Park Glueless patch issue
 

I have been using Park glueless patches for years and have never had one not stick. Until today. And I had never used the sandpaper. Until today. So I got a flat, found the little puncture, and for some reason unbeknownst to me, I did the light sanding today that they recommend and then applied the patch, pumped up, and went on my way. About 10 minutes later, it was flat again so I took it off and it turns out that the are that I sanded, which was a thin strip along the length of the tube, did not hold the patch. The areas that I did not sand were fine. So I figured I’ll just add an additional patch to either end of the original and that will seal it up – except I only had one left. Needless to say, it didn’t work.
Has anyone found that actually sanding the tube makes the patch not stick? As I mentioned, years of no sanding and years of no problems. Maybe I should have wiped the sanded area with a wet fingertip or something. Lesson learned I guess.

For me they're good enough to get me home, then they loose pressure overnight. I've never tired sanding for a pre-glued patch.

I've changed my approach to simply putting a new tube in, and taking the punctured tube home to toss in a pile in the basement. Eventually I may get around to patching them, but that's not terribly likely.

I've found that if I put any part of the patch over the seam down the middle of the tube the patch doesn't work. If I can get it over the tube without touching the seam they usually work ok but often don't last that long, but that's not what they're made of I guess.

Hey, you might have a long, cold, boring winter and be glad you have them to keep you from cabin fever.

What he does with his tubes in his basement is his own business!

back to topic -- I replace the tube road-side and keep patches on-hand as my back-up plan. I do, however, patch when I get them home...no sanding, and the Innovative seem to hold better than the Park.
Joe

I carry a spare tube on the rare ride I ride clinchers. I also carry a Rema Tip Top case, but I patch at home, unless I have multiple punctures.

But glueless patches, no. Rema Tip Top is where it's at.

This

My patching efforts have been questionable at best. I always carry one or sometimes two extra tubes.

this. i carry 2-3 tubes (crappy roads in my area).

all patching done at home where it's clean/controlled.

I do use glueless patches when I'm stuck (I use the same saddlebag with a skinny road tube when I'm riding my cross bike, on which I rarely puncture on non-race rides) and I always sand because heh my grandpa always did. But...

These are just the best. The way the thin fringe of the rubber like mindmelds with the tube... I think these might be my favorite bike "component" for pure functionality.