Patch a Bike Tire

A simple explanation to find and patch a hole in your bike's inner tube.

Step 1: Inflate the Inner Tube

After the inner tube has been removed from the bike, inflate the inner tube until it is no longer limp.

Pressure inside the inner tube will help you locate the hole.

Step 2: Locate the Hole

Submerge the inflated inner tube into a sink full of water. Look for air bubbles escaping through a hole in the inner tube.

Be sure to check the entire inner tube as there may be more than one hole.

Step 3: Fetch the Towel

Mark any holes with a permanent marker. Then dry the inner tube with a towel.

The inner tube needs to be dry so that the adhesive will stick properly.

Step 4: Prepare the Tube

Score the surface of the inner tube 1.5 inches around the hole with 100 grit sandpaper.

Step 5: Apply the Adhesive

Apply and spread a 1mm layer of adhesive evenly over the scored surface of the inner tube.

Step 6: Patch the Hole

Peel off the foil from the patch. Center the patch over the hole and place the orange side of the patch on the glue.

Step 7: Remove the Plastic

Peel off the plastic backing from the patch.