Tires: studded tires, les schwab tire center, slow leaks

Question
I read your answer to a question about whether or not it was practical to remove studs and run the tire without them. You said it was not, especially if the studs and tread is wore out. It makes sense to me but, my wife's tires are in truly great shape. The tread looks to be about 75% and the studs aren't too worn either. However, the studs are becoming loose and causing multiple slow leaks from moving around and wearing holes through the tire. My local Les Schwab Tire Center told me there was nothing that could be done and gave me a quote for a new set of Wintercats to replace them. I asked about removing the studs or adding a liner of some kind. They said to junk the tires. It seems wrong to have to throw out a set of tires with 75% tread left, doesn't it? Plus, i don't like to burn cash at the same time. What do you think?
Thanks,
Andy
Bend, OR

Answer
Andy,

The studs are coming out and causing punctures?  That does not make sense.  And the tire is only 25% worn?  That also does not make sense.

I suspect there is something else going on.  Maybe the tires are old?  Maybe the source of the leaks is not the studs?

I have heard of folks removing the studs to save a set of winter tires, but there is a cost involved and they remove the studs themselves.  I doubt you will find anyone to do it for you.