There are two methods to patch a tube leak. They are the cold-patch method and the hot-patch method. With the cold-patch method (also known as chemical vulcanizing), first make sure the area is clean, dry, and free of grease and oil. Scuff the area around the leak. Then cover the area with vulcanizing cement. Let the cement dry until tacky. Press the patch into place. Roll it from the center out with a "stitching tool" or the edge of the patch kit can.

With the hot-patch method, prepare the tube in the same way as for the cold patch. Put the hot patch into place and clamp it. Then, with a match, light the fuel on the back of the patch. As the fuel burns, the heat vulcanizes the patch to the tube. After the patch has cooled, inflate the tube and recheck for leaks by submerging the tube in water. Another kind of hot patch uses a vulcanizing hot plate. The hot plate supplies the heat required to bond the patch to the tube.