How To Fix a Flat Tire
How to use a patch kit to repair a tube. Also demonstrates how to remove and install a tire.
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- 03:25 - Don't smear the glue as long as is shown here (I got distracted reading the script).
- 03:45 - Peel off the paper or plastic backing after the patch is applied.
Fixing a flat tire is one of the most common bicycle repairs. I personally recommend replacing a tube when you get a leak, but that is not always possible. If done properly, a patch will work just fine. Here’s how it’s done.
Required Tools
For this tutorial you’ll need a patch kit, a set of tire levers, and an air pump. Your patch kit should contain a few different patch sizes, sandpaper or a metal scraper, and a tube of glue.
Inspect Tire
With the wheel removed from your bike, inspect the outer surface of the tire to make sure there are no sharp objects like a thumb-tack or thorn stuck in the tread.
Remove Tire
Remove the valve cap and fully deflate the tube by depressing the valve stem with the hooked end of your tire lever. There are two main types of valve stems, a schrader valve and a presta valve. This tutorial is based on a schrader valve, but I will be covering the different valve types in another tutorial.
Now it’s time to remove your tire, one side at a time. Choose a section of tire that is away from the valve and hook one of the tire levers under the bead, directly in line with one of your spokes. Pry one side of the tire bead over the edge of the rim, and then hook the end of the tire lever to the nearest spoke. Insert another tire lever two spokes away from the first, and a third another two spokes away. Now the middle lever should fall out, and you can continue the process. When the tire is loose enough you can just run a tire lever around the rest of the rim to pull the whole side over.
After you have removed one side of the tire, the other side should come off very easily.
Inspect Tube
Now remove the tube from the tire, and try to keep track of where it was positioned in relation to the tire. Inflate the tube to approximately twice its original size. This will expand the hole making it easier to find.
Listen carefully to the entire circumference of the tube; you should hear a hissing sound that will indicate where the leak is. As a last resort you can submerge the tube in water and watch for bubbles, but you’ll want to avoid doing this as you’ll need the tube to be completely dry in order for the patch glue to work.
Once you’ve found the leak, take note of whether it is on the inner or outer side of the tube.
If the hole was on the outer side of the tube, inspect the inner surface of the tire in that spot to make sure the object that caused the puncture is not still stuck in the tire. Double check the entire inner side of the tire by running your fingers along the entire surface, feeling for obstacles along the way.
If the hole was on the inner side of the tube, inspect your entire rim to make sure there are no sharp burrs in the metal, and that the rim tape is properly protecting the tube from your spoke ends.
Patch Tube
Now that the rim and tire are clear, it’s time to patch the tube. Select an appropriate sized patch for the hole. Use the sandpaper or scraper provided in your kit to buff the surface of the tube for an area a bit larger than the patch. You need to buff the tube so that it is no longer shiny. If the molding line is running along the area where the patch is to be applied, you must sand it down completely, or it will provide an air channel. Once buffed, avoid touching that area with your fingers.
Apply a dab of rubber cement, and then spread it into a thin coat, using your cleanest finger. Work quickly. You want a thin, smooth coat of cement; if you keep fiddling with it as it begins to dry, you’ll risk making it lumpy. The thinner the cement, the faster it will dry. It is very important to allow the cement to dry completely.
Peel the foil from the patch and press the patch onto the tube firmly, squeezing the patch tightly onto the tube.
Install Tire
Now inflate the tube so it is round and place it evenly into the tire. The first bead of the tire should fit easily onto the rim. Make sure you line up the valve stem with the rim’s valve hole.
Carefully fit the valve through the hole and place the cap on to keep it from falling out again.
The outer bead is harder to install, although most tires can be re-installed by hand. Staring at the valve, work the bead onto the rim using both of your thumbs.
You should never use tools to install the tire, but very tight tires may need some help. Kool Stop makes a great tool called a bead jack, which helps to pull the tire bead over the rim.
Once the tire is seated, inspect the outer edge on both sides to make sure it sits evenly all the way around, and push the valve down into the tire to make sure it didn’t get caught between the tire bead and rim.
Inflate Tire
Inflate the tire to the recommended pressure, which should be written on the side. Make sure to inspect the tire a few times while you are inflating, to make sure the tire remains seated properly and doesn’t start to bulge anywhere.
Once the tire is fully inflated, install the valve cap and put the wheel back on your bike.
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Comments & Questions - Help Forums
35 Responses to “How To Fix a Flat Tire”
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“With the wheel removed from your bike” That’s a good one. Anybody who needs a patch lesson will need a lesson on how to remove and replace a wheel before this vid. Expecially the replace a wheel so it doesn’t fall off when they are riding. So how about a vid on how a quick release works in combination with the lawyers lips on front dropouts and how to release the brakes so the tire fits thru the pads. Consider another vid just for the rear wheel. Keep up the good work.
I have found that putting the label that is on the tire inline with the valve stem helps when trying to find the object stuck in the tire. Just to let you know, I love your tutorials.
Thanks Ragbrai, here is the video for wheel removal and installation:
http://bicycletutor.com/remove-install-wheels/
Hello,
Firstly I just wanted to say that your video blog really fills its niche nicely! I’ve placed a link from my new spanish cycling forum…
I’ve noticed that you rub the area after applying the glue. I prefer not to do that (for most of the time I spend in my workshop my hands & fingers are greasy).
Here’s my recently written guide to patching tubes: http://tinyurl.com/5n45kf
Anyway, regarding some other videos:
I’ve seen a few other videos about patching bike tubes. Yours is the best out there. The other one I’ve seen – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7c7zQapaU-0 – is USELESS. Why don’t people actually video the entire process, including removing the clear plastic film? Because the corners of the patch will peel, revealing their flawed method.
No one actually fixes a truly **punctured** tube either, with the possible exception of this young man (have a look at this one for a laugh)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mmiar52Hywc
Thanks,
Les
I really think this site is great — but I think the videos are arranged in a non-intuitive order. Fixing a flat should be on page one, as should an overview of bicycle-part-naming and (the aforementioned) removing the wheel. These should, in short, be ordered by (1) need and (2) sophistication (i.e. the need for special tools, etc.)
The videos are being uploaded in order of visitor requests. I’m trying to work through the most popular ones first (if I have the parts). If you have a tutorial in mind, feel free to let me know and I’ll add it to the list.
To help with navigation each tutorial has related tutorials listed below the video. I’m updating past tutorial links everytime I upload a new video. For a more intuitive listing you can find topics easily by browsing the tags in the repair guide.
Another great tutorial, I take my hat off!
As a newbie cyclist, I would like to view another tutorial on inflating tires. I have a hand-pump, it has no pressure meter, therefore I will have to intuitively determine whether the pressure is right or not (or make an educated guess, by leaning on one of the wheels and watching how it goes flat).
Also, I am aware of the fact that the pressure can be adjusted, it depends on the surfaces you plan to ride on – rough terrain, less pressure. Are there any rules of thumb we can use to determine the right pressure?
Finally, I am sure such a tutorial would be useful; I once missed the chance to go on a bike trip when in The Netherlands because I had no clue how to inflate the tire… So ashamed..
Other points:
- can this be done without the levers? At best, I have a pump, the cement, and the patch; can one achieve a satisfying result if they have crafty hands?
- what are the risks of riding a patched tube for too long? Other than getting another leak, can it somehow have an impact on the tyre around it?
Status of this Request
Thanks Alexander, that’s a great idea. I’ll do a tutorial on tire inflation and let you know when it is posted!
Check out Sheldon Brown’s page on tire pressure here.
I’ve never had any success replacing tires without levers, they’re pretty essential for the job.
If applied correctly, a patch will work well. There are no risks or impact on the tire that I am aware of.
Hi Alex,
I would like to follow on with how to fix a Flat Tyre using a patch.
This is very good most people they don’t carry the right tools on the ride with them, As we all know flat tires are the biggest problem with bikes when you are out riding.
I use Amerityre puncture proof tyres on one of my mounting bikes they never get a flat so no need for a bike pump or patches all so they still perform like an air filled tyre
All you need is tyre levers to put them on guarantee never to get a flat on the web site the way they put them one is difficult my idea is much faster if people buy Amerityre tyres for there bike for every day use.
The quickest way to put the Amerityre tires on your wheel are to put the wheel flat on the ground put your knees on the bottom of the tire and work your hands at equal way around the tire.
If you would like me to do a small video so you can show on your web site how to put them on I would be more than happy to do this.
Here is the web page for the tyres: http://www.hancox.co.uk/biketyres.html
Regards Anthony Dacko
United Kingdom
Great video, but I take issue with the never use levers to put tire back on. You are not going to be able to have that big fancy tool with you if you are out miles from home on a ride. You would have to be the Incredible Hulk to put a wire bead clincher tire on for that last 5 or 6 inches or so with just your bare hands. I have tried and the tire levers are essential for this. Yes there is a risk that you can damage the tube if you are not careful, but there just is no other way to pull that last part of the tire on. What was that tire install tool name again?
Putting tires back on the rim can be a real pain, especially on road bike rims. It takes some strong thumbs for sure. The tool I highly recommend to make the job easier is called a Kool-Stop Tire Bead Jack.
I have fixed my tube using this video. I don’t think I can work on my bike without your website.
After I have inflated the tire I can see the place where the broken glass had gone through the tire, and you can actually see it as it was quite a big piece. Any recommendations as to how to prevent the puncture at the same place. Can I place anything inside the tire above the tube? I have seen this tape thing in the local bike shop, but the shop guy was recommending it all around inside the tire. I would still prefer you expert opinion.
Btw, congratulations for having your website mentioned on NBC, KEEP IT UP!
Umar, you can use adhesive tape (cloth tape) as a temporary on-the-road patch. As for a permanent casing patch, there may be specialty marketed patches for this (although I bet the bike shop would probably try to sell you a new tire.) John Forester, in _Effective Cycling_ advises patching the inside of the casing with a 1″ x 2″ piece of denim, contact-cemented to the inside of the casing. If you want to, you can fix the loose rubber on the outside of the tire with black silicone seal.
Robert…
Thank you for the tips, I haven’t taken the bike out yet, but I’m thinking of getting the inside patched with an old tube instead of the denim. What do you think?
I’m not sure an old tube would work that well, as they are too flexible.
Alex..
Do you reckon I should stick with the denim or is there any better option? The bike shop has a tape thing for inside the tire which is filled with some gel but it just stays there and doesn’t stick to one place. I don’t want a new tire as I haven’t had this one for more than 2 months :-p
Denim sounds like a good temporary fix… how well does it work?
Well do you think denim would work fine if I took it offroad… or should I stick with denim with the black silicon cement? I have no idea how it works as I’ve not used it yet :-s
Off-road riding puts a lot of strain on your tire so I would recommend replacing your tire if there’s a hole in it. All of these tire fixes are meant as temporary fixes (ie to get you home).
The denim patch will work permanently if it’s a small cut in the casing (say a small gash, 1cm or smaller). You coat one side of the denim (the less-frayed side) with contact cement (not artist’s rubber cement, use the stuff you find at DIY shops) and let it dry. Then rough up the inside of your casing and cement it up too. Let it dry, then press it in. Be careful with your alignment, the cement will hold on contact — hence the name. The patch will work to get you home for bigger cuts, but if the cut is much over 1cm, it’s time to treat yourself to a new tire.
I agree with Alex’s comment regarding off-road.
Alex .. Robert ..
The hole is roughly about a centimeter, and I am using the denim patch for now. Would give it a go like that, and if I get a puncture in the middle of no where I will think of Alex :-p
Thanks guys!
If only changing a tire was that simple. The new tires for my road bike are very tight – such that the tire levers bend trying to get the tire over the rim. I have changed them a dozen times at home to try to loosen the bead but without much luck. Even with my Park tool for changing tires they are really difficult. Any suggestions?
You could try some alloy tire levers, but you’ll have to use them very carefully as they are known to pinch tubes and/or scratch your rim surface.
Ummm… no.
Clearly a video by a bike shop wrench. No offense meant; this is a great site and most of the vids are on point.
However, it needs to be kept in mind that bike shops are in the habit of taking off the wheel because due to shop labor rates, it is more economical to just replace the tube rather than patch it. Hence, the wheel comes off.
In the real world, that is, the one outside of bike shops; like, on the road or even at home, it is seldom necessary to remove the wheel.
There’s a missing step. Yes, you do say to inspect the tire for likely culprits. Once you know what a piece of glass in the tread looks like, you’ll probably find where the tube is punctured. Or you’ll see something more obvious, like a screw, nail, piece of wire, or whatever. Then you simply take half the bead off the rim, pull out the tube, likely find the leak, and patch it forthwith. 10-15 minutes later, you’re on your way.
Take the wheel off? Remove the tire? You’ve got to be kidding. 19 out of 20 times, this is entirely unnecessary; a waste of time.
Love this site-it makes a tricky job look simple. People often try to make it look complex.
Thanks!
Changed a flat tire for the first time – you made it very easy to follow directions – now I have the confidence to do any repairs and maintenance for bike needs. Hi from Perth Western Australia.
I’ve got this: (Crank Brothers Speed Lever)
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/Crank_Brothers_Speed_Lever/5360019204/
It extends and attaches to the axle after you’ve hooked it under the tyre like a regular lever, then you just pull it around. I had to change a tyre on a good road bike the other day (not mine!), and it was very easy to get the thin tyres off. It’s also got a reverse side for re-installing the tyre on the rim.
Thought that might be of use. Is also very small and light until extended.
Hi,
Do you have a tutorial about choosing the right size or type of tires for your bike? I hope you have something coming up. I’d like some few tips on what and how to choose the good type of tire for my bike.
Hi Anton,
What type of riding do you do most?
Nice tutorial but I just can not understand why you add the part about deflating the tire? If you have to deflate the tire it apparently isn’t flat so why would you want to fix it?
Anton, sometimes a leaky tube has a slow leak, so not all of the air escapes. That is why you’ll have to deflate any remaining air.
I usually ride in city streets but the street on the way to our house is not yet paved. Its kinda dusty with some loose rocks scattered all-over the street. If I have time, I I like to go a little off-roading with my MTB.
I do take issue on where to start the removal and remounting process. I start at the stem to remove and opposite the stem to remount. This is very important when remounting the tire. I work my way toward the valve stem. Before I push the last bit of tire over the rim, I push in the stem to prevent the tube from being pinched between bead and rim. I have done this for almost 30 years. Plus I changed truck and car tires during a 5-1/2 year period a lifetime ago. I am very experienced with tire repair.
Last tip I wish to share. When looking for the tiny pinhole leaks, a person’s lips are very sensitive and will detect leaks that are inaudible.
I do agree every bicyclist needs to be able to change and repair a flat tire.
Good video otherwise.
Alex,
I see you explain very well here how to properly patch a tire. What do you think of the self adhesive patches?
Thanks Bill. I haven’t used them myself, but I’ve heard they are not as effective as the glue type.