How to Patch Radial Tire Tubes

Repair your inner tube.

Radial tire tubes can be used for so many other things other than what they were designed for. If you have ever been in a snowy area, you may have seen people using tubes as sleds. In the summer you can see people rushing down the river on a radial inner tube. Today you might find it difficult to purchase a radial tire tube at a good price. But you can get a good deal if you ask the tire store if it has any that need repairing. You might be able to get a discount on one that needs a repair.

Things You'll Need

• Radial tire tube
• Air compressor
• Bathtub full of water
• Grease pencil
• Buffer tool
• Tube cement
• Tube patch
• Tube patch stitcher tool

Instructions

1. Inflate your tube with the air compressor.

2. Push the tube under the water in the bathtub and look for bubbles. Once you find the leak, mark it with the grease pencil.

3. Buff the surface area of the hole in the tube with the buffer tool by rubbing it back and forth. Don't buff too much. You just want to clean the area.

4. Apply a light coat of tube cement to the repair area and let it dry for about five minutes.

5. Remove the backing on the tube patch and press it over the repair. Use the stitch tool to press the patch down on the tube by rolling it over the patch in several directions.

References

• "Auto Repair For Dummies"; For Dummies; 2008