Reinforce Old Pneumatic Garden Tires

It happens every time. I go to my back yard to get my hose reel/ garden cart and there it is; One, maybe two flat pneumatic tires. Well, no more! I tried this simple, yet effective, method to prolong the use of these awful tires.

• Expanding foam insulation (i.e. Great Stuff)
• Drill
• 3/16" drill bit (may vary depending on straw size)
• Rags
• Razor

Drill at least four holes equal distance in the side wall of the tire using a 3/16" drill bit. A 3/16" hole was a perfect, snug fit for the straw on the can of insulation. Use a different size if necessary as to not leave a gap around the straw when filling.

Also, check your valve stems. Mine were dry and cracked so removing the caps or any stem was pointless.

Follow the directions on the can to prepare your foam (i.e. shaking for 60 seconds, optimal temperature for application).

Then insert the straw into one of your drilled holes.

Slowly start applying the foam.

Occasionally turn the tire to help the expansion.

After a few seconds change to the next hole.

Repeat until you have applied the foam thoroughly.

Repeat the process for each remaining tire.

Then allow the foam to settle and cure.

After the foam has hardened and cured, use your razor to CAREFULLY remove the excess foam protruding from the tire.

Now you won't have to worry about those low pressure, typically low quality garden tires being flat every time your need to use your garden cart.