Plug a tubeless puncture

Skill level 2 of 4 · Tune-upRepairBasic5 minTubeless tire

Tire sealed to the rim with tape and liquid sealant, no tube. Sealant plugs small holes. Lower pressure without pinch flats. Needs tubeless-ready rims and tires.

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Tools

Mini pump (ride kit): PRO BIKE TOOL Mini Bike Pump with gauge ($)
Tubeless plug kit: tubeless tire repair kit bacon strips ($)

Compare Good, Better and Best for each tool

Steps

Spin the hole to the bottom and wait: sealant seals most small holes on its own.
If it keeps hissing, push a plug into the hole with the plug tool until about 1 cm sticks out. If the thorn is still in, pull it out, then push the plug in straight away before much air escapes.
Pull the tool straight out; the plug stays.
Re-inflate. Trim the plug tail later, never pull it.
Sidewall cuts longer than ~5 mm need a tire boot and a tube to get home.

Diagram

Sliced across, like cutting through the tireTire, tape and valve

Tubeless: tape, valve and sealant (section)

Signs it needs doing

Slow leaks
Dried sealant

Problems this fixes

Keep getting flat tires