Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate | Time: 10–15 minutes
Tubeless tire plugs (bacon strips) and insertion tool
Tire levers (if you have to break the bead)
Multi-tool (with a valve core remover)
CO₂ inflator or mini pump
Sealant (a small bottle is ideal)
Spin the wheel to find where the sealant is spraying out. If the puncture is small, the sealant may have already sealed it. If it’s still hissing, mark the spot with a stick, your finger, or a leaf so you don’t lose it.
Thread a “bacon strip” (the sticky, fibrous plug) through the eye of the insertion tool. Fold it in half so both ends stick out evenly. Apply a little bit of sealant to the plug if you have some handy—it helps lubricate insertion.
Push the insertion tool firmly into the puncture hole. Go in at the same angle as the object that caused the puncture (usually angled forward relative to the tire). Push it in until only a small amount of the tool remains exposed. Do not twist—twisting can enlarge the hole.
Slowly and carefully pull the insertion tool straight out. The plug should remain inside the tire, with two little “tails” sticking out of the hole. If the plug comes out with the tool, you didn’t push it in deep enough—try again.
If the tails are very long, you can trim them down to about 1/4 inch (5–6 mm) using a knife or scissors. Don’t cut them flush—a little exposed material helps the plug settle. If you don’t have a knife, just leave them; they’ll wear down as you ride.
Use your mini pump or CO₂ inflator to bring the tire back up to pressure. If you have sealant, now is a good time to add a little through the valve (after removing the valve core) to ensure the plug fully seals.
Spin the wheel a few times to distribute the sealant around the plug. Listen for any hissing. If it’s still leaking slightly, give it a moment—the sealant often needs 30–60 seconds to fully set. If it continues to leak, you may need a second plug.
Once the tire holds air, you’re ready to ride! This repair is considered permanent for a small puncture, though you should check the pressure again before your next ride. When you eventually replace the tire, you can remove the plug from the inside and patch it properly if desired.
If the tire won’t seat: If you broke the bead during the repair, you may need to use a CO₂ inflator for a quick burst of air to seat it back onto the rim.
Large gashes: This method is for small punctures (nail, thorn, small screw). For sidewall cuts or large gashes, a tire boot (emergency patch) is needed, and you may have to install a tube to get home.
Valve core tool: Most multi-tools have a small notch on one of the hex keys that acts as a valve core remover. Look for the slot.
Safe trails!
