FIRE!

Yes, that was routine when I was growing up. Made patching tubes a lot of fun ... you know, kids and matches, and you could it right in front of Mom.

I don't fire them off now, though.

When I patch tubes in my shop, I finish up by putting the patch in a clamp for a minute or so. That sucker's on there!

Also, good glue makes a difference. I bought a small tub of stuff -- "Vulcanizing Fluid" -- from Rema, along with 100 of their Tip-Top patches -- bring on the glass!