RIB Repairs

TIDEL can carry out all RIB puncture repairs or we can supply the required materials for DIY RIB repairs. Small punctures upto 2 inches in length will require an external patch. RIB punctures larger than 2 inches in length will require an internal patch and an external patch. Trying to repair a tear longer than 2 inches with only an external patch may hold for a short while, but eventually the rib repair will fail.
As there will be fine dust created during this process, a breathing filter should be worn to protect from inhalation of the dust.

The Patch

A puncture repair patch should be cut to a size allowing 5cm (2 ins) all around the tube tear. The patch should be cut with rounded corners as these will glue better and will not be snagged as easily as sharp corners. The side to be glued should be sanded to give a dull surface which is they key for the hypalon glue.

Preparation of surfaces for puncture repairs

The patch area should be traced out on the tube.
All surfaces should be sanded just enough to give a dull surface finish. This surface is the key for the hypalon glue to attach itself to. Do not sand through the top layer or you will expose the high tensile fabric fibres which will not provide a strong bond. The prepared surfaces must be cleaned of all traces of dust, grease, finger oils etc before gluing.

Applying Glue

The glue should be mixed with the hardener/catalyst according to manufacturers directions. Both surfaces should be coated with a layer of glue. Not too thin but also not too thick. The glue should be allowed to go past being tacky before it is ready for a second coating. If you touch the surface of the glue lightly with a knuckle it should not stick to your skin. If it does then the glue has not gone off enough.
A second light coating of glue is then applied to both surfaces and allowed to start going off. When the glue surface becomes non tacky, it is ready to be joined. Do not touch with fingers as fingers leave oils on glue surface which spoil bonding.

Applying the Repair Patch

The glue is a contact glue and once the two surfaces are pressed together they will not come apart easily.
Apply the repair patch carefully over the tear making sure the two sides of the tear are in contact. Then press down firmly in the center of the patch and apply pressure working outwards to the edges.
A hard rubber or metal roller is then used to roll the patch from the center outwards in all directions. This pushes all air bubbles out and ensures full contact between the two surfaces. The rib repair patch should then be rolled in all directions firmly.

Cleaning UP

Excess glue should be removed from around the edge of the repair patch using a soft rotary brush as can be seen in our RIB Accessories pages.

Curing

Glue should be allowed to cure before inflating. See glue manufacturers recommendation for curing period.
Please contact us for advice on the best options for punctured RIB repairs.