Repairing Guides

how to repair bike tube puncture

by Dr. Liliane Bartoletti Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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  • Rough up the area around the puncture slightly with some sandpaper (usually included in puncture repair kits) – this will help the patch stick to the tube.
  • Then, add glue to the area, stick down your patch and wait a moment for the glue to dry. ...
  • Make sure it's airtight by putting a little bit of air into the tube.
  • Even if you don’t fancy repairing a puncture out on a ride, you can stash the inner tube in your back pocket or bag and fix it when you get ...

Full Answer

How to repair a puncture on a bike?

To repair a bike puncture, you will need: Three tire levers; A puncture repair kit or spare tube; A reliable pump that is compatible with your valve; A complete puncture repair kit consists of a marker, sandpaper, rubber solution, and patches. With these tools and accessories, you can either repair the puncture or change the tube.

How do you fix a puncture on a tire?

In your puncture repair kit, there should be a small piece of sandpaper. Use it to lightly rub around the damaged tube in the area of the hole to provide a better surface for the rubber solution to grip.

How do you patch a bicycle tube?

Before you patch a bicycle tube, you'll want to remove the tube from the tire and locate the puncture, which you can do by inflating the tube and checking for holes. Once you've found a hole, mark it so it's easy to locate. Next, apply glue around the hole, let it nearly dry, and press the patch into place.

Can you repair a punctured inner tube?

Inner tubes can be quite expensive, and they're easy to fix so it's a good idea to mend them instead of simply replacing one and chucking the old rubber. If the puncture is not obvious, pump up the inner tube.

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How do you fix a hole in a bike tube?

0:382:06How to Patch a Bicycle Inner Tube - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWith the tire push to one side place the valve of your new tube through the hole in your rim. MovingMoreWith the tire push to one side place the valve of your new tube through the hole in your rim. Moving around the wheel tuck the tube into the tire. Starting at the valve reinstall.

How do you fix a bike puncture at home?

1:132:26How To Repair a Bicycle Puncture - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTake the sandpaper from the puncture repair kit and roughen the surface of the inner tube. ThenMoreTake the sandpaper from the puncture repair kit and roughen the surface of the inner tube. Then apply the rubber solution and blow on it to speed up the drying. Process.

Can you fix a punctured bike tire?

0:124:34How To Fix A Bike Puncture - Repairing An Inner Tube - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSome sandpaper in order to rough up the surface of the inner tube which aids the adhesion of theMoreSome sandpaper in order to rough up the surface of the inner tube which aids the adhesion of the patches. And you get various patches in different sizes.

Can you fix a popped bike tube?

To save time while out biking, many cyclists may prefer to replace a damaged tube with a new one and repair the old one later. You should also replace—instead of patch—your tube any time the damage is too extensive or severe to patch, when a patch job fails to hold or when the tube's valve is damaged.

What household items can I use to patch a bike tire?

0:131:16How to Fix a Bike Flat without a Patch Kit - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou will need a sunglass strap and leaves or grass. Step. 1 turn your bike upside down and removeMoreYou will need a sunglass strap and leaves or grass. Step. 1 turn your bike upside down and remove the wheel then use your hands or a bike handle to separate one side of the tire from the rim.

Is it worth patching a bike tube?

Overall, patching is cheaper and better for the environment than replacing your tube, so I recommend it for most situations. However, there are some flats that cannot be patched. If the hole is near the valve stem or if it is a linear tear and not a hole, you will need to swap tubes.

Do I need a new bike tire or just a tube?

As long as it is a pin sized nail and not a rail road tie then you should be just fine replacing the tube and still using the tire. Just be sure the pin is not still in the tire ready to flat another tube. If its just a puncture, learn to patch the tube.

How do you fix a puncture on a bike without removing the wheel?

0:030:55Exposing the inner tube without removing the wheel - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThen you may use tire levers to get one side of the tire. Outside the rim. After inserting the thirdMoreThen you may use tire levers to get one side of the tire. Outside the rim. After inserting the third tire lever you may remove the middle one and then leapfrog them along until that side of the tire.

How do you make a homemade tire patch?

5:339:35DIY Cheap + Easy Trick For A Flat Tire Repair. Never Be Left Stranded ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNext up and what you want to do you take your rubber cement that comes with your tyre plugin kit andMoreNext up and what you want to do you take your rubber cement that comes with your tyre plugin kit and you're gonna put some on. There.

Can you patch a bike tube with duct tape?

The best household items for patching a bike tube In a pinch, you can use duct tape as a temporary patch until you can do the rubber cement method. Just don't try to substitute super glue for rubber cement. Your bike tires can withstand only so much punishment before they need to be replaced.

How do you patch an inner tube?

0:241:11How To Patch a Tube - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipClean and dry the inner tube if the tube is dirty the patch may not stick spread the cement smear aMoreClean and dry the inner tube if the tube is dirty the patch may not stick spread the cement smear a thin layer of cement around the hole. And slightly bigger than the patch.

Can a bike tire go flat without a puncture?

Your tires go flat due to valve damage, pinched Presta valves stem, or pinch flatting because you didn't put enough air into it when inflating in the first place. It is vital to keep your bike tires properly inflated for the best performance and safety.

Can you use duct tape to patch a bike tire?

Cut a three-inch piece of electrical or duct tape. Believe it or not, materials contained in patch kits often aren't as effective as good-quality tape. Place the piece of tape over the hole, making certain the hole is in the center of the strip. Wrap the tape completely around the tube.

How do you fix a bike tire without a tube?

1:172:45How to Patch a Tire | Bike Repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut make sure that the patch does not obstruct the tire bead which hooks on to the wheel. Rim. IfMoreBut make sure that the patch does not obstruct the tire bead which hooks on to the wheel. Rim. If the gash is very large you may need to stitch it up using a needle and some dental floss as thread.

How do you make a homemade tire patch?

5:339:35DIY Cheap + Easy Trick For A Flat Tire Repair. Never Be Left Stranded ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNext up and what you want to do you take your rubber cement that comes with your tyre plugin kit andMoreNext up and what you want to do you take your rubber cement that comes with your tyre plugin kit and you're gonna put some on. There.

How do you fix a puncture on a bike without removing the wheel?

0:030:55Exposing the inner tube without removing the wheel - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThen you may use tire levers to get one side of the tire. Outside the rim. After inserting the thirdMoreThen you may use tire levers to get one side of the tire. Outside the rim. After inserting the third tire lever you may remove the middle one and then leapfrog them along until that side of the tire.

How do I know what inner tube I need?

In general there are two types of valve, Presta and Shrader Valve. A Shrader valve is the same as you’ll find on a car tyre and to inflate it you s...

Why do I keep getting punctures?

If you find you're getting regular punctures, it's a good idea to check your tyres are still in good condition and appropriate for the type of ridi...

Can you fix a ripped tyre?

If the hole in the tyre is large, this may cause the inner tube to bulge through the gap, like a hernia. If this is the case, replacing the tube wi...

How to fix a punctured bike wheel?

First things first: you need to remove the punctured wheel from the frame. If your bike uses quick release skewers, pull the lever to open it.

How to check if a tyre has a puncture?

Check the outside of the tyre for any clear causes of the puncture. If you see any debris stuck in the outside of the rubber, remove it and make a mental note of where it is in relation to the valve. Bear in mind you might not find anything.

How to deflate a valve retaining nut?

Take off the valve cap (the little piece of black plastic over the valve) and unscrew the valve retaining nut (the round ring si ting against the rim) if there is one. Push the end of the valve to fully deflate the tube if it's not already empty of air.

What are the two types of valves on a bike?

Valve and inner tube types. There are two types of valve with bike inner tubes: Presta and Shrader. A Shrader valve is the same as you’ll find on a car tyre and to inflate it you simply have to use a pump with a compatible adapter. To deflate it you have to push a little pin found inside the valve.

How to start a tyre?

Gently insert two tyre levers between the tyre and the wheel rim - directly opposite the valve (you can start anywhere but the further you are from the valve the easier it'll be).

What is the importance of choosing tyres?

First of all your tyres need to be the correct size to fit your wheels. They need to be pumped up the appropriate pressure — too much pressure will blow the tyre off the rim and too low a pressure will allow pinch punctures and tyre wall damage. It’s also best if they are the right tread for the surface that you are riding on, the time of year and what riding you'll be doing.

What to carry on a bike?

Things to carry on any ride 1 Tyre levers 2 Two (or more!) spare inner tubes 3 Patches/repair kit 4 Some bits of old tyre to reinforce big holes 5 A pump 6 A mobile phone: if all else fails, get a lift home before hypothermia sets in

How to repair a puncture tube?

In your puncture repair kit, there should be a small piece of sandpaper. Use it to lightly rub around the damaged tube in the area of the hole to provide a better surface for the rubber solution to grip. Next, apply the rubber solution to the tube.

How to get a punctured tube out of a tyre?

The first part is getting the punctured tube out of the tyre. The easiest way to do this is with tyre levers although you can occasionally get some tyres off just by using your hands if the fit is particularly good, or you happen to have the grip of a powerlifter, of course.

How to lift a tyre up?

Levering the first bit of the tyre off the rim is the hardest part. Let all of the air out of the inner tube ( if there’s any left, that is) and push the lever end of the tyre lever under the bead of the tyre. Then push down hard on the end of the lever and lift the tyre up.

Why do you have to stick a tube back in a tyre?

If your puncture’s been caused by something piercing the tyre, the last thing you want is to fix the tube, stick it back in the tyre only to puncture again five minutes down the road because the piece of glass or offending item is still stuck in the tyre.

How to fix a patch that is stuck down?

When the patch has stuck down properly, pump some air through the tube to make sure it’s doing its job. Not too much to risk blowing the tube up, of course, but also not so little that the pressure’s too low for it to push through the damaged section

How to get air out of a hole in a tube?

One if the hole is obvious enough, is to just look. Another, easier, way to do it is to pump air through the tube and listen/look/feel for air escaping.

How long to hold patch against tube?

I usually hold the patch against the tube for a good 30-60 seconds to make sure the whole thing is securely stuck down.

How to fix a puncture on a bike?

Glue patches: Apply the glue or rubber cement to the tube around the puncture hole, wait for the glue to set (many glues must dry until they are no longer tacky — consult any included directions for more information). Finally, place the patch on the mostly-dry glue and hold firmly in place for a few minutes until it has sealed the leak. It may take about 24 hours to for the glue to dry completely, but it may be dry enough to use the bike in about 5 minutes.

How to fix a bike tube?

Before you patch a bicycle tube, you 'll want to remove the tube from the tire and locate the puncture, which you can do by inflating the tube and checking for holes. Once you've found a hole, mark it so it's easy to locate. Next, apply glue around the hole, let it nearly dry, and press the patch into place. Alternatively, you can simply lay the patch over the hole if it's a non-glue patch. After the patch has set, feed the tube back into the tire and put the tire back on the wheel. For tips on when you should replace the tube and how to remove a wheel from the bike, read on !

How to change a bike tire?

Work the tire and tube back onto the wheel. 1 Note that some high-end bike tires are meant to only turn in one direction. In this case, the intended direction of rotation will usually be indicated by small arrows on the walls of the tires. Don't install the tire backwards! This can reduce the bike's performance and cause the tire to wear improperly. 2 Don’t forget to take the valve lid off when replacing the tube in the wheel. The lidless inflation valve should slide through a circle-shaped hole in the wheel so that it can be easily accessed for pumping.

How to get a tire out of a tire?

2. Work the tire and tube back onto the wheel. Next, use your thumbs to slide the tire (which contains the partly-inflated tube) back onto the wheel. Press the outer lips of the tire over the metal lip of the wheel so that they "lock" securely in place, being careful not to pinch the tube between the tire and the rim.

How to remove a flat tire?

Use tire levers to remove the tire. When you've successfully removed the flat wheel, take the outer tire off. To do this, it can be helpful to use a sturdy, non-metal prying tool. Bike shops sell small, specially-designed tools called tire levers for this purpose.

How long does it take for a bike to dry?

It may take about 24 hours to for the glue to dry completely, but it may be dry enough to use the bike in about 5 minutes. ...

How to loosen a quick release brake?

If you have a quick release (which looks like a small lever), flip it over and spin it counterclockwise to loosen. If, on the other hand, you see a nut, you will need a wrench to loosen it. After this, disconnect the brakes, move the brake pads out of the way, and remove the wheel .

What to do if you have a punctured tube?

However, if resources are sparse, and if the puncture/cut is small enough, a patch may be enough to keep rolling for a while longer.

How to scuff a puncture?

Using the sandpaper, lightly scuff the area surrounding the puncture. Be sure to scuff an area larger than the patch being applied.

What is a bead on a bicycle tire?

The bead is the part of the tire designed to hold the tire to the rim. For more about this step, see how to replace a bicycle tube.

How to put a bike tire on a rim?

Place the lightly-inflated tube within the tire. Using only your hands, roll the beads of the tire (one at a time) onto the rim until the tire is properly seated. Take care to install tires with the proper direction of rotation, when applicable. An arrow indicating direction of rotation can be found on the bike tire itself.

How to remove a wheel from a skewer?

To remove the wheel, flip the lever to the "open" position. Hold the non-drive side nut of the skewer as you turn the lever counter-clockwise to loosen. Oftentimes, the wheel can be removed without completely unthreading the skewer.

How do thru axles work on a bicycle?

Thru Axles, however, thread into a special sleeve built into the fork or frame dropout. Removing these is as simple as turning the TA anti-clockwise, although each manufacturer may have special instructions.

Who invented the pneumatic tire?

The invention of the pneumatic bicycle tire by Dr. John Dunlop in the late 1880s was one that changed the world of cycling forever. Using an air-filled bladder, Dr. Dunlop developed a system wherein an internal bladder could have its pressure raised or lowered to optimize the rider's comfort.

How to fix a punctured bike tire?

First, remove the tire and locate the hole in the tube. Use a patch kit to glue a patch onto the hole. Inflate the tube to check your work, then reattach the tire to the wheel. You’ll be back riding in no time.

What to do if a tire puncture is still there?

Remove the object that punctured the tire if it’s still there. If the object is still there, it could re-puncture the tube when you replace it, wasting all your work. Sometimes finding the object is easy, like if a nail is sticking out of the tire. Other times, glass or small rocks get trapped inside the tire, so shake the tire out to get rid of any loose objects.

How to fix a hole in rubber?

Most patch kits come with a small piece of sandpaper to rough up the rubber and provide more surface area for the glue to bond to. Take the sandpaper and lightly rub it around the hole. Stop when the rubber changes color slightly.

How to get rid of embedded objects on tire?

Gently run your fingers along the inside of the tire to free any embedded objects. If you have gloves, put them on to protect your fingers from cuts.

How to remove a tire from a wheel?

1. Take the tire and tube off the wheel. Remove the wheel by unfastening the handle holding the axle in place. Then, use a tire lever to get the tire off. Insert the lever between the tire and the rim and work it around. When the tire comes off, pull the tube out.

How long does it take for glue to stick to a patch?

Let the glue sit for 30-60 seconds. Once the glue hits the air, it gets tacky and stickier. It reaches its peak stickiness after about a minute, so let the glue sit for that amount of time before placing the patch down. Otherwise it won’t stick as well.

How to patch a hole in a drywall wall?

Apply patching glue with your finger. Squeeze a dab of patching glue on your finger and rub it around the hole. Apply a section that’s roughly the same size as the patch you’re using.

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