How to Patch a Bike Tire
Patching a bike’s tire inner tube is much easier and faster than it sounds.
Instructions
- Step 1: Remove the flat tube from the tire Remove the flat inner tube from the tire.
- Step 2: Attach tube to a pump Attach the inner tube to a bike pump.
- Step 3: Pump up the tube Pump up the tire until it’s full of air.
- Step 4: Listen for the escaping air Listen for the hiss of air escaping from the tube. Bring it close to your ear to help.
- TIP: Using a bowl of water, run the air-filled tube through the water. Look for a stream of bubbles emanating from the tube. That’s where your hole is.
- Step 5: Let air out of tube Cover the hole with a finger, detach the pump, and let all the air out of the tube by pressing down on the valve stem.
- Step 6: Lightly sand the area around the leak With your sandpaper, lightly sand an area around the leak larger than your patch.
- Step 7: Wipe the leak area clean Wipe clean with your hand or optional towel.
- Step 8: Cover the sanded area with glue Cover the sanded area with glue.
- Step 9: Let the glue dry Let glue dry for 5 minutes.
- Step 10: Put the patch over the leak Separate the patch from its backing and place directly onto the tube, pressing it firmly into the glue.
- TIP: A good rule of thumb is to replace a tube after you’ve patched it three times.
- Step 11: Remove the cellophane cover Remove any cellophane cover over the patch and you’re ready to go.
- FACT: Bike patches are typically more durable than the tube itself.
You Will Need
- An inner tube with a puncture
- A bicycle patch kit
- consisting of patches
- glue
- and a square of sandpaper
- A bike tire pump
- A big bowl filled with water (optional)
- Towel (optional)