Oneder

I need to patch some tubes but all the bike stores are closed and walmart doesn't have any rubber cement just those terrible slime patch kits that don't seem to work AT ALL. I'll probably order some online but I want to patch up one of my spare bikes asap for company.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/3M-19-oz...e-80/100174709
This glue claims to bond rubber, a little expensive. Would just try it out but I am skeptical of an spray on glue working. I went to home depot and examined the gorilla glue but I am pretty sure anything with a water base will definitely not work if I remember right. Anything else I can use or am I just out of luck til I can get something delivered?

DrIsotope

Elmer's Rubber Cement will work. You should be able to find it pretty much everywhere-- genuinely surprised your Wally World doesn't have it.

I've been using the same can of Slime Rubber Cement to patch tubes and tires for three years. $6 shipped from Amazon.

Oneder

They may have it in another section of walmart, or it just may be sold out. There is no rubber cement in the bike section there at any rate. Lots of empty spaces on the shelves.

DrIsotope

It will either be in school supplies or crafts. Little brown bottle with an orange lid.

stevel610 

Try arts & crafts or school supplies.

Oneder

Thanks guys, I will head back later then.

Iride01 

Academy Sports? Dick's? Office Depot? Target? They all should have some form of it in the bike or office/school section. Those spray cans usually plug up quickly if they sit any time at all after first use. But I've never specifically used that adhesive.

Bike shops closed there? They've been considered essential service here since the beginning of all this.

Oneder

They are open for repairs only, can't buy anything.

dsbrantjr

The vulcanizing fluid used to patch tubes is neither glue nor rubber cement, it promotes crosslinking of the rubber polymer with chains of sulfur bonds: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sulfur_vulcanization
Done properly the tube and patch become bonded into a single piece.
I use the Rema patches and fluid.

Sy Reene

But is rubber cement the same as vulcanizing fluid?
https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycling/1124107-nagging-question-vulcanizing-fluid-just-plain-old-rubber-cement.html

dedhed

Auto parts store for the big can.

cyccommute 

I would say no. rpenmanparker’s assumptions are flawed in that old post. There is a chemical in the patch but there is also cyclohexyl-N-ethylamine in the cold vulcanizing fluid that Rema makes. It’s a two part system and without both parts, the vulcanizing fluid is just rubber cement. But with both parts together, the system is something very different.

I would be skeptical of the spray glue working. In a pinch, rubber cement will work. It’s not as permanent but it will work well enough. You can get some from Office Max with curbside pick up. Or check Ace Hardware. They should have it.

Oneder

I got a patch repair kit at the auto store, patch broke after half an hour though. I will try again tomorrow with a piece of old tube instead of their patch.

ThermionicScott 

This is why I keep some supplies around before I need them.

Oneder

I'd been using the sticker type patches but turns out they are utter garbage.

Digger Goreman

I have a Rema kit, but keep the patches for on the road emergency repair (also carry two tubes). I cut an old tube and use the de-vulcanizing fluid. Excellent repairs

JoeTBM 

I have found this also in the automotive depts and auto parts stores (Advance Auto, Autozone, O'reily's, etc.)

cyccommute 

You do know that they’ll make more of them if you run out A box of 100 F1 (25mm size) can be had for about $16. The F0 for smaller tubes cost about the same. 100 patches is a life time supply if you don’t live in goat head country. It’s about a yearly supply if you do.

You can get 5 g, 10g or 8oz containers of vulcanizing fluid for $2 to $20. I patch a lot and prefer the tubes to a can, however. The can will last a long time but make a mistake of not closing it and it gets costly in a hurry. As long as they aren’t punctured, tubes of fluid last for a long time.

davidad

This has worked for me for years...https://www.autozone.com/suspension-...E&gclsrc=aw.ds

Digger Goreman

Yes, true, but I have a nearly infinite supply from a tube that couldn't be patched. Time and effort are never wasted keeping useful items out of the landfill

drlogik 

Rubber cement of any kind is not exactly vulcanizing fluid and the results may vary from no sticky to gooey mess. Napa stores are open in my area. Try them.

MarcusT

I tried the rubber cement application to save money and easy to find, but found the patches could be easily peeled off. Maybe in a pinch, but I made an order of 4 tubes of vulcanizing right away.

Spaghetti Legs 

Box of Rema patches and a jar of Slime rubber cement. Whether it vulcanizes or not it’s been working fine for me for the past few years.