Which Tube Patch Kit(s) work reliably?

[Mark Nunn]

I am fortunate that I have not needed to patch a tube in years. But that day will come. What brands of patch kits work well for you? My nearby Autozone and tractor stores carry Slime brand. Do they hold up well? What others are readily available without a special order?

[Mark Nunn]

What is your preferred method of applying a patch to an inner tube? This is how my dad taught me some 60 years ago. Abrade the patch area to a size that is larger than the patch. Clean the dust and residue from the area. Apply glue to a surface area that is a little larger than the patch then light the glue. After burning for a few seconds, blow out the flame. Peal the backing from the patch and apply it while the glue and rubber is hot. Press thoroughly to adhere the patch. Peal the patch plastic covering and you’re ready to go. Does anyone else burn the glue these days?

[Tmooreheadf]

Some members of our club are having issues with the patches sticking to the tube, applying the patch in the same manner as they have for years. The patch comes off, many times before the tube is installed in the tire. Maybe tube compounds have changed making the adhesive not stick?

[Russ T Fender]

I have not been able to patch the new tubes effectively. I don't know if it is the tubes or the adhesive as I have not had to patch any of the old tubes I have lately but I never had any issues before and, being the frugal guy I am, some of my old tubes have 4 or 5 patches that have held for years!

[ThreePedalTapDancer]

Some tubes are not made of standard rubber and will not accept patches in any form, and the tubes do not bond with the patch adhesive. They are throw away after they get a puncture. Maybe a list needs to be compiled of those tubes that should be avoided or that do not accept patches.

[Humblej]

Might be the patch and not the tube. I have USA made tubes form the 1970's that will not hold a patch from a modern tube repair kit.

[Erik Johnson]

I've used Slime cement with older patches I've had on hand to patch bicycle inner tubes. No problems so far.

[SurfCityGene]

I use the Quality patch kits from the bicycle shop and have had good luck but that was only one time several years ago. Patch is still holding fine. I do carry a spare tube which I had to use one time several years ago because of stem damage. That's the total of my flat tires,... so far Two Keeping pressure around 60 is key.

[Mark Gregush]

I have taken some of the newer tubes to one of the major tire stores and had them cold patch them. They must have different glues or patch material, because I had tried to patch the same tube with no success and theirs held just fine.

[jsaylor]

I used to use he hot vulcanizing patches but they will not work on the tubes we get today.