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Puncture Repair Kit (Tubed tyres) - what to put in them
I'm looking for a good puncture repair kit, but it seems I already have most of the goodies. What should be in the kit?
I already have: Tyre levers Spare valves Patches Glue Are the only other things I need: Abrasive paper/small file Chalk Or can anyone recommend a good kit to get? (Ernie - Overland Solutions - has mentioned one, but link on his site not working) Thank you! |
A pump might be a good idea?
For long trips I carry:
2 tyre levers spare valves spare valve covers (metal which you can use to unscrew the valve) patches (some big, round 5cm and long 15cm) glue a piece of a hack saw blade (can be used for a lot of things) a good pump washing up liquid spare tubes Patches and glue are from Tip Top. Be sure that your tubes are patchable! Tubes like this are hard to patch:-) http://www.otc-mc.org/galleri/23/ima...lleri23_06.jpg |
To add to AliBaba, i use emory cloth. It's sandpaper that comes in rolls used in machine shops for sanding steel. It's one of those "don't leave home without it" items. Use it for cleaning the rubber before bonding.
As for glue, go to a tire shop and ask for "vulcanizing fluid" This is the good stuff! Rubber cement doesn't work well and sometimes is incompatable. Same with patches, spend the money and get proper heavy-duty patches for truck-tires. don't forget the most important tool: dishsoap! Do a search and you'l fint all my rants on this topic :) Finally, a pair if this cotton glover to keep the grime off your hands. |
Patrick has a good point there - SPARE TUBES !! - it is no fun at all trying to patch a tube in the pouring rain/howling gale/40 degree heat or whatever !
And practice makes perfect when it comes to changing tubes and tyres . Try out your levers before your trip ,some of them are very poorly designed . |
as well as your repair kit always find room for at least two spare tubes, for two reasons,
1. swap the tubes on the road, then repair the punctured one at leisure with a comfy chair, large coffee or very large beer close to hand 2. you could get a hole too big to patch, and you could screw both wheels at the same time |
Another vote for the spare tube, that also has a spare valve! And one other fault that needs a replacement tube - ripping the valve stem out of the tube .. see low pressures for sand riding .. and rim locks..
And again. Practice taking the tube out at home and putting it back in. That way if you get into trouble you can always take it to a shop, and then have a beer to think about it. On patches - the ones with the tapered edges - orange .. I have found to be best. Some people like those hot vulcanising patches .. think you'd have to keep them dry. I prefere to fix the falt and keep the spare tube for when it is really required. If you have a patched tube and are replacing teh tyre - replace the tube too. And possibly the spare tube if it is old, and/or patched. Leavers - I 'only' carry two, all that is required. |
Thank you!
Thank you for all of the advise!
(very handy picture Patrick) I think I am going to take the two long levers that I have and pack in the little short one as a third. I have a spare tube, but only 1... Since I have 'sealed' my tyres, I'm hoping 1 is enough (it's difficult to decide isn't it - all of this 'in case of' stuff - the more you pack, the less you'll need) Gloves and soapy liquid at the ready too :) Oh - forgot to mention lack of rim locks (for better or worse) Definitely must remember to lower pressure in the sand! Anyone fixed a puncture without removing the wheel (don't worry - I don't plan on doing it this way, before you all get excited - it sounds like a neat trick) |
When applying the glue/vulcanising fluid to the tube, do not spread it around with your fingers. Just rub it around the area you want as it comes out of its tube. The reason for this is that the oils on your fingers (even clean ones) will cause the patch to not stick to the tube.
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