This can be dirty job ~ but if you’re a DYIer and / or if necessity dictates ~ here’s how I would do it :
Needed : Tire Plug Kit, Air Compressor and Air Pressure Tire Gauge, Pliers.
Step 1 ~ Find the puncture
With at least enough air in the tire so that the puncture is able to leak air, use water to find the hole. Slowly pouring fluid over the tire, watch closely for bubbles ~ When you see bubbles, you’ve found the hole. ( Soapy Water is best for this. You might be able to ‘ make ‘ some with what you have in the car. ) DO NOT REMOVE THE NAIL YET.
Step 2 ~ Reposition Wheel for ease of hole access
It might be possible to plug the hole with the with the wheel still mounted to the car.
To aid in that method, move the car so the puncture location is accessible. If a front wheel, then also turn the wheel outward to make it even easier to access the hole.
Step 3 ~ Get everything ready BEFORE removing the nail. This is also a good time to add a little more air to the tire.
Get all parts of the kit ready :
Thread a plug into the insertion needle.
If kit includes ‘ glue ‘ put some on the plug, AFTER it has been threaded into the needle. Set this somewhere handy, close by where it won’t get dirty.
Have the debraider tool nearby and ready to go. Using Pliers remove the ‘ nail. ‘ Immediately insert the debraider tool completely into the hole. This will not be easy. Pull it back and forth to prep the hole. Leave it in the hole.
Get the Needle ass’y ready . . . pull the debraider tool out of the hole and immediately insert the TIP of the needle with the plug already threaded, into the hole ~ BECAREFUL to keep the needle perpendicular to the tire. If at an angle, the needle may bend rather than going into the tire. That would not be good.
Firmly thrust the needle into the tire such that about 1/2 inch of the plug ends still stick up above the tire.
Then with a steady motion, pull the needle out of the hole. The plug should remain in the hole. If you have scissors or a knife trim the extruding plug ends so there is only about 1 / 8 th inch of the plug sticking up above the surface of the tire.
Inflate the tire to the proper driving pressure. Retest the repair site with soapy water ~ there should be no air bubbles.
Keep an eye on it over the next week or so ( checking the tire pressure twice a day ) ~ Many folks drive on a tire with plugs for the remainder of the tires life ~ it’s your call. As far as I am concerned if a tire holds air, then it is good.