Patching a Tube

When you get a flat tire on an inflatable tube tire such as those on bicycles, a quick fix can save you money, and get you back on the road again quick. You’ll need one of the many patch kits available at any local store. They come in several varieties, but they all contain the same basic materials you’ll need to fix your tire. Once you have the kit you are just a few quick steps away from being ready to ride.

Find the location of the puncture. There are several ways to find the source of the leak. The first, easiest way if the hole is pronounced enough is to listen for the hiss of air escaping. Fill the inner tube and apply pressure so that air is forced out of the leak. The next way is to feel around the tube as air is forced out to see if you can detect the draft of escaping air. Finally, if all else fails, fill a spray bottle with warm water and a couple of drops of dish soap. Shake well and spray the liquid on the tube. Look for bubbles where the air is escaping. If you have a big enough tub, or basin you can submerge the inner tube in it and watch for bubbles escaping.

Dry the inner tube well and mark it with a marker. Lay the inner tube flat on a firm surface. Prepare the inner tube by roughing the rubber surface to give the adhesives something to grab on and stick to. Take a piece of sandpaper and scrape the inner tube about 1 inch to 1.5 inches around the puncture area.

Spread the adhesive from a patch kit evenly across the roughed surface. Open the patch and remove any foil or paper from the sticking surface. Cut the patch to size if necessary, so that it covers the entire roughed area. Place the patch over the adhesives. Remove any backing present on the patch.

Put the inner tube back in the tire and re-inflate.