloop) and it sealed immediately. Up to pressure and it’s held since without an issue.

So, for me, I’ll be sticking with the cheapo Weldtite solution for now.
If I got more frequent punctures I’d prob look at the stans or dynaplug kits…

Si

Mushrooms are awesome, it’s basically impossible for them to fail on a bike tyre, and they can fix some really bad flats. Also with care can go right down near to the bead.

But I will be getting some dynaplugs I think after this thread, the racer looks a smart wee kit

The one time I needed to use a Weldtite kit (glass through tyre) I couldn’t get the bloomin’ thing in, and then one of the prongs on the prodder broke off. Very likely operator error, but that’s not much compensation.

After that I bought a Dynaplug Ultralite which I haven’t needed to use on my own bike, but has has worked a couple of times on other people’s. As far as I’m concerned it’s a permanent fix.

Ultralite seems to be the entry level Dynaplug option at about £20.