Name: Stan's Original DART Tool
Brand: Stan's
SKU: TP0043
Price: 27.0 USD
Availability: InStock

$27.00

Shipping calculated at checkout.

New for 2025: updated stainless steel insertion rod
Includes two DARTs, refills sold separately
Repairs punctures and slices too large for sealant alone to seal
Woven, laser-cut material easily conforms to nonuniform punctures shapes
Base of tool features molded Presta core tool for sealant top-offs
Clear caps keep DARTs clean and unthread for quick use

+ LIFETIME WARRANTY

DETAILS
Troubleshooting

DETAILS

Stan’s unveiled the Dual Action Repair for Tubeless (DART) Tool in 2019, ushering in the first repair plug designed specifically for tubeless bicycle tires, rather than a scaled-down version of what was available in the automotive and motorcycle world. Subsequent refinements made way for the tool’s rerelease as the Original DART Tool in 2025, introducing a stainless steel insertion rod accompanied by an improved DART developed through the first tool’s lifespan.

By using a flexible, laser-cut material, the DART conforms to nonuniform puncture shapes caused by the jagged and sharp edges of debris and obstacles found on trails, roads, and paths. Treated with a reactive solution, the DART bonds with liquid sealant on the inside of a tubeless tire to form both a chemical and mechanical seal to permanently bond a puncture too large for tubeless sealant to repair on its own.

Complete with two DARTs, the tool weighs only 15-grams and fits comfortably in any small pack pocket. For added convenience, the base of the molded plastic tool body features a Presta valve core remover to aid in-the-field sealant topoffs with either a 60ml or 120ml bottle of Stan’s Original Tubeless Sealant.

New for 2025: updated stainless steel insertion rod
Includes two DARTs, refills sold separately
Repairs punctures and slices too large for sealant alone to seal
Woven, laser-cut material easily conforms to nonuniform punctures shapes
Base of tool features molded Presta core tool for sealant top-offs
Clear caps keep DARTs clean and unthread for quick use

Troubleshooting

Below is a guide to help you master the tool and troubleshoot the most common "gotchas."

1. Preparation: Why Sealant Matters

The DART is not a standard "bacon strip." It is chemically treated to react specifically with latex-based sealants (like Stan’s) to form an airtight scab.
Fresh Sealant: If your sealant is dried up, the DART cannot bond. New tires absorb sealant quickly, so we recommend checking levels and topping off every 3–6 months.
The 5mm Threshold: The DART is designed for punctures larger than 5mm. If a smaller hole isn't sealing, you generally don't need a DART—you likely just need more liquid sealant in the tire.
Built-in Valve Tool: The DART handle features an integrated valve core remover. Use this to quickly add more sealant if you lost a significant amount during the puncture.

2. How to Use the DART Tool

Locate & Clear: Find the puncture and clear away any glass, thorns, or debris.
Align & Push: Align the DART tip straight with the hole. Push firmly until the plastic body of the tool makes contact with the tire tread. The barbed tip must pass completely through the casing.
The "6 O'Clock Pool": Once inserted, immediately rotate the wheel so the DART is at the 6 o'clock position (bottom). This submerges the DART's fabric "feathers" in liquid sealant, triggering the chemical reaction.
Do Not Trim: Unlike traditional rubber plugs, do not cut the excess material. The remaining fabric is ultra-soft and will wear away naturally as you ride without affecting traction or feel.

3. Troubleshooting Common Issues

Puncture is too small to enter: The DART tip needs clearance to pass through. Ream the hole slightly first.
Tire is "Pancake" flat: Without internal air pressure, the casing just squashes. Pinch the tire tread between your fingers and pull outward to create a firm backing surface.
High Pressure (Road / Gravel): Pressures over 45 PSI can push liquid out too fast. Bleed off some air pressure to let the sealant react and pack into the DART fabric.
DART Tip Bends or Snaps: Side-loading during insertion can snap plastic tips. Ensure you are pushing straight into the tire without twisting the tool.
Sealant won't stop leaking: For wide slices or gashes, you can "stack" DARTs by inserting a second feather right next to the first one to fill the void.

A Quick Note on CO2:
If you use a CO2 cartridge for a quick roadside inflation, keep in mind that CO2 can degrade liquid latex over time. Once you get home, we recommend letting the CO2 out and reinflating with regular floor pump air to preserve your sealant's lifespan. We hope this helps you get back out there with total confidence. We want you spending your time on the pedals, not on the side of the trail!

Doesn’t work

Tried this for the first time on a small picture on a nearly new tire. Followed instructions but couldn’t get it secured and sealed no matter what I tried.

Thanks for the feedback, DSS! We're sorry the DART didn't work as expected on your new tire.

The DART works differently than standard plugs—it uses a chemical reaction with liquid latex to create a seal rather than just plugging the hole with rubber. If sealant levels are low, or if the wheel isn't rotated to the 6 o'clock position immediately after insertion to submerge the DART's fabric, it can struggle to bond. Additionally, the DART is designed for punctures over 5mm (smaller holes rely on liquid sealant alone).

We’d love the chance to make this right! Please drop us a line at hello@stans.com so we can share some quick tips to get you rolling with confidence.

Double Flat Ride Savers

I was riding some small roads in the French countryside and decided to go straight using a farm road to see where it went. Some folks call that adventuring, but it is just how I ride. Suddenly, both my brand new, not so cheap, Conti GP5000 TR S 35s punctured. This was the day my phone had 10% charge when I was about to roll, so I left it at home. I was kinda worried for it was hot. Anyway, I got stopped and looked for escaping sealant to assess the damage. Damn, back was on the sidewall and front had a center tread puncture. I pulled out my stainless dart tool, popped one in each hole, rotated the holes down so sealant would interact with the darts and I prayed a bit —Viola, both sealed right up! I topped off the air with my mini electro-pump and was back riding. I ordered some new tires from an online French bike shop when I got back, but they haven't arrived yet. I've been riding the darted tires for the past 5 days, maybe adding 3-5 PSI before each ride. I LOVE THE DARTS!

Good stuff...

After switching to tubeless on one of my road bikes, I hit a piece of metal which ended up wrapped around a spoke. Left about a 1/4 inch slice in the center contact area of my rear tire. The Stans Sealant did it's job and I was able to finish the last 20 miles of that ride with no issues. On a subsequent ride a couple weeks later, same tire punctured again and again I was able to make it home, but was losing air(and sealant) very slowly. I placed a Stans DART into the puncture with the Stans Original DART Tool and continue to ride that tire with no issues. I eventually converted a second road bike to tubeless and first ride with that setup I got a puncture that turned out to be a small metal pin which ended up inside the tire. After a couple of attempts to get the sealant to seal roadside, I put a Stans DART in the hole which sealed it immediately. I am very pleased with my results thus far and recommend both the Stans Original DART Tool and DARTS as well as Stans Original Tubeless Sealant. Well done Stans!

Doesn't work

I bought this 4 months ago and have attempted to use it four or five times since then on my road bike. Sometimes I can't get the dart into the puncture hole and have to enlarge it slightly, then when I do get it in it doesn't seal - the sealant continues to bubble out through the dart. I was so hopeful about this product so it is very disappointing.

Does not work on nail punctures

I had a small nail puncture close to the center of the rear tire. It was extremely difficult trying to insert the dart into the puncture. Especially, with a deflated tire. I had to drill the hole larger just to get the dart in. Once I got the dart in I filed the tire with 120ml of Stan’s sealant. I reflated the tire to 20psi. I rotated the tire so that the sealant would interact with the dart material. It did not seal the puncture. The product does not work in my experience.

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