How To Fix a Flat Wheelbarrow Tire

A flat tire on your wheelbarrow can bring your yard work to a screeching halt. Fortunately, all you need is the right repair kit and about 15 minutes to fix it. Whether you’re dealing with a tubeless tire or one with an inner tube, learn how to get your wheelbarrow rolling again with advice from This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook.

Understanding Wheelbarrow Tire Types

Before you buy a repair kit, know what type of tire you’re dealing with. Wheelbarrow tires generally fall into a few basic types: 

• Foam-filled: Some manufacturers use solid closed-cell polyurethane instead of rubber for an extra bounce. The ride is firmer, but still has a bounce resembling air-filled tires.
• Run-flat: Run-flat tires can keep functioning for a limited time even after losing air pressure. This feature lets you complete your task before needing to repair or replace the tire, which can be particularly useful for time-sensitive projects.
• Solid rubber: Solid rubber tires aren’t as common, but you may seem them on heavy-duty wheelbarrows. They’re puncture proof and never flat, but provide a firmer ride. 
• Tubed: Tires with inner tubes resemble bicycle tires, using a separate inner tube capped off to hold the air. The valve stem on these tires is loose and moves slightly when you touch it.
• Tubeless: Tubeless tires have no separate inner tube. Instead, the tire itself forms an airtight seal with the rim. The valve stem on these tires is fixed tightly to the rim. Modern wheelbarrows tend to use tubeless tires since they’re slightly more puncture resistant than tubed ones.

Repairing a Tire with an Inner Tube

Repairing a tire with an inner tube is straightforward. All you need is a patch from a repair kit, some sandpaper, glue, and your inflating pump.

Start by removing the wheel from the wheelbarrow and finding the puncture site. Roughen the area around the puncture with sandpaper, then apply a patch according to the manufacturer’s directions. Let the patch dry completely and reinstall the inner tube as necessary, making sure it doesn’t twist. “Then get it back inside, blow it up, you’re good to go,” says Cook.

Fixing a Tubeless Wheelbarrow Tire

For tubeless tires, the repair process varies a little bit. Instead of patching the tire, you’ll use the tools in a plug repair kit.

Start by filling the tire with air to find the puncture site. “You can hear it, you can feel it,” says Cook. Once you know where the hole is, take the reamer from the repair kit and stick it through to clean up loose rubber and roughen the edges around the site. Leave the reamer in the tire for now.

Next, you’ll use the kit’s applicator to place the plug. The applicator has an eye resembling a large needle. Thread the plug through the eye about halfway. “Once you get it started,” says Cook, “you can usually grab it with a pliers and it’ll come through pretty easy.” Coat the plug with rubber cement for added adhesion.

In a quick motion, remove the reamer and insert the applicator about 2/3 of the way into the hole. Leave about 1/4 inch of the plug protruding from the tire surface. When you remove the applicator, the plug will stay in place.

Use side-cutting pliers to trim the excess plug material flush. Then, reinflate the tire back to its proper pressure.

Preventing Future Wheelbarrow Tire Flats

To save time and effort, it’s wise to implement measures that prevent flat tires in the first place. Here are some strategies to help avoid future flats:

• Regularly inspect your wheelbarrow tires for signs of wear or damage.
• Keep tires properly inflated to the recommended pressure.
• Avoid overloading your wheelbarrow beyond its listed weight capacity.
• Store your wheelbarrow in a covered area to protect it from the elements.

Our Conclusion

Fixing a flat wheelbarrow tire is a simple do-it-yourself (DIY) task that can save you time and money. With the right tools and techniques, you can quickly repair both tubed and tubeless tires. Consider alternative tire options if punctures are a recurring issue, especially solid or foam-filled tires for their durability and low maintenance.