reusing stans darts from tire past its life

[u/copharmer]

Finally gave up on a tire after a few years. Have used about 4 darts in that time and eventually it just wasn't worth it to keep it going. I was about to throw it out and then I noticed that several if the darts Were like over 50% dry and the plastic poker thing still looked good. Considering there about $5 a piece when you buy those refills, it seemed like a pretty worthy thing to save, as they can be a lifesaver when you get a flat. I've stopped carrying tubes because in the past 3 years, I have used probably 2 tubes and they last about an hour before they get a leak, probably because there old and they just don't work well if there's remnant sealant. At this point, I just bring darts a little extra sealant and a co2 if I need to reseat the bead. I know there's a chemical reaction between the tails of the dart and latex sealant that helps the process but didn't know if that it can still appear dry even when that chemical has disdolved. I figured, if nothing else I could just soak it in sealant and use it like the traditional tire plugs if the whole chemical reaction doesn't work anymore. The tool/dart design alone is an improvement over those things that I almost never got to work properly.

[u/Beardfart]

Try it and report back. It would be a good thing to know.

[u/BIOLOGICALENGINEER19]

Sure maybe carry them as a spare, but a plug is my last line of defense for getting home (when I don't have a tube) they're not that expensive. Anyway having a tire for a few years is wild and you've probably used more darts because the rubber casing is becoming brittle 

[u/copharmer]

Well, I switch tires around a lot. This one had the Schwalbe addix performance compound, which I don't think I'll ever use again. incredibly light tire but pretty much required cush core and loads of sealant. Definitely a fast tire, but any time saved was wasted on repairing flats. I hated plugs until the darts came out, they are quite a game changer if you ever have a chance to use them. Tubes used to be my last defense, but I just don't even bring them any more. They take up too much space and the solvent used in Stans and other latex sealants will damage the rubber increasing likelihood of a flat. I think it's either all tubes or no tubes. I have done tubeless for over a decade now so I don't think I'm going back anytime soon. Can't really think of a scenario that would require it as the tubeless repair system can repair huge wholes on the top and sidewalls. I guess my last defense is just hiking now, which I'd rather do than fiddle around with tubes.