Tubing repair

One of the most popular winter activities is tubing downhill, which is popularly known as "cheesecake". This device is made of durable reinforced canvas. However, it can also be damaged, and this applies to both the outer cover and the rubberized camera.

There are some problems that most often arise for owners of tubing.

• Burst camera... This happens when several people ride a tubing at the same time, and at the same time their total weight exceeds all permissible norms. Inflating the camera in cold weather also causes similar damage. After it gets warm, the air inside expands and this also causes a violation of the integrity of the bottom.
• Cut cover... Such a nuisance happens if users ride on an unprepared track, as well as if the rider has sharp objects in his pockets that can damage the tubing during the ride.
• Slightly less common injuries such as rupture of the cable or handles... Excessive efforts, worn-out "cheesecakes" or factory defects become the cause of such a problem.
• Sometimes on products joints diverge - this can happen due to a factory defect or if the inflation is too strong.

If the tube cover is damaged, repair works are performed in the following sequence:

• The "cheesecake" must be placed on a horizontal surface in such a way that you can easily get to the internal damage;
• the damaged area of ​​the cover is gently rubbed with fine sandpaper;
• a piece of cotton wool is moistened with acetone, then degreased and cleaned the damaged area;
• then you need to measure the cut with a ruler;
• a piece is cut out of the prepared material for the patch so that it is a couple of centimeters larger than the size of the breakout;
• all sharp corners on the prepared patch are cut off with scissors;
• the patch is degreased with acetone in the same way as the place of damage;
• both surfaces to be bonded are coated with glue as evenly as possible;
• immediately before hitching the bookmark, both surfaces should be thoroughly warmed up with a hairdryer using hot air;
• the prepared patch is firmly pressed to the cover and fixed with some kind of press, after which it is left for 5-7 hours;
• after the allotted time, the press is removed and the cheesecake is left for another 15-20 hours - after that the maximum strength of the coupling will be reached.

If the place of damage is small, then you can try repair the gap in the cover with reinforced tape... In this case, the torn section needs to be simply sewn up, a piece of scotch tape is attached to the top of the seam along the inside.

To fix a tubing camera, you need to prepare the following materials and tools:

• a basin of warm water;
• scissors;
• patch material;
• any solvent;
• fine sandpaper;
• glue.

The sequence of actions step by step includes certain stages.

• First you need to determine exactly where the puncture is. To do this, the product is pumped up and placed in a large tank of water. If you do not have a basin, then you can use the bathtub by filling it halfway. At the puncture site, air bubbles will be noticeable rising up.
• This area should be marked with a marker.
• The place near the damage is rubbed with sandpaper, then wiped with a cotton swab dipped in a solvent. This is necessary in order to ensure the most durable fixation during subsequent work.
• A patch of the required size is cut out of the prepared material so that it is 1-2 cm wider than the parameters of the gap itself.
• Before starting work, the camera must be lowered.
• The glue is evenly distributed over the area of ​​the gap and the patch, after which the latter is fixed on the camera using a press. In this state, the tubing is kept for 2-3 hours until it dries completely.

In all other cases, such as, for example, securing a torn cable or replacing damaged handles, special equipment will be required. It is impossible to carry out such work at home without having the skills of work, the necessary tools and materials. In this case, it makes sense to refer the tubing to a tire fitting or to any service center that repairs rubber products.

Those who are determined to make repairs with their own hands should pay special attention to the choice of an adhesive composition.

Some funds are most effective.

• Texacol... Provides high quality gluing of products from polyurethane and PVC bases, most often included in a repair kit for repairing rubber boats. In order to increase the heat resistance of this composition, a hardener is usually added.

• Liquid patch... It is a mono-component composition containing special reagents capable of melting the outer layer of PVC coating. After cooling, such a patch is firmly fixed to the surface of the tubing.Patch is presented in stores in an extensive color palette, so you can always find the right product.

• For some types of damage use reinforced tape "Moment Super Tape"... It provides fixation of a wide variety of materials, including reinforced canvas. This product is a three-layer product consisting of polyethylene, fabric and an adhesive layer. Differs in high efficiency in sealing seams, joints, as well as insulation and protection of tubing from water penetration inside. It is noteworthy that this material withstands low temperatures and retains moisture, not allowing even a strong direct stream of water to pass through.

In order to reduce the risk of damage to the tubing, you should adhere to certain rules of riding and use.

1. You can ride only in specially designated placesequipped for skiing. Areas with trees and shrubs, poles, protruding snags and other obstructions should be avoided.
2. Do not interlock tubing with each other. - this reduces maneuverability and as a result leads to damage in cases where the tubing suddenly collides with an obstacle.
3. Do not sit on one "cheesecake" together... In extreme cases, it is allowed to use one tubing for two people when riding on a gentle slope.
4. When riding, be sure to hold on to the handles..
5. It is not recommended to inflate the tubing above the established rate.... A properly inflated chamber should simply expand the shell, but nothing more.

In addition, it is strictly forbidden to use a sledge-cheesecake:

• in a state of drug and alcohol intoxication;
• for ski jumping;
• for skiing from icy or ski slopes.

Do not use the cheesecake to be towed by a snowmobile, car, or any other vehicle. Also, in the summertime, you should not attach it to boats and ride on the water.

For information on how to glue the tubing cover, see the next video.