How to Fix a Flat Tire on a Lawn Mower | #diy

Mowing the lawn can be stressful enough, even when all your equipment is working correctly. But what about when a random problem happens suddenly, like a flat tire on your mower? If you don’t have the know-how to fix a flat, your simple mowing job can easily turn into a day-long activity. These step-by-step instructions will help you the next time you need to fix a flat tire on your mower.

1. Assess the Situation and Gather Tools

Image via Flickr by Myself248

Begin by making sure the tire isn’t completely ruined, and check to see if it has a tube that needs to be replaced. In most cases, lawn mower tires are designed without tubes, making them simple to repair if you get a flat. To fix these types of tires you’ll need the following tools:

• a pair of pliers
• a reaming tool
• rubber cement
• a tire plug
• a T-shaped plugging tool

All of these items can be found at your local hardware store. However, if you decide that your tire is beyond repair, visit a site like overstockwheels.com to find a new one for a low price.

2. Remove the Nail or Other Object

Image via Flickr by °Florian

Once you have all the tools you need, the next step is to remove the nail or other object from the tire. You can usually leave the tire mounted to the lawn mower, but use a jack to remove it if it makes you feel more comfortable.

Using a pair of pliers, simply grasp the object firmly and pull it from the hole. Be careful not to stab yourself, and dispose of the object in the garbage so that you don’t flatten another tire later.

3. Prepare the Hole and the Tire Plug

Image via Flickr by Steve Snodgrass

The next step is to prepare the tire and the plug you’ll use to fill it. First, clean the hole of debris, and then use the reaming tool to widen the hole so that it will fit the plug.

Your plugging tool should be in the shape of a “T,” with a space near the bottom to place the tire plug. Insert the plug into the tool, and then coat it liberally with rubber cement.

4. Plug the Tire

Next, carefully plug the tire by inserting the plugging tool into the hole. Do this by aligning the plug so that it lies flat on the surface of the tire, and then push the tool until the plug folds into the hole. You’ll then need to twist the tool and remove it, leaving about 1/2 inch of the plug exposed from the tire.

5. Add Air to the Tire, and Trim the Plug

Image via Flickr by wwarby

Finally, fill the tire to its recommended air pressure, and snip the plug flush with the tire’s surface. Wait about 10 minutes to be sure the tire isn’t leaking air, and then you’ll be ready to go.

All things considered, repairing a flat tire on your mower should take less than an hour. With a little preparation, and these step-by-step instructions, you’ll be back to your yard work in no time.