Vulcanising rubber solution disappearing inside closed tube?
03-27-16, 09:15 AM
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Vulcanising rubber solution disappearing inside closed tube?
Does anyone else have a problem with coming back to an opened but resealed tube of vulcanising rubber solution (for patching inner tubes) to find that it looks completely normal but when you try to squeeze solution out of it, it's full of air?
03-27-16, 09:20 AM
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That's SOP and unavoidable. There's very little solids in the solution and the solvent is very volatile and will escape under the cap. Once you break the seal, the shelf life of a tube of solution is limited.
I've found I can increase the shelf life by storing open tubes cap down. However, that sometimes glues the caps on so well that the tube comes apart before the cap comes off.
I've found I can increase the shelf life by storing open tubes cap down. However, that sometimes glues the caps on so well that the tube comes apart before the cap comes off.
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03-27-16, 10:03 AM
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Yes, it can evaporate even if the seal was never broken. I try to replace my patch kits yearly or at least every 2 years, and have spares around for the occasional empty tube. If it's a kit you just bought at the LBS, you may be able to return it.
03-27-16, 10:06 AM
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I've had an 8oz *can* of it seemingly mostly vanish while sitting on the shelf.
03-27-16, 10:07 AM
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The OP has an opened tube, returning it isn't an option. However, I agree that if one has a virgin tube that is dried out, then returning is an option if it were bought fairly recently.
Dried solvent, both in virgin and opened tubes is a simple shelf life issue, and not related to defects unless it was sold after the shelf life had run out.
Dried solvent, both in virgin and opened tubes is a simple shelf life issue, and not related to defects unless it was sold after the shelf life had run out.
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03-27-16, 10:44 AM
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Buy a can of vulcanizing cement. Then pour it into some nail polish bottles. It won't dry up and the nail polish brush is a fine applicator. Since you'll probably have to buy 8 oz. of glue, maybe split the purchase w/friends? One nail polish bottleful will last for dozens of flats.
It sure would be nice if the glue were sold like this..
It sure would be nice if the glue were sold like this..
Last edited by melloveloyellow; 03-27-16 at 10:56 AM.
03-27-16, 03:14 PM
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I just use self adhesive patches anymore (in my on-bike kit) for that reason, because yeah, the tubes of vulcanizer dry out in very short order after opening; they're basically single-use, unless you flat every week.
In addition to being good when you need them, the self-adhesive patches are just easier to use.
In addition to being good when you need them, the self-adhesive patches are just easier to use.
03-27-16, 03:35 PM
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Semi-related thing I discovered just last night, I've found it's not the best idea to keep a presta-schrader valve adapter in the patch kit as it can rattle around and cause the tube of cement to rupture. If you do keep an adapter in the kit you should periodically check to make sure the tube of cement is still good.
03-27-16, 03:41 PM
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If these are repairs done at home, simply buy a can of rubber cement....it will last you forever. For road repairs, the little tubes will need to be repurchased every couple of years at least.
03-27-16, 03:45 PM
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03-27-16, 04:21 PM
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Storing the tube in a refrigerator seems to slow the drying.
03-28-16, 08:03 AM
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Or just run tubeless and eliminate those issues.
03-28-16, 08:41 AM
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If you buy the 8 oz can of Rema fluid, it can last 4-5 years. Then you need to buy either a new can (about $20), or a bottle of solvent (trichlor? about $25).
