Punctures due to leaky patches: Am I doing it wrong?
#26
Senior Member
i vote for the patch kits that have two little glue tubes in them, more chances of them not drying out.
and once in a while, buying new tubes of glue, worth the few bucks to avoid a dried out one just when you need it.
and once in a while, buying new tubes of glue, worth the few bucks to avoid a dried out one just when you need it.
#27
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You can patch quite a few tubes with one little tube of glue. I still had glue leftover after this batch:
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#29
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Make sure to let the glue dry. Some years ago when I was living in Nigeria we had a young policeman stationed in our compound. I was riding my bike around the local roads, early in the morning only, too hot later and would occasionally get a flat from a wire or nail or something. One day I took a few tubes out to patch them. I had a good pump, and patch kit. I was under the thatched roof near the pool when the policeman came out to see.
Cooler and shady there. I started on the first one and he came closer. He politely asked if he could help. He showed me how he had been taught at the academy. Mark the spot, rough up the area, spread on the glue and WAIT. Like until the glue was really really dry. Then peel the back off the patch and apply. Then press it on really hard with a rounded object like the end of a screwdriver handle or similar. Talcum powder on the tube before reinstalling.
I was glad to have the lesson, I hadn’t been waiting long enough all those years. It was interesting that they taught tube patching at the police academy but if you were to get a flat somewhere it did make sense to be able to take care of it. Over the three years I lived there we had several pleasant patching sessions. I left just when he was taking his exams to be promoted. He passed and as we parted we wished each other well in our new endeavors. And thanks for the lessons.
Cooler and shady there. I started on the first one and he came closer. He politely asked if he could help. He showed me how he had been taught at the academy. Mark the spot, rough up the area, spread on the glue and WAIT. Like until the glue was really really dry. Then peel the back off the patch and apply. Then press it on really hard with a rounded object like the end of a screwdriver handle or similar. Talcum powder on the tube before reinstalling.
I was glad to have the lesson, I hadn’t been waiting long enough all those years. It was interesting that they taught tube patching at the police academy but if you were to get a flat somewhere it did make sense to be able to take care of it. Over the three years I lived there we had several pleasant patching sessions. I left just when he was taking his exams to be promoted. He passed and as we parted we wished each other well in our new endeavors. And thanks for the lessons.
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#30
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Make sure to let the glue dry. Some years ago when I was living in Nigeria we had a young policeman stationed in our compound. I was riding my bike around the local roads, early in the morning only, too hot later and would occasionally get a flat from a wire or nail or something. One day I took a few tubes out to patch them. I had a good pump, and patch kit. I was under the thatched roof near the pool when the policeman came out to see.
Cooler and shady there. I started on the first one and he came closer. He politely asked if he could help. He showed me how he had been taught at the academy. Mark the spot, rough up the area, spread on the glue and WAIT. Like until the glue was really really dry. Then peel the back off the patch and apply. Then press it on really hard with a rounded object like the end of a screwdriver handle or similar. Talcum powder on the tube before reinstalling.
I was glad to have the lesson, I hadn’t been waiting long enough all those years. It was interesting that they taught tube patching at the police academy but if you were to get a flat somewhere it did make sense to be able to take care of it. Over the three years I lived there we had several pleasant patching sessions. I left just when he was taking his exams to be promoted. He passed and as we parted we wished each other well in our new endeavors. And thanks for the lessons.
Cooler and shady there. I started on the first one and he came closer. He politely asked if he could help. He showed me how he had been taught at the academy. Mark the spot, rough up the area, spread on the glue and WAIT. Like until the glue was really really dry. Then peel the back off the patch and apply. Then press it on really hard with a rounded object like the end of a screwdriver handle or similar. Talcum powder on the tube before reinstalling.
I was glad to have the lesson, I hadn’t been waiting long enough all those years. It was interesting that they taught tube patching at the police academy but if you were to get a flat somewhere it did make sense to be able to take care of it. Over the three years I lived there we had several pleasant patching sessions. I left just when he was taking his exams to be promoted. He passed and as we parted we wished each other well in our new endeavors. And thanks for the lessons.
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#32
Senior Member
Best practice is to always keep a virgin tube of glue on the bike, and avoid patching tubes if at all possible until you've accumulated a bunch of punctured tubes at home. Then, if you have to patch a tube on the road (or run out of good spare tubes), immediately patch all of your punctured tubes when you get home, using your recently-opened tube. This maximizes the utility of each tube of glue, and minimizes the chance of being stuck somewhere with a dried-up tube of glue.
You can patch quite a few tubes with one little tube of glue. I still had glue leftover after this batch:
You can patch quite a few tubes with one little tube of glue. I still had glue leftover after this batch:
I have a larger tube of glue, and use it, and leave the unopened ones alone--checking them once in a blue moon to feel if they still feel luiquidy when I squeeze them.--and yes, tend to put in some just bought ones before going on a trip.
Hope you got the spoke caused hole dealt with, ie found the spoke protruding or the misplaced rim tape on that schraeder tube on the right with patch on the inside part.
#33
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good point, although I tend to do it right away, because if not, I forget and or mix up the tube, so just prefer to do it at home right away.
I have a larger tube of glue, and use it, and leave the unopened ones alone--checking them once in a blue moon to feel if they still feel luiquidy when I squeeze them.--and yes, tend to put in some just bought ones before going on a trip.
Hope you got the spoke caused hole dealt with, ie found the spoke protruding or the misplaced rim tape on that schraeder tube on the right with patch on the inside part.
I have a larger tube of glue, and use it, and leave the unopened ones alone--checking them once in a blue moon to feel if they still feel luiquidy when I squeeze them.--and yes, tend to put in some just bought ones before going on a trip.
Hope you got the spoke caused hole dealt with, ie found the spoke protruding or the misplaced rim tape on that schraeder tube on the right with patch on the inside part.
#34
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Seams unnecessary
I appreciate the efficiency of patching tubes in batches, but I don't generate enough punctured tubes, so I just do them singly as they occur. I don't like punctures, but I do enjoy patching. It's simple job that works, saves pitching a tube, and I get to huff a little Rema! It's satisfying.
#35
Senior Member
chuckle
like what the previous guy answered, I just dont get enough flats to even consider stockpiling holey tubes for mass patching (TOUCH WOOD!)
so its just easier to do it right away.
over many decades, fairly consistent average of maybe one flat per season (TOUCH WOOD!!!)
like what the previous guy answered, I just dont get enough flats to even consider stockpiling holey tubes for mass patching (TOUCH WOOD!)
so its just easier to do it right away.
over many decades, fairly consistent average of maybe one flat per season (TOUCH WOOD!!!)
#36
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chuckle
like what the previous guy answered, I just dont get enough flats to even consider stockpiling holey tubes for mass patching (TOUCH WOOD!)
so its just easier to do it right away.
over many decades, fairly consistent average of maybe one flat per season (TOUCH WOOD!!!)
like what the previous guy answered, I just dont get enough flats to even consider stockpiling holey tubes for mass patching (TOUCH WOOD!)
so its just easier to do it right away.
over many decades, fairly consistent average of maybe one flat per season (TOUCH WOOD!!!)
That handful in my picture was about 2-3 years in the making. I actually enjoy patching tubes as well, but obviously don't wish for more punctures than I currently get.
#37
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About glue tubes drying up: I've found that I can extend the useful life of an opened tube by squeezing lightly to get some glue peeking out before I put the cap back on. This forces the air out and keeps the glue fluid longer.
#38
Senior Member
Same here, just patch over it. I use Rema so YMMV. BTW, it's not really a seam, it's flashing from the vulcanization process.
About glue tubes drying up: I've found that I can extend the useful life of an opened tube by squeezing lightly to get some glue peeking out before I put the cap back on. This forces the air out and keeps the glue fluid longer.
About glue tubes drying up: I've found that I can extend the useful life of an opened tube by squeezing lightly to get some glue peeking out before I put the cap back on. This forces the air out and keeps the glue fluid longer.
re glue tubes--sometimes also over time cracks can happen in the tube, drying it out. This is why the small plastic boxes holding a patching kit is good, it helps stop the tube or tubes getting scrunched by other stuff.
#39
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The Fourth is timely, as I've accumulated enough flats that I'm about to dip into new tubes if I don't have a patching party. IIRC I had one early this year, and the one before that was last summer. The "tubes to be repaired" box is a great idea.
#40
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I agree that Rema "Tip Top" patch kits are excellent.
But I now buy packages of patches made in China (find then on eBay) and tubes of glue separately (also eBay). As long as it's a vulcanizing rubber cement (not the stuff made for gluing paper together) it should be fine. Always carry at least one unopened tube on the bike. At home I have a 4 oz can of glue, brush in the lid.
But I now buy packages of patches made in China (find then on eBay) and tubes of glue separately (also eBay). As long as it's a vulcanizing rubber cement (not the stuff made for gluing paper together) it should be fine. Always carry at least one unopened tube on the bike. At home I have a 4 oz can of glue, brush in the lid.
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Not that I am aware. I would suspect that ingredients in the glues available have been changed to less toxic (and less effective) alternatives. I live in California, and plenty of chemicals have been outlawed here, usually with no notice at all to the consumer. You simply discover that a cleaning product or tire patch glue no longer works as well as it used to.