Sticky String failure

Foxhuntr · Feb 23, 2009

I'm a fan of the sticky strings for patching flats, but I may need to rethink that. I plugged my rear tire about 3 weeks ago. It still had a slow leak, so I added slime. On a group ride yesterday it spit out the string and slung slime all over the inside of my fender. I was able to pump it up and make it home. I don't think I'll try to ride on a plugged tire next time.

It's now off the bike so I can take it in to have a new tire mounted tomorrow. I got a couple of sets of the Avons that were on sale cheap.

SLK50 · Feb 23, 2009

Foxhuntr said:
....I don't think I'll try to ride on a plugged tire next time.....

In that case, I hope your riding boots are comfortable to walk in.

Ignacio · Feb 23, 2009

If you threw the string or it leaked...then your patch job wasn't inadequate and should be redone. I'd look at your patching technique....and avoid that slime snot....it's evil stuff. A properly patched tire will work indefinitely....unless it's such a large hole that one would need to replace the tire.

markjenn · Feb 23, 2009

Slime and plugs are sorta incompatible. Once you use Slime, plugs won't hold worth a hoot and it appears from your experience that they'll also encourage failure of an existing plug. I hate the stuff.

- Mark

Big Shasta · Feb 23, 2009

I wonder if a mushroom plug would have slipped out as easily?

v65 · Feb 23, 2009

Big Shasta said:
I wonder if a mushroom plug would have slipped out as easily?

Look under tire repair, is it safe?

rbentnail · Feb 23, 2009

The only time I've had trouble with the strings was when the hole was so big I had to put two in just to slow it down enough to get home. The tire was shredded on the inside and had to be replaced. I suppose the slime could have affected the adhesion of the string but I've never heard of such a failure before.

Foxhuntr · Feb 23, 2009

Ignacio said:
If you threw the string or it leaked...then your patch job wasn't inadequate and should be redone. I'd look at your patching technique....and avoid that slime snot....it's evil stuff. A properly patched tire will work indefinitely....unless it's such a large hole that one would need to replace the tire.

I think you're right. It was fine for the first week or so, but then developed a slow leak. At that point, I should have pulled it and put an inside patch on it instead of the slime. Next time.......

Shane · Feb 23, 2009

I have removed and replaced sticky strings that have lost their seal after a year or more.

They hold ferociously, but can be removed with a needle nose pliers.

This was not on a motorcycle application.

Avoid mixing techniques on a single tire repair, IMHO.

Shane

slapnpop · Feb 23, 2009

markjenn said:
Slime and plugs are sorta incompatible. Once you use Slime, plugs won't hold worth a hoot and it appears from your experience that they'll also encourage failure of an existing plug. I hate the stuff.
- Mark

rbentnail said:
The only time I've had trouble with the strings was when the hole was so big I had to put two in just to slow it down enough to get home. The tire was shredded on the inside and had to be replaced. I suppose the slime could have affected the adhesion of the string but I've never heard of such a failure before.

Slime, etc, can act as a lubricant for the string-type plugs.

Agreed, the leaking string was a sign to re-do, or have properly patched from the inside. The strings work best for simple small diameter punctures, like nail. They also work better if you coat them in rubber cement before installation as well, the type you use for bicycle tire repair.

Best practice is of course, to only use strings as a temporary means of moving the bike before having the tire properly repaired or replaced. Also, riding motorcycles is dangerous, don't eat fatty cheeseburgers, and all that good stuff.

08FJR4ME · Feb 23, 2009

My kid changes auto tires for work. Can't stand the people that use that slime shite. Makes a total mess of the rim and has to clean the crap out of the rim before he can mount the new tires.

IMO give the tire guy a tip the next time you bring in one of those slimed up tires. Cause you ain't makin his day.

BulletBrad · Feb 26, 2009

Had a fella come in last week with a set of ME880's for his cruiser that really caught my eye. Have a look at their website. I think I might have to get a set and see how they last.

https://www.rhinotire.com/index.php

Wingman · Feb 26, 2009

I can confirm that the slime will DEFINITELY cause a plugged tire to eject the plug in short order. I used some in a lawnmower tire that already had several plugs and only made it about 50 feet before several plugs were gone and several more were oozing slime. The slime acts as a really good lubricant and seems to dissolve the rubber cement I used to install plugs. I would never even consider using slime on a motorcycle or car tire.

David

Canadian FJR · Feb 27, 2009

I've used sticky strings a few times and they generaly work well. The last package that I bought had a tube of glue, is there any need of this with a sticky string. As I said, I have used them in the past without any glue.

Also, is there any specific sticky string that is better than the other?

Canadian FJR

rbentnail · Feb 28, 2009

Canadian FJR said:
I've used sticky strings a few times and they generaly work well. The last package that I bought had a tube of glue, is there any need of this with a sticky string. As I said, I have used them in the past without any glue.
Also, is there any specific sticky string that is better than the other?

Canadian FJR

JMHO, but I've always used glue when installing. Dunno if it actually helps but it certainly can't hurt. And AFAIK sticky string is sticky string. No biggie.

Maybe cheaper ones always work fine b/c I always use glue. eh?

FJRBluesman · Feb 28, 2009

rbentnail said:
JMHO, but I've always used glue when installing. .....

+1 Gunny!

Lots-O-glue.

user 213 · Feb 28, 2009

Technique is all important!

Sticky strings are self vulcanizing, BUT the hole needs to be clean and even. (and they are all the same kind of string, just packaged differently.) If it's just a nice clean nail hole on a dry day, the string alone usually works fine. If its ragged, dirty, wet or anything but a smooth clean puncture, the string needs the glue for best results. Best bet, always use the glue. I've done it both ways and now always keep some glue in my kit.

You should ALWAYS ream the hole before using a sticky string. This is not to make it to size, but to CLEAN it. Added advantage of reaming is that it makes the hole more uniform. Then glue the hell out of the sticky string and insert per directions.

If your kit didn't come with a reamer, go to the local auto parts store and get one, and some fresh glue. Seems like the glue only lasts about a year under my seat whether I use it or not. I try to remember to replace the glue every season.

Like the others said, Slime + anything else = bad things.

The Rhinotire stuff looks interesting, but for the extra price they want for the treatment, you can buy a lot of sticky strings!

C&C · Feb 28, 2009

Although I don't think the glue is required or critical it does provide some lubrication for an easier insertion of the sticky string. And by keeping things slippery for just that couple, minutes may provide for a better bond between patch and tire.

Canadian FJR · Feb 28, 2009

Thanks for the info.

Canadian FJR

Sticky String failure

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