Features:

  • The VP-1 Patch Kit includes six thin and flexible patches with tapered edges to blend with the tube's profile.
  • A tube of self-vulcanizing fluid bonds the patch to the tube at the molecular level.
  • Each kit is packaged in a small plastic box with sandpaper for cleaning the tube and instructions.
Very small kit, but works better than any others I have used.

I almost laughed when I saw the size of this kit (very small) but was packed well and has enough patches to patch several sized leaking tubes as needed. I patches a tube that I had a leak in and the patch is holding very well. Much better than other patch kits that I have tried. I have used other patches and they were thicker material that would not stretch as much as the tube does and they ended up leaking. These patches do stretch a lot more than other type of patches and holds pressure well. This is a quality patch kit and will buy again if needed and keeping a spare kit ready in my little bag of goodies.

Works like a charm! If you know how to use them.

Instructions are pretty limited. Had to watch the Youtube video Park Tool made on this kit. 1) Clean inner tube very well using included sand paper or alcohol wipes then let dry. 2) Apply rubber cement to inner tube covering an area fairly larger than the patch itself. 3) Wait for the cement to dry. If you test for dryness do so outside the area where the patch goes. Your finger can mess up the adhesion. 4) Remove the foil side of the patch, leaving the clear plastic. 5) Apply the patch to the dry rubber cement area orange side down. 6) DO NOT inflate the tube outside of the tire. The patch will always end up blistering off the tube. It needs the support of the tire itself. 7) Leave the clear plastic, it'll protect the patch on the tube and reduce friction on the patch while you are inflating the tire.

Very useful

I recently bought a new bicycle and soon after had a puncture. At first I was skeptical of puncture repair kits because something as small as these patches seemed to be too good to be true to withstand the pressure in the tube. But I decided to give it a try and as I used this vulcanizing patch for the very first time it changed my views on this product. First, the kit box is very compact (about the size of a chewing gum package), which I like because you can put it in a bag or even a pocket and take it with you on a trip with a pair of levers, and you don't have to worry about getting a your tube punctured. With this kit, a puddle of water and a pocket-sized pump it is possible to even fix your tube in a few minutes at a road curb. I am a complete novice at changing tubes, but it took me around 7-10 minutes to fix the tube and be on the bike again. It is very easy to use the kit: once you determine where your puncture is, remove any object that caused it (if applicable), sand the spot around it with a sand paper provided, apply the vulcanizing glue evenly around the spot (about the size of a quarter around the hole), let it dry for up to a minute, and place one of the patches (whichever shape fits best) orange side up and press firmly for a minute or two. That's it - now you should be able to place your tube back onto the wheel and pump it with air. Make sure to sand the punctured spot well so that the area is smooth and even, having no grooves or rubber seams, otherwise these minor bumps can promote air channel formation under the patch when air pressure is applied. Overall, I think it is a pretty useful tool to relieve you from the hassle of buying new tubes all the time. I am not sure whether this vulcanizing kit is good enough to "treat" big holes, but it surely gets you covered for small punctures, such as the ones from a nail, malevolent awl or needle puncture.

You won't be disappointed if you follow directions.

I have never had an issue with these patches WHEN USED PROPERLY. Yes..you really SHOULD let the vulcanizing fluid dry before petting the patch on. And yes, you DO need to rough up the tire a bit before anything else. (And then, make sure you CLEAN the spot as well so there aren't rubber bits still around.) When you do this, you should have no problems with most punctures. This can't be said for many other patches or plain rubber cement that peels right off. One tip is to save your punctured tires and only patch them when you have several to do at once. Because as with any brand, the vulcanizing fluid will dry up in the tube very quickly once opened. So you should expect to get just one use out of the tube. So obviously, the more you can wait before patching your tubes, the more you can patch. Always have one handy so you are never without. That also enables you to never have to pay full price. For example, I bought a 2 pack for less than the price of 1.

Don't leave home without it

This kit is a life saver, and I have no complaints with it. It's compact and easy to use, comes with plenty of patches and more than enough glue, and it will dependably patch your tubes if applied correctly. I'll buy another kit when this one runs out. The inside of the case has some handy little instructions, but they're condensed, so watch the official Park Tool video if you're unsure how to use it. The only thing that could potentially be confusing is that the instructions only say to "peel off the backing" but each patch is actually sandwiched between a piece of cellophane-like material and a piece of foil-like material. After sanding and waiting for the glue to dry, what you want to do is peel off the foil piece but leave the clear piece on, then put the now naked side of the patch over the hole and apply pressure for a minute or two. Leave the clear piece there when reinstalling the tube; it won't hurt anything. The Park Tool video also includes this handy tip: mark the location of the hole with an X in chalk or marker or pen or something, because after you sand and apply the glue, it's going to be practically invisible.

Good Patch

Buying a new tube every time I had a flat used to be my mode of operation, but new tubes used to be a lot cheaper too. I now prefer to patch the tube and re-use it. Recently I've had a lot of flats, so I've used way more of these patches than I'd prefer, but I like them because they do the job. The kit has a good selection of patch sizes and shapes and plenty of adhesive. If you follow the instructions and do it right, that puncture is fixed and you are ready to ride.

Works great like other Park Tool Products

Works great . Before this i was using Slime SKABS Pre-Glued 1 inch patches repair flats on my mountain bike inner tubes but one day when i was fixing a flat I noticed that there was no new puncture but a leak through an already patched with Slime SKABS Pre-glued. I carefully removed that patch and sealed the leak/punctured spot with Park Tool VP-1 Vulcanizing patch bought here on Amazon. A few weeks later I got another flat in the same tire due to hitting a sharp metal on the road causing a tear in tire as well as inner tube. I patched that one too with park tool VP-1. So far have not noticed any decrease in pressure . At the time of patching the flats / leaks i remember the Park Tool VP-1 patches were well made and adhered to the tube very firmly co the glue was very strong . Also i liked that it comes in a nice small box with a small piece of sand paper to clan the punctured spot on inner tube.

Serious Patch Kit

These are some of the best patch kits out there. The patches properly bond with the tube every time. Word of warning though, if like most people you keep patch kits stashed around for emergencies. Give these a good wrap with plastic wrap for insurance. I've had a couple kits compromised by sweat and humidity. Knowing Park though, they are always working on such minutia. Well worth the money over a generic patch kit.

Great little kit for bike lovers

I would like to thank you Amazon and Park Tool as I had to signal the fact my package was not delivered by the transporter despite it was mentioned the contrary on the site; thank you for having sent me another kit! I love it and it really worked on the two tires we had to fix. Very useful to have if you do not want to have to re-buy a tire just for a tiny hole: it is a must kit to have everywhere you ride with your bike. Moreover I think it is a great satisfaction to fix your bike yourself. In this kit you will find 6 patches of different diameter to fix different kind of leaks plus a tube of glue and a tiny, but useful sandpaper to make a good and clean job. everything is packed in a tiny box easy to transport with you as it fits the external pocket of a camel bag. Great and useful, a bikers must!!!!

Best patch kit available

This is the best inner tube patch kit I have found. The patches are thin and small and are perfect for patching the typical greenbriar thorn hole I get here in the eastern US. The patches are absolutely permanently bonded to the tube and I have never had one peel off. A tip for a good repair is to rough up the area with the included sandpaper, apply the glue and let it dry, then INFLATE THE TUBE THE THE DIAMETER IT WILL HAVE WHEN IT IS IN THE TIRE before applying the patch. This will ensure there is no undue stress on the patch that may cause it to peel off. Using this technique I've had perfect results every time.

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