Page 1 of 1

Best flat repair kit?

Posted: Tue May 01, 2007 6:52 pm
by Grey Thumper
Hi all. I'm starting to take longer rides and am thinking of supplementing my kit (CO2 cartridges, glue, tire plugs). What's your preferred kind of flat repair kit? I was thinking of getting fix-a-flat or something similar, since it seems more newb friendly (ie, idiotproof) than using tire plugs.

Posted: Tue May 01, 2007 8:27 pm
by nate1714
i used fix a flat and it seemed to work very well...and no im not a monkey so i am smart but it seemed to be easy to use..and with anything left over u get a free meal...haha jk...

Posted: Wed May 02, 2007 4:14 am
by Scoutmedic
Make absolutely sure you tell the mechanic that works on the tire after using fix-a-flat that it's in there.

My cousin, a mechanic, almost died and still has ongoing medical problems because of fix-a-flat; A guy used it to keep his tire inflated until he could get it fixed. He stopped at my family's service station and Bob began to repair the tire. When he ran a reemer to clear the hole, it sparked on the steel wire of the tire and the mixture exploded. The explosion was heard over 1/2 mile away. This is the reason that fix-a-flat has the warnings on it that it does today. The original formula used Butane for the accelerant.

If a tire is going to be repaired or even removed from the rim and replaced after having fix-a-flat, it MUST be purged. Have them deflate the tire, inflate the tire and deflate the tire (at least one purge cycle) before beginning repairs or replacement.

Posted: Wed May 02, 2007 4:46 am
by storysunfolding
CO2 cartridges never seem to have enough and if you have a slow leak that you can't plug, you're screwed.

I like the kits and pumps available here http://motopumps.com/

I bought his pump b/c the slime pump was apparently a few months away from hitting the market. However, his pump was small enough to fit in with my toolkit and does a great job.

Posted: Wed May 02, 2007 5:52 am
by JCS
I have the Slime pump with a Progressive Suspension repair kit. I just like to have more pumping power than the CO2 cartridges.

Posted: Wed May 02, 2007 3:45 pm
by flynrider
Scoutmedic wrote: This is the reason that fix-a-flat has the warnings on it that it does today. The original formula used Butane for the accelerant.
Fix-a-flat has not used flammable propellents for a long time. There are no longer warnings on the can.

If you're going to use an aerosol inflator, read the label. There are still a few cheap off-brand types that use butane propellants. It's best to avoid those altogether. Not only can the endanger maintenance folks, but they could also ignite on the bike in certain accident scenarios.

Posted: Wed May 02, 2007 3:52 pm
by Scoutmedic
flynrider wrote: Fix-a-flat has not used flammable propellents for a long time. There are no longer warnings on the can.

If you're going to use an aerosol inflator, read the label. There are still a few cheap off-brand types that use butane propellants. It's best to avoid those altogether. Not only can the endanger maintenance folks, but they could also ignite on the bike in certain accident scenarios.
Cool. I wasn't aware of that. I obviously haven't used any personally since my cousin's accident.


Those other kits look pretty cool. Those small air compressors really work eh?

Posted: Wed May 02, 2007 5:11 pm
by Skier
storysunfolding wrote:CO2 cartridges never seem to have enough and if you have a slow leak that you can't plug, you're screwed.

I like the kits and pumps available here http://motopumps.com/

I bought his pump b/c the slime pump was apparently a few months away from hitting the market. However, his pump was small enough to fit in with my toolkit and does a great job.
That kit looks like a great deal. It's everything from the WalMart tire repair section but cheaper than buying it all yourself! :)

Posted: Thu May 03, 2007 12:58 am
by storysunfolding
Scoutmedic wrote:Those other kits look pretty cool. Those small air compressors really work eh?
Yep.



I also noticed that fix a flat cans say that they are not for use on motorcycles. Anyone know why?

Posted: Thu May 03, 2007 1:47 am
by flw
Has anyone tried the fix a flat on a tubed tire, just to get home or dealer?

Thanks