How to patch a punctured innertube?

ok, i need to put this to record or i might forget. And there are some ridiculously mistaken instructions out there which may lead people to patch tubes the very wrong way. so here goes, the correct way of patching tubes:

1: identify the puncture spot, and make sure its deflated before moving onto the procedure
2: check the whole tube for exact number of punctures
3. use sandpaper (360)
4: visually mark the puncture spot with 2cm in radius around it
5. rub the sandpaper at this spot - to flatten tube seams and remove the tube's dermis
6. observe as i work on sandpapering - surface turns lihgt greyish-then darkens
7. when the surface is roughened, apply a thin layer of rubber cement/glue around the area
8. while waiting for the gluing agent to dry a little, remove protective film from patch
<NOTE: do not blow at the gluing agent, lung-ed air moisturizes it and renders it ineffective>
9. when the gluing agent is 60% dry and appears sticky, apply patch onto the prepared spot
10. thoroughly conform the patch to tube by bending, pressing, flexing with hand
11. inflate tube to check for effectiveness

• • • • •

lesson credits: Keong Loh S.K. (Senior Bike Mechanic)

- - - - - § - - - - -
published September 6, 2009
Sharon Chong
:0)