Abstract: A simple bore hole plug for either temporarily or permanently sealing mine bore holes and ventilating shafts or the like is described. A plurality of used motor vehicle tires are arranged one upon the other coaxially in increasing order of diameter. Steel plates are placed at the top and bottom of the tire pile and maintained in spaced relation by means of a metal separator pipe. A steel rod having a lifting eye at one end and a threaded portion at the other end, is passed axially through the pipe and a nut is tightened on the threaded portion to draw the tires tightly together.