Plugged hole in tire sidewall tread

[srimes]

Got a short gash where the tread wraps around the sidewall.

My initial thoughts were "don't plug sidewalls," so I was going to try gluetread, which I carry but never use. But I don't see that working with the tread blocks unless I ground the tread off smooth. So I plugged it.

I've only plugged nail and screw holes before, where it's hard to get the reamer in at all. This was easy and the cut was only about 2 reamer-widths long. With 2 plugs I couldn't hear any air. Crammed in a couple more for 4 plugs total, and trimmed the excess.

Guess I'll see how it holds up. Anything else I should try? I got new street tires so these are for trails now.

 

[Obi-Wan]

For a field fix, it's perfect, but I wouldn't trust it to hold air permanently.
Plugs / patches on sidewalls for getting off the trail are more than fine. Plugs / patches on sidewalls for the streets / highway are a no no.

 

[Rubiconned]

Sidewall repairs usually won't last. I had a sidewall patch repair done by a service station, then one day the tire exploded on the interstate and the tire came completely off. I was driving at 75mph on a bare rim. It was like something you'd see in a cartoon. Yours is a plug and it's still in the tread area so it might work, but personally I wouldn't have put a hole in your tire because of a chipped tread block.

 

[NashvilleTJ]

For a field fix, it's perfect, but I wouldn't trust it to hold air permanently.
Plugs / patches on sidewalls for getting off the trail are more than fine. Plugs / patches on sidewalls for the streets / highway are a no no.

Obi is spot on here. Unfortunately, I’d recommend biting the bullet and replacing that tire.

 

[Apparition]

Obi is spot on here. Unfortunately, I’d recommend biting the bullet and replacing that tire.

Disagree, this is an opportunity, replace all the tires

 

[mrblaine]

Got a short gash where the tread wraps around the sidewall.

View attachment 555269

My initial thoughts were "don't plug sidewalls," so I was going to try gluetread, which I carry but never use. But I don't see that working with the tread blocks unless I ground the tread off smooth. So I plugged it.

View attachment 555271

I've only plugged nail and screw holes before, where it's hard to get the reamer in at all. This was easy and the cut was only about 2 reamer-widths long. With 2 plugs I couldn't hear any air. Crammed in a couple more for 4 plugs total, and trimmed the excess.

View attachment 555272

Guess I'll see how it holds up. Anything else I should try? I got new street tires so these are for trails now.

Perfect candidate for one of these.
https://products.techtirerepairs.co...BHbEb6WwTEX6UYPhvXBSoEUbVif9tvPxoCm5kQAvD_BwE

 

[Zorba]

What about putting in a tube?

 

[Apparition]

Perfect candidate for one of these.
https://products.techtirerepairs.co...BHbEb6WwTEX6UYPhvXBSoEUbVif9tvPxoCm5kQAvD_BwE

Had to look it up, this is the 6 not the 10. I assume same process? Different sizes?

 

[mrblaine]

Had to look it up, this is the 6 not the 10. I assume same process? Different sizes?

No idea. I've just dealt with folks in the tire business who relate that is the only way they will plug a hole in the tread and not worry about it.

 

[Peppergat]

Perfect candidate for one of these.
https://products.techtirerepairs.co...BHbEb6WwTEX6UYPhvXBSoEUbVif9tvPxoCm5kQAvD_BwE

We use this exact brand and style at work. They are awesome.

 

[SRCustom]

What about putting in a tube?

That won't prevent a structural failure of the tire.

 

[TheBoogieman]

Disagree, this is an opportunity, replace all the tires

Patagonias are irreplaceable.

 

[Apparition]

We use this exact brand and style at work. They are awesome.

Was my assumption above on the different sizes correct?

 

[Peppergat]

Was my assumption above on the different sizes correct?

Yes sir. They also make patches and just the pull through. Prepped correctly they work well. We are a big truck shop and use a lot of them.