Patching a Bike Tube for Beginners, (and Cats )

It all happens to us, a flat tire at the most inconvenient time. This Instructable will teach you how to fix your tire, with the help of a furry friend.

Supplies

- Two bike levers

- A pair of tweezers

- A patching kit, including; sandpaper, a patch, and glue. (Depending on the kit.)

- A large bowl of water.

- A bike pump.

- Your furry assistant.

Step 1: Removing the Tire!

First, flip over your bike, and unscrew the pins on the tire. Next, depending on your bike, either de-attach the brake on the bottom of the bike. If your bike comes off after unscrewing the pins, then ignore the previous step. If this is your back tire, unscrew the pins, then push up on the small gear on the back of the bike, and remove the tire.

Step 2: Remove the Edge of the Tire From the Tube!

Now, have your cat help you with this, unscrew the valve cover, and keep it in a safe place. Then, take one of the levers, and pinch the tube, and insert the slim side and hook the lever around one of the spokes. After that, take the second lever, and insert it about the same spot as the first one, then move the lever around the entire tire.

Step 3: Remove the Tire From the Tube!

Take the valve, and push it through the end of the hole and bring it out from the tire. Then, pull out the rest of the tube.

Step 4: Finding the Hole!

Now, take the bike pump, and inflate the tube so that it is easier to find the hole. Then, take the tube, and submerge it in the water, and spin the tire in a slow circle, being very thorough to get every inch of the tube. Once you find the hole, and there might be several, make a note of the exact place, and grab your patch kit.

Step 5: Remove the Thorn in the Tire

Take the tire, and examine the treads closely. If you don't find the hole on the outside, run your hand on the inside to see if you can feel the thorn, or whatever punctured the tube. Be CAREFUL though! It may be sharp.

Step 6: Patch the Tube!

Now, reference the direction in your patch kit, and lightly scuff the area surrounding the hole, then, either apply the glue, or just the patch and firmly press to make sure the patch is secure.

Step 7: Re-inserting the Tube, and Closing Up the Tire

Now, inflate the tube slightly, this will make it easier to re-insert, and line up the valve on the bike tube with the hole on the frame, then stick the valve through the hole. Next, insert the rest of the tube into the tire. After that, take the tire levers, (or just use your hands,) and fold the tire back into place. Then take the other lever, and start working around the tube, folding the rest of the tire in. At the end of the tire, it might take a little muscle to get the tire in. Finally, inflate the tire to the normal PSI, and don't forget to screw on the cap!

Step 8: Re-attach the Tire Onto the Bike

Now, take the pegs and line it up onto the designated holes, then re-tighten the pegs. If this is for the back tire, lift up on the small gear set, and put the tire between the chain and fit it into the holes.

Great job! You finished patching your tire. Don't forget to thank your furry friend too! Now go and ride!

Comments

[sniffydogs]

Nicely done. Be really careful feeling for the sharp thing that caused the puncture on the inside of the tire. Sometimes it's a glass shard or sharp piece of metal.

[C0ntent-CaAmel]

Thanks!

[peter.kocsis.77964]

Suggestion. It should be renamed repair a bicycle tube, not a tire. Just my 2 cents worth.......

[C0ntent-CaAmel]

Thanks!

[JohnW51]

Good explanation of the process. Some tires are much easier to take off and put back on than others. If you have one of those harder ones, this can really speed up the process and save you some frustration. (Beware imitations. If it isn't Crank Brothers, it's probably a cheap Chineese imitation.)

https://www.crankbrothers.com/products/speedier-le...

Also, I have found that the patches stick much better if you clean the tube with lacquer thinner before applying the rubber cement. AND, you MUST use rubber cement unless you are using "glueless patches". The glueless variety are intended for temporary repair only, just to quickly get you back on your wheels. Either replace the tube or put on a permanent patch when you get home.

[C0ntent-CaAmel]

Thank you for this extra tidbit!

[keets]

Good job! Still I have some tips that makes it easier.
At point 7: Before you put the valve in the hole put a tiny little bit air (tiny little bit!!) in the tube. It look like you did on the pictures, but I'm not sure because you did not described this important step. If you do this the tube is easier to put in the tire.
And it is better to put the tire back on the rim with your hands. Not using the levers. With the levers you have a big change you clamp the tube against the rim and make a new leak.
Start at the valve and work your way to both sides so you have the 'musscle part' at the opposite of the valve. It helps to push the valve halfway back.
Good luck!

[C0ntent-CaAmel]

Thank you for these tips!