How to fix a big hole in a bicycle tire. How to seal a bicycle inner tube at home
As a rule, a person who has a bicycle, one way or another, faces the problem of a tire puncture. It’s one thing if air came out of the chamber at home, but the problem that caught you by surprise makes you think: how to seal the bike chamber yourself and what type of repair to choose?
This situation, unfortunately, happens to cyclists quite often, so it is recommended to have several spare tubes on hand. Going on a hike, it is wise to take a special repair kit (bicycle first aid kit) with you, which greatly simplifies the task of gluing and saves time. But, you can do without a set and properly seal the camera with your own hands.
Seal the bike tire yourself (click to enlarge)
Determine the puncture site
It may seem that finding a puncture site is not difficult at all, but finding a problem directly during a trip makes the task much more difficult. In most cases, air passes through the "contact patch", that is, the place where the wheel touches the ground. Most often, this is a maximum of 2/3 of the height of the bicycle chamber. Also, the consequence of the descent of air may be the loss of metal parts of the tire cord, or the breakage of the rim tape.
The most popular ways to detect a hole in a camera are:
- the traditional way is to place the camera in a shallow container of water. Then it is necessary to slowly rotate the chamber until the necessary air bubbles appear, which indicate the puncture site;
- if it is not possible to draw water, you can use fine dust from a dirt road. You should increase the pressure in the chamber and bring it closer to the dust. Carefully moving the camera, we find the place where the dust scatters from the descending air;
- in windless calm weather, finding a hole in the wheel is quite simple. You need to bring the camera to the wet skin of the wrist;
- if the opening is too large, it is possible to hear the air bleed.
We detect a puncture of a bicycle tire (click to enlarge)
How to seal a bike tube
Not every composition of glue and not every patch will be able to eliminate the resulting puncture. Consider how and how to seal a bicycle tire in order to restore the initial state of the tire:
- a large number of bike manufacturers offer special repair kits. In the box - the case contains: chalk, with which the hole is marked, a plate for sanding, glue and several types of patches that differ in size and shape;
- there is a variant of a homemade patch cut from a used camera. For this process, almost any rubber adhesive is taken, which subsequently does not burst at the bend.
From the video you will learn a lot of new things:
It should be noted that this method is not reliable;
- a more reliable option is vulcanization, given that it is carried out by a specialist in a special workshop. It will be too difficult and dreary to do this work on your own.
You can reduce the likelihood of unexpected tire damage by following simple rules: adjust the tire pressure to the desired level, change tires when worn, carry a spare product and an elementary repair kit.
Basic rules for applying patches
To begin with, of course, you should find the damaged surface. Having found and marked the place of the puncture of the camera on the bike, you can proceed to its direct repair. The following steps must be followed:
- it is necessary to dry the camera properly and lower it completely;
- sandpaper, or a special iron plate, clean the damaged area until a matte finish is obtained. The cleaned border will be wider (about a centimeter) than the size of the blotch diameter. At the end of the stripping, it is wise not to touch this place;
- remove the film from the finished patch and apply glue to it. The composition can be applied both to the patch and directly to the chamber itself (or to both surfaces).
It is important to read the information on the use of the composition, which is indicated on the tube, because it may differ;
- firmly press the patch on the damaged area for about five minutes, squeezing out all the air (press on the center, moving to the sides). It is much easier to place the product on a clean, straight surface and press down with weight, stepping on top;
- the glued camera is not recommended to be used for half an hour.
Watch the video to learn more:
How to replace a bike tube
Going on a long cycling trip, it is wise to take a set of tools and an additional camera on the road, thanks to which it will be possible to change the damaged one and continue the trip. This will help not to use adhesive mixtures and save a lot of time:
Change the wheel yourself (click to enlarge)
- first you need to remove the wheel from the transport, then carefully wipe the surface of the tire and rim;
- lay the wheel on its side and use chalk to mark opposite the nipple;
- unscrew the nipple, letting all the air out;
- with a beading spatula we pry the edge of the tire, pulling it out;
- carefully remove the camera from the rim and look for the damaged area;
- we inflate the camera by finding and marking the puncture site. Then we lower it completely;
- put a second mark opposite the damage;
- then gently push the new tire inside the rim with one side, pulling the nipple into the hole. We put on another side and swing the wheel to the desired volume, screw on the cap.
Patch wheel repair
Very often there are unforeseen circumstances when there is no special kit nearby and, naturally, the thought arises: how to seal a damaged camera? You should make a patch by cutting it out of any raw rubber. It can be any old tire, automotive or technical rubber material. Almost any rubber compound sticks a patch, but it is not recommended to use household and quick-hardening types. How to properly seal a hole was described above, that is, the method is similar to how to glue a patch.
In life, there are also cases when the rider was left completely without a tool and glue, but you need to successfully get home. To do this, you need to know how to seal the camera without glue. We perform the following simple actions: we properly clean the tire and apply a patch to it so that, with powerful inflation, the pressure presses it.
If there is no patch, insulating tape or a wet plastic bag will come in handy. In this work, the parts are glued together only with the most smooth surfaces without gaps.
Find out how to do it yourself:
Important to know: The above repair methods are temporary and work under strict restrictions.
- contacting parts must be clean and smooth;
- a constant maximum pressure should be ensured;
- shock load on the wheel should be avoided.
If trouble nevertheless overtook you on the way, you need to know in advance how to properly glue the bicycle camera and what kind of glue is better to use. Then replacement and repair will not seem like a difficult task either during the journey or close to home. We should not forget to regularly pump up the chamber to a certain pressure and change the parts of the “iron horse” worn out by time in time.
If you don't know how to seal a bicycle tube, then everything is quite simple - you only need glue and a patch. But wrenches, hexagons, disassembly, a container of water and a vise will also come in handy. The set is enough, so you can carry out repairs in any conditions.
Carrying out scheme
Do-it-yourself bicycle camera repair occurs according to the following algorithm:
- wheel removal. Before gluing the camera on a bicycle, you need to disconnect the brakes, unscrew the bolts on the sleeve. Then the wheel is carefully removed;
- removal of the damaged camera. The wheel is disassembled with a flat object. Before sealing the bicycle inner tube, it must be completely lowered and removed;
- next you need to find a hole. To do this, use a container of water. With the help of bubbles, it is determined exactly where the damage is located. Another option is to find a bicycle chamber puncture by ear - listen to where the air comes out;
- hole sealing. This requires a repair kit. Before sticking the camera on the bike, the surface is protected. You can use special tools, in extreme cases, a napkin will do. Then the film is removed from the patch, the adhesive is applied. It is pressed to the puncture site and held for several minutes;
- reverse assembly. First you need to check the insulation tape inside the rim. Then the chamber is laid, the tire is refueled. Next comes the camera itself. This repair has been completed.
It is not difficult to seal the bicycle wheel chamber - just remove it, patch the puncture site with a patch and return it to its place.
Other options
How to seal a bicycle camera with a repair kit is understandable, but what to do if it is not there, but it is necessary to carry out repairs? For example, a patch can be made from any rubber. Any glue is suitable, but the main thing is not to choose an industrial one.
There are also critical moments. In some cases, it is necessary to close the hole without glue and without removing the wheel. The patch is applied so that when inflated, it is pressed with strong pressure. But in this case, you need a pump.
If there is no rubber patch, a dampened plastic bag or tape will do, but this is only if you do not know how to seal the bicycle tube to get home, because the wheel will not withstand heavy loads.
Another option is vulcanization. This requires special tools, but the result is reliable. The point is that the patch and the camera are pressed against each other. Thanks to heating, both elements form a single whole. Before you seal the camera at home, think about vulcanization.
Ways to prevent a puncture
Even if you know how to properly seal a bicycle inner tube, it is worth familiarizing yourself with ways to avoid a puncture.
One of the most interesting options is cameras that can self-stick. Resin or a special gel is poured inside. When a breakdown occurs, the substance flows into the puncture point and seals it. In this case, it will be possible not to think about repairs for some time, but it will still have to be done sooner or later.
- the wheel needs to be properly inflated. If it is pumped or under-pumped, then the risk of a rupture increases significantly;
- pay attention to the roads. Most often, holes appear due to iron screws, glass or nails. They are easy to avoid if you keep an eye on the surface you are riding on;
- obstacles must be avoided carefully. Even if the wheels are cushioned, this does not mean that damage will not occur. There may not be a breakdown the first time, but it will not always be so;
- use a special tape - this is an additional rubber layer that is placed under the tire inside the wheel.
The best and safest means of transportation, however, it also sometimes gets damaged in the form of punctured wheels. Therefore, every cyclist should know how to seal the bicycle inner tube.
A punctured bike tube can be repaired by yourself
Instruments
Each cyclist is simply obliged to have a standard set of tools with him: a screwdriver, wrenches, pliers, special “wire tools” for lifting the tire. In addition, there you also need to buy a set of "first aid" on the road:
- veloglue;
- a set of special bicycle patches;
- sandpaper (preferably fine).
Having all the listed tools in his arsenal, the cyclist can safely.
Repair process
The repair process includes several stages, each of which must be approached carefully and responsibly, because it is important not only to seal the damage, but also to avoid getting new ones.
Dismantling
A damaged wheel cannot be sealed without first removing it from the bike. To do this, you must perform the following steps:
- First of all, it is necessary to disconnect the rim brakes (if any) and preferably the wings, as they can interfere with work.
- Loosen the bolts or eccentrics holding the wheel to the bike. For greater convenience, the bike is recommended to turn over.
- Carefully remove the wheel.
Removing the Camera
For beginners doing this for the first time, this step may seem long and complicated. But, having gained experience, removing the tire will not be difficult.
First you need to completely bleed the air from the chamber. To do this, unscrew the spool from the nipple (in cheap rubber models) or use a special groove in the cap. Further, having chosen a place for disassembly, it is necessary between the rim and the rubber to carefully insert one of the "montages" so as not to touch the camera. After that, having retreated from it 100–150 millimeters, the second “montage” is inserted. Using both "mounters" as levers, we lift the tire and, helping with our hands, remove it all. After that, you should carefully remove the valve from the groove in the rim and remove the chamber.
Search for a puncture
The most popular way to find a puncture is to use a container of water, where the damaged camera is lowered. The air bubbles released by her indicate the puncture site. This method is popular, but rather risky, since water can enter the chamber through the nipple. Therefore, experts recommend using a safer method of determining “by ear”. To do this, you need to pump up the chamber a little and, by slightly pressing on it, find the place where the air comes out.
Sealing process
Having found the puncture site, you can safely proceed to repair:
- If the repair is done at home, then it is recommended to degrease the surface at the site of the wheel puncture with acetone or gasoline. If the repair takes place in the field and these liquids are not at hand, it will be enough just to wipe the surface with a clean cloth.
- The next step is to sand the surface. This step is optional, but very helpful as it will help the adhesive set better.
- Next, you need to prepare the patch by removing the protective film from it.
- According to the recommendations indicated on the tube, you need to apply the glue correctly.
- The patch must be strongly pressed against the camera and held for a while.
The setting time of the adhesive depends on its type and averages from 5 to 15 minutes. To date, quick-drying adhesives are widely popular and it is they that are recommended for use in repairs on the road. If the repair takes place at home and the curing time of the glue does not really matter, you can use older types of glue, which take several hours to set, as long as they are designed for rubber.
As for the patches, you can make them yourself by cutting out an intact old camera.
Assembly and installation
After sealing the wheel chamber and checking it, you can proceed with the assembly. The camera must be carefully and correctly placed inside the rim, after checking the position of the insulating tape inside it: it should not be moved. Further, using the "mounters", the tire is installed in place. For greater convenience, it is recommended to pre-inflate the camera slightly.
Having assembled and pumped up the wheel, it should be checked. If there is no doubt, the wheel can be installed. To install it correctly, you should pay attention to the markings in the form of arrows on the tire. The arrows indicate the direction of rotation of the wheel.
Alternative ways
Many people know how to seal a bicycle camera with glue, but far from everyone knows how to do it without it. There are several alternative ways.
Without glue
Its essence lies in the strong pumping of the chamber, in which the pressure presses the patch. In the absence of a patch, electrical tape or wet polyethylene is used. This method is good in the field when tools and glue are not at hand. This method is temporary. When using it, you need to avoid shock loads on the wheel and constantly keep the pressure at maximum, otherwise you can permanently damage the camera and then no repair will save it.
Curing
This method has gained wide popularity in the repair of automotive cameras and is the most reliable in comparison with adhesive patches. Unlike the previous type of gluing, it is impossible to seal a wheel puncture with this method in the field, since it requires special equipment. The process consists in "soldering" the patch with the camera. They are carefully cleaned, pressed against each other and heated until they fuse, forming a single surface.
Self-sealing chambers
The acquisition of this type of cameras will avoid trouble with their puncture. These types of products are filled with a special gel or resin and, in the event of a puncture, a real substance fills the damage, thereby sealing the chamber. Such products allow you to completely avoid repairs, but are quite expensive and have a significant weight.
Precautionary measures
A tire puncture is always unpleasant and most often happens at the wrong time, but takes a lot of time. To avoid this, or at least minimize it, you should observe elementary precautions:
- optimal tire inflation;
- driving on clean roads;
- minimum shock loads;
- use of a special "anti-puncture tape".
Every cyclist should know how to seal a bicycle inner tube. However, the careful use of a two-wheeled friend and the observance of simple precautions will allow you to use this procedure extremely rarely.
The main reasons for a puncture can be:
- collision with a bicycle wheel on a sharp object;
- pinching the camera between the rim and the tire;
- wheel spoke impact;
- rough, hard end of the nipple hole.
What you need to prepare - the choice of inventory for repairs
To save money on buying a new camera, you can do a simple repair. It will be within the power of every owner of two-wheeled vehicles.
To do this, you should use some tool and a special repair kit.
So, you will need:
- hex heads and wrenches for dismantling the wheel;
- mounting blade to bend the tire away from the rim;
- sandpaper;
- a large container of water (basin or bucket).
The repair kit includes:
- glue;
- rubber patches.
What glue can be used?
The repair kit can be bought in special stores, or you can make it yourself.
Rubber patches are cut from the old camera, and the glue is selected separately. The cost of one repair kit for a bicycle varies within 90 rubles.
VIDEO INSTRUCTION
Seal the bike camera with a repair kit
- Preparation for work.
- Install the bike in the mounting position: turn it over and fix it.
- Nearby, preferably in a conspicuous place, for example, on a table with lighting, lay out tools and materials.
- Wheel removal and inspection.
- Using the necessary tools, remove the wheel from the bike.
- Fix it and carefully inspect the entire tire for damage. Use gloves to avoid accidental injury from glass shards or a self-tapping screw that is stuck in the tire.
- Even if you know exactly where the puncture is, do a full inspection of the tire without missing an inch.
- Tire dismantling.
- Insert the previously prepared mounting blade between the rim and the tire. Push the nipple inward first.
- Gently pull the paddle towards you and separate the tire from the wheel.
- Note! On some bikes, the tire can be removed by hand with just one pry bar.
- Camera Diagnostics.
- Remove the tube and inflate it using a bicycle pump.
- Place the camera in a container of water and observe carefully. In the place where air bubbles appear, there is a puncture.
- Note! Sometimes it seems that there is only one damage, and during the diagnostics it is possible to detect several of them.
- Sealing the camera.
- Using sandpaper, roughen the surface around the damage.
- Apply a little glue to the treated surface and spread it evenly. Wait until it dries completely.
- Apply a second layer of glue in the same way and let it dry completely again. How to check if the surface is ready for further work? If the glue is dry, it will be matte.
- Apply a third layer of glue and attach a patch to the puncture site. Or, if you have a store-bought repair kit, remove the protective film from the patch and attach it to the tire. Press hard or apply a press.
- Camera and wheel installation.
- Install one side of the tire on the rim.
- Pump up the camera, but not completely. Install it in its seat in the rim.
- Gently slide the second bead of the tire under the rim along the entire diameter of the wheel with your thumbs.
- Pump up the camera. The bike is ready for use.
How to solve the problem quickly without glue
Sometimes, a puncture needs to be fixed in conditions where glue and rubber patches are not at hand. For such cases, there is an old, old-fashioned method proven over the years.
- Turn the bike over and secure it.
- Locate the puncture site on the chamber.
This can be done during the inspection. You can also press your hands on the tire and listen. The air coming out of the puncture will make itself felt with a hissing sound.
- Bend one side of the tire away from the rim near the puncture site and remove the tube and tie it in a knot.
- Place the tire beads under the rim and inflate the tube.
MORE IN THE VIDEO:
You can also seal the bike tube with raw rubber. But this will require a special heating apparatus for vulcanization.
However, one must be careful that as a result:
- do not spoil the surface of the iron;
- or permanently damage the camera;
- Before removing the camera, mark with an arrow how it was placed in the wheel.
- Mark the puncture site with a ballpoint pen or colored marker to make it easier to work with.
- Sandpaper can be replaced with a rough stone. As a last resort, rub the camera against the road surface.
- Be very careful and don't rush. Often, during repair work, more damage can be done.
Here are a few simple clear instructions on how to quickly and correctly repair the bicycle inner tube.
1. Find a puncture
Starting at the valve, check all sides of the bike tire to find the cause of the puncture. Remove any shards of glass or sand that you notice. Even if you find one of the possible causes, keep checking the tire until you get back to the nipple.
2. Remove the tire
Release the air in the chamber. On the side of the wheel opposite the nipple, using a special tool (available at all good bike shops) or a similar handy tool, loosen about 5 cm of the tire as shown in the picture. Alternately rearranging the special tool along the entire diameter of the wheel, remove one side of the tire from the rim.
Pull out the camera. Remove the tire completely, this can be done by manually moving the entire tire in one place from the wheel rim.
3. Pump up the pierced chamber
Inflate the chamber and listen for where the air is passing through. Examine the camera from all sides. If the hole cannot be found, re-inflate the camera and place it in a container of water. After finding the puncture site, dry the chamber before moving on to the next step.
Be careful: When inflating the chamber, do not twist the pump so as not to pull the nipple out of the chamber.
4. Prepare your camera
Choose the correct rubber patch size - use a larger than smaller patch size if in doubt. Roughen the surface of the camera around the hole with sandpaper. Make sure all mold marks on the chamber are completely erased and the surface is flat.
Apply one drop of rubber adhesive and spread it around the puncture 2 cm larger in circumference than. Let dry - the rubber adhesive will change from shiny to matte. Apply a second thin layer in the same way
5 Tape the puncture site
Inflate the camera a little - this will help highlight the position of the hole. Press the patch firmly onto the puncture site after removing the foil. If there is thin cellophane on top of the patch, then it can be left.
Sprinkle chalk, talcum powder, or road dust around the patch where the adhesive remains to prevent the camera from sticking to the tire.
6. Check the tire
Before installing the tube, check the inside of the tire to find the cause of your puncture. The location of the puncture on the camera will help you find the cause of the puncture. Run your fingers into the tire and carefully feel around the inside to find the source of the puncture and remove it.
7. Install the tire
After repairing the inner tube and checking the tire for glass, studs, or any other sharp debris, reinstall one tire bead on the rim. Inflate the tube a little and install it on the rim, first by inserting the nipple into the hole in the rim.
Start installing the second side of the tire from the opposite side of the rim to the nipple, use your fingers to lift the bead (the part of the tire that connects the wheel rim) over the edge. Install the entire tire on the rim in this way.
8. Make a Final Check
Make sure the tube is not caught between the rim and the tire bead. Inflate the tube until the tire is still soft, but has already taken its shape. Make sure that the tire beads are evenly placed in the rim around the entire perimeter. If not, bleed some air out of the chamber and evenly position the tire against the rim.
Pump up the recommended pressure in the chamber and check again that the tire beads are still sitting flat and that the chamber is not visible anywhere from under the tire. Finally, make sure the tire tread is placed fairly evenly by spinning the wheel. If not, then lower the camera and start again from the beginning of this step.
Puncture Repair Tips
When removing the tube from the tire, pay attention to which way the tube was installed in the wheel. This will help determine the position of the hole in the chamber and the position of the target in the rim.
Mark the puncture site with a ballpoint pen so you don't lose it.
If you do not have sandpaper with you, then the roughness in the chamber around the puncture can be done by rubbing the chamber on a stone or pavement.
Carefully remove and replace the camera with the rim. To prevent repeated puncture, do not use sharp tools such as screwdrivers, etc. when installing or removing. Use special if necessary. rim removal tool or other tool with blunt edges
Puncture identification
Two small holes in the chamber placed fairly close together indicate a double puncture. This is because the puncture object can get stuck between the tire and the rim when driving over a sharp object. Make sure the sidewall of the tire is not cut. A hole on the inside of the chamber indicates that the puncture was caused by a pin. Check the inside of the rim to make sure that the edges of the tape properly cover the spoke holes and that there are no protruding ends of the spokes protruding above the inside surface of the rim. If this happens, you will have to cut off the protruding part of the spoke with a file.
A less common cause of a puncture is the rough edges of the hole in the nipple rim. The puncture in this case will be near the nipple and such a chamber can no longer be restored.
Create your own puncture repair kit:
- Patches
- rubber adhesive
- Pair of plastic tire removal levers
- Piece of fine sandpaper
- Small adjustable wrench when using wheels with a hex nut
- Reliable pump
- LED flashlight - useful if you are driving in the dark
- Always carry a spare camera with you just in case.
Weekly check
Check your tires by inspecting the tread for damage or severe wear. Tires with slits that show abrasions through which the camera is visible should be replaced. Remove any sand or glass stuck in the tread. Check tire pressure. Chambers inflated to the correct pressure will last longer and you will have fewer punctures. The recommended pressure is usually indicated on the side of the chamber.
Use a spare camera
Repairing a puncture is more difficult in the rain, as the patch will not stick to the tube. In this case, a spare camera will come in handy. A spare tube will also come in handy if the tire goes flat for a short time.
A detailed video on how to fix a puncture in a bicycle chamber: