Recently, I found my bike with a flat, and not wanting to use my last tube (which was in my seat pack as a spare), decided to patch one of several old tubes I had laying around the garage. Pulling the aging patch kit out of my seat pack, I discovered the tube of glue had long since dried up. There was still hope, since I still had another patch kit with the spare on the mountain bike. Out of luck again....this time the glue was all used up, even though it was put back in the little box with the patches. If I wanted to ride, I'd have to use my only spare tube to fix the flat. Not a good option. So it was off to the bike shop for more tubes and a couple of new patch kits.
I guess things have changed since the last time I bought a patch kit (some time during the 80s). I was pleasantly surprised when they asked me at the shop if I'd like to try the glueless patches. Huh? Apparently, technological advances occur in all aspects of cycling when you're not paying attention (perhaps that's why I'm still riding a bike that still has the shifters on the down tube). I never knew such things even existed.
I'm happy to report this new product makes the entire patching process quicker and easier. No more waiting for the glue to dry. No more wondering if the patch is going to hold. Simply clean and roughen the surface, separate the patch from the backing, and apply. Burnish it down, and you're set to go.
These come packaged six to a tiny box, which measures less than one inch square and about 1/8 of an inch high. They are a product of 3M and are distributed by Park Tools. It contains six patches and a piece of sandpaper. No glue is required. The "six pack" cost $2.50. They're probably available at most shops.
It's been a long time since I've done any patching, but I had much better results (the tube was still inflated several hours later) when applying a patch to a tube with little or no air instead of one that's partially inflated.
If you're like me and havn't taken a look at your patch kit this decade, you might want to check it before you're stuck on some remote road with your second flat of the day, having already used your spare tube.