From experience I learned that just because a tool or knife or gear looks all heavy duty and like it will survive anything means nothing until you are in a real world situation where you are depending on it! I've had gear that looks awesome tough and then the single time I REALLY need it it fails, especially no-name CHINA crap. You survival, camping and prepper guys know what I'm talking about!
I bought this kit because my tires are too large on my truck to fit a spare. I thought at least this will be better than nothing. I had it on my truck for a couple years when one day the mail lady comes rolling up to my place with a rubber to the rim flat tire. Her cheap old tires got a good size hole on my rural road. I thought perfect chance to check out this kit! I went to use the reamer but the hole was already larger than the tools diameter! I inserted a plug and added some air, she still had a slow leak but was able to finish her route and get home safely! It worked great!
A few months later I noticed a slow leak on my truck tire. If my truck sat a week my rear tire would be flat. I would pump it up when I needed the truck but that was a hassle. One day after doing so I came home, it was raining and when I got out of the truck I heard a hissing noise. Great! Air was bubbling out of the leak. Nice find! I marked it and a couple days later I set out to make the repair! I tried to insert the reamer and there was no way it would penetrate my awesome 10PLY 35x12 Toyo R/T tires!!!! I used all my strength but it would not go in! There was a piece of 2x4 nearby about 2' long. I started beating the handle of the reamer with it but it was difficult to hold it steady with one hand and beat on it with the other. Still would not go in. Finally I went inside and got a large heavy duty rubber mallet. With my forearms flexing and holding it with all my strength I was able to beat the reamer into the tire and work up a sweat at the same time. When I was finished it was a nice flush solid plug. The plug came out perfect, looked like a professional job. No problems since.
Well there you have my long story. The tool is the real deal, I was sure the shaft of the reamer would snap or the handle crack off like other cheap but tough looking tools but this one IS TOUGH! So refreshing to have this experience. Too many times I buy things and they fail early on. The kit is great that it has the lube, the pliers, the valve stem wrench, etc. One last thing to mention, it also took some force to push the string in, the string is also high quality! If it was cheap it would have broken before inserting into the tire! You might want to keep a good rubber mallet in your vehicle.
| Manufacturer | Boulder Tools |
|---|---|
| Brand | Boulder Tools |
| Model | BOTO-000029 |
| Item Weight | 1.43 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 11.81 x 0.98 x 0.98 inches |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Item model number | BOTO-000029 |
| Manufacturer Part Number | BOTO-000029 |
