How to Patch a Bike Tire Inner Tube

A flat tire on a bicycle can be a big problem for people that rely on their bikes as a primary mode of transportation. Whether you use your bike to get around or just use it for fun, it is useful to know how to repair the tire if it gets punctured.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bike patch kit (Patches, sandpaper, and adhesive)
• Tire pump

1. Take the wheel with the punctured tire off the bike. Most newer bikes have easy release tires that can be unscrewed by hand. The brakes for that wheel will also have to be disconnected to get the wheel loose, which can be done by pushing the brake system together and lifting the brake line up and out system.

2. Take the tire off the metal wheel. Your tire repair kit will likely have levers to assist you with getting the tire off. If not, just peel it back over the top of the wheel, starting at the point furthest away from air pump valve.

3. Take the inner tube out of the tire. A bike tire consists of an inflated inner tube inside of a tough rubber sheath with grip on it.

4. Inflate the inner tube slightly with a pump or your mouth. Squeeze the tube and listen for a hiss, then locate the spot where it is punctured.

5. Sand the area around the puncture and then wipe the inner tube so it is free of dust and dirt.

6. Apply the adhesive in the tube repair kit to an area larger than the patch itself. Let the adhesive dry for 5 minutes. (Follow the kits exact instructions)

7. Firmly apply a patch over the puncture and hold it in place for a minute so that it bonds with the adhesive.

8. Reinsert the inner tube into the tire tread sheath, put the tire back on the wheel, and then put the wheel back on the bike.

9. Inflate the tire to full pressure.

Tips & Warnings

• Bike tube patches are often stronger than the tube itself.
• Carrying a bike tire patch kit with out when commuting or going on a long bike trip is a good idea to avoid getting stranded.
• You shouldn't patch the same bike tire more than three times. Invest in some replacement inner tubes to retire old tubes that have been patched up multiple times.