Self adhesive patches

[BrynCP]

I've used a self adhesive patch twice now, and they've worked fine when re-inflating the tyres.

However, when having to deflate the tube to remove the tyre later on, such as when my spoke broke, the next time I inflate I always end up with a slow leak from the patch. It then seems the easiest thing to do is just bin the tube.

Is this normal, or do I just have dodgy patches? They are not branded, somebody gave them to me, so I have no idea what they are, they're just red patches! I only inflate the tyre enough to give it some kind of shape before it's actually on the wheel.

 

[ianrauk]

They are either not very good patches or they have not been applied correctly.

I have a patched tube that has lasted nearly 2 years through many inflation's and deflation's with no trouble.

When patching the tyre you have to go to the same process as you would patches and glue. ie clean and scrub the area to be patched (taking care not to touch the sticky side). Apply patch, press down hard for a good 30 seconds or so, smoothing out any ridges. Do not inflate the tube outside of the tyre.

I use Park Tools patches for what it's worth.

 

[jayonabike]

I use Park Tools patches for what it's worth.

^This^

 

[sittingbull]

My experience with glueless patches is that they get you home where you have to do it all again with proper patches.

Must admit though, I've not tried Park Tools patches.

 

[Tyke]

I used 2 Slim patches on 700 23c about 2 years ago have changed the tyres since and they still hold 110psi without problems

 

[The Jogger]

I don't like Scab patches.

 

[Peteaud]

Park tools or topeak for me.

Only ever had 1 fail and that was applied in the pouring rain.

 

[andrew_s]

The patch will be getting stretched when you inflate the tyre the first time, but not shrinking back when the tube subsequently goes flat, so you've a large patch stuck onto a smaller area of rubber. It wrinkles, and the wrinkles form leak channels.
Either abandon them and use a better brand, or start using slightly oversize inner tubes that don't have to stretch to fill the tyre.

 

[Tom B]

I used the cheap and chearful SA patches all the time on both my own and work bikes. I have had glue on patches that go dry, brittle and crack in no time.

At work we have a stockpile of repaired tubes, the SA patched tubes dont like being left totally flat for weeks. So I just put a quick squirt of air in them to keep their shape and they are happy as can be. We have some tubes running around with upwards of 10 patches on.

The trick seems to be, well abraded tube and clean when sticking on.


Ive just checked I use weldtite red devil patches

 

[User6179]

Used them once , never again!

 

[ianrauk]

Used them once , never again!

Why?

 

[User6179]

Why?

Because the patch came off the next day after 2 miles , the hole was quite big so might of contributed but Ive never had a problem with glue patches so why change .

 

[ianrauk]

Because the patch came off the next day after 2 miles , the hole was quite big so might of contributed but Ive never had a problem with glue patches so why change .

Nope, that's fair enough and yes, a too big a hole could have caused a deflation. Patches being only the one size available.
But as I have said many times before on CC. Applied properly patches are just as good, if not better then normal glue and patches. Certainly a lot less hassle.

 

[threefingerjoe]

I have found the peel-&-stick patches to be fine to get you home. I've even had them last for several thousand miles. But, I've had them fail the same way you did...found them wrinkled...sometimes, as I said, thousands of miles later. I've also found them to form a blister, right in the middle of the patch, over where the hole was. I carry these patches with me for repairs on the road, (after first using my spare tube) but, given my choice, I'll repair the tube at home with the old reliable glue-type patches. They are a PERMANENT repair.