DaveM wrote:


I've never used one of these hot patch setters, but I've seen them used. They
are used to press the rubber patch onto inner tubes after it has been heated in
order to fully vulcanize the patch to the inner tube. I don't think they are
used on tubeless tires any more, although I saw them used on some years ago.
The procedure was to clean the area to be patched, then use a rasp to rough up
the tube, and then apply a rubber solvent to the tube. Finally, the patch,
which contained a flammable layer was applied and lit with a match. The clamp
was then tightened over the patch to complete the vulcanizing process.
Don't think I ever remember a patched inner tube failing, at least not where the
patch was applied. I have had two tubeless tires fail after being fixed; one
bias ply tire and one radial... the plugs they use just aren't really
vulcanized to the tire like the hot patches were.

You can still buy a version of this for smaller tubes since cars went tubeless. The
"patch" is on one side of a metal "cup" filled with a flammible material. You clamp
the cup to the tube and ignite the filler on the back of the "cup" to vulcanize it. It
works well. That hot patch setter was common in garages through the depression and
well into the 60s when tubeless tires became the norm. You occasionally find them
today in older shops.

personal observation My father loves this system. he hasn't bought a $5-10 inner
tube in 30 years. He's a very happy hillbilly. I know of one trailer tire that has 4
layers of this patch in one area and 3 other patches by themselves, and it still holds
air, for now. There are other situations, but I ain't going there. There comes a time
when you really need to spend the $10 for a new tube. (like, maybe when it has a hole
in it?).End Personal observation.