Bicycle Mechanics - Tube patches, to glue or not to glue?

I have read in the forums that the only patch to use is a glued patch and not a self adhesive one. Any comments on whether a self adhesive patch is ok till you replace the tube?


If it's not broke, you're not trying hard enough! - Red Green

its okay till you just get a new tube. BUt you might as well use glue and keep it on forever, nevermind a new tube.

I had a tube with 7 glued patches on it that I had been riding on for over three years. It got an 8th hole, which I patched with a self-adhesive patch. It lasted for a few days before leaking again. I replaced the tube..

If you want it to really stay, use a glued patch. Keeping a self adhesive kit in your bag is fine, because it is tiny and easy to use on the side of the road, but it isn't as effective as a glued on patch.

peace,
sam

In my experience, self-adhesive patches are temporary. They never stay on longer than a few rides/days. And if you're trying to patch in wet, humid weather, it would be tough to get it to stick. In super humid conditions, even my glue failed, and the only sure way was the old style, vulcanizing rubber, burning press thing that Third World country mechanics still rely on.

Self adhesive patches do not work well with high pressure tires.

Enjoy

Mooncricket, I'm curious about your burning method. I assume this is a roadside method or else there would be an easier way to get things drier. Do you mean just lighting the glue to burn off the volatile components? If there's more burning involved, how do you keep from burning your hand when you slap the patch on?

Mooncricket, I'm curious about your burning method. I assume this is a roadside method or else there would be an easier way to get things drier. Do you mean just lighting the glue to burn off the volatile components? If there's more burning involved, how do you keep from burning your hand when you slap the patch on?

you blow it out.
I used to apply patches like that when I was a piro.
I've been match free for 20 years now and have never felt better.

Enjoy

I have read in the forums that the only patch to use is a glued patch and not a self adhesive one. Any comments on whether a self adhesive patch is ok till you replace the tube?

So how many flats are you getting?

I always carry a spare inner tube with me. When I flat I take the punctured inner tube home. I used to throw them in a box and wait for a rainy Saturday afternoon to patch a whole batch of tubes all at one time. When you do it that way, waiting for the glue to dry isn't a big deal. The last few years I've had so few flat tires that I can't remember the last time that I've patched any tubes.

Glue!

Actually, five years ago I still saw them selling in some old surplus shops. You apply the glue (I don't know if it's the same glue or not), apply the patch, (then sometimes a bit of foil so it doesn't stick to the press), then apply a vice-like device that has a cup for some burning material (I suppose it's sorta like a hot-iron approach). A couple of minutes of burning and voila, the best seal ever.

Like Phidauex, I've got tubes with an embarasshingly large number of patches on them ... but, hey, they're good as new. Why use up the planet's resources and fill up landfills when you don't need to?

I think burnign patch thing is good for when you're caught in a torrential rain with a puncture and there ain't no way back home because you've used up your only spare tube and you're all wet and the leaves are wet and there ain't a dry thang around to wipe the bloody rain off the inner tube and you're thinking oh **** oh **** I'm gonna have to sleep out here in the rain and the mosquitoes are gonna murder me.

of course, you'd need dry matches or a lighter to light the darn thing

use the glue patches they stick better especially if the hole is anywhere near the seam. also using a lighter after the glue is dry will help the patch adhere even better to the tube.undefined

Self adhesive patches do not work well with high pressure tires.

Enjoy


I could see how that might be a problem. Just to be contradictory;), I've never had any problem with glueless patches on my MTB's. I have tubes that are patched with both glued and glueless patches that are several years old now.

a little safety caveat. The glue for all patches, including vulcanized ones, can melt if you get it hot enough. The problem is greatly exacerbated with those stick on ones. How would you get a patch hot enough? A mountain pass at 55 mph will make your rims hot enough to raise welts on your fingers, and destroy the air-sealing ability of your patches at the least opportune moment (Voice of Experience). I hate to be environmentally insensitive, but I also hate to ride my face across the pavement. I never leave a patched tube in my bike after I can get to a replacement.