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is there a trick? when I first started riding I got a bunch of patch kits. I'm doing this in the shop so I have plenty of time to clean the area, rough it up. clamps to make sure the patch is firmly set, etc. after about..10 tries? I just gave up. I am religiously for wringing the last bit of functionality out of something before burying it...but it just wasn't worth it.

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Are you using self-adhesive patches or something that uses a tube of glue? I never got on with anything other than Rema's patches.

Indeed, the answer is Rema. There may be some other brands that are as good, but Rema forms an actual chemical bond between the patch and the rubber of the tire. The vulcanizing fluid prepares the surface of the tube so it will bond to the patch. Better living through chemistry.

Everything else, check. Roughing up the patch area, waiting a few minutes for the vulcanizing fluid to dry, squeezing the patch for a few seconds after applying.

I've never had a problem with the little sandpaper that comes with the kit.

The sandpaper used in most kits is near useless. The sheetmetal "rasp" rougheners work much better to get the mold release broken up.

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