High Pressure, High Stakes
Wing bladders operate under high pressure. Standard patches often fail, but advanced techniques using specific adhesive patches can seal punctures even under crash loads.
The Adhesive Process
Repair protocols from experts like Airtime Kite recommend applying layers of adhesive patch over a damp bladder. The moisture reacts with specific urethane glues to create a bond stronger than dry fixes. A significant cure time is required for maximum strength.
The Alcohol Prep Protocol
A patch is only as good as the surface it sticks to. Bladders are often coated in release agents or salt crystals. Before applying any patch, the area must be cleaned with Isopropyl Alcohol (99%).
Warning: Do not use acetone or nail polish remover, as these can melt the thin TPU material.
Tear-Aid: Type A vs. Type B
This is the most common mistake in DIY repairs. Tear-Aid comes in two varieties, and choosing the wrong one guarantees failure.
- Type A (Gold Box): Designed for fabric, rubber, and TPU bladders. It bonds instantly and cures to 100% strength over 24 hours.
- Type B (Green Box): Designed ONLY for vinyl. It contains oils that will dissolve the adhesive if used on a TPU wing bladder.
The Art of Re-insertion
Inserting a bladder without twisting it is an art form. A twisted bladder can explode upon inflation.
- Talc Up: Generously coat the bladder in talcum powder. This acts as a dry lubricant.
- The Fold: Accordion-fold the bladder neatly. Do not roll it.
- The Chase: Use a "chase line" tied to the valve or end of the bladder to pull it through the sleeve.
- The Pump Check: Inflate slowly. If you see the strut twisting or bulging unevenly, STOP. Deflate, massage the twist out, and try again.
Reinsertion Techniques
To prevent hernias from twisted bladders, the "string pull" method is essential. This involves tying a guide string to the valve before removal. Reinserting with soapy water or talc reduces friction, ensuring the bladder holds pressures without bursting.
Valve Maintenance
Leakage often occurs at the valve. Ozone’s maintenance guides suggest swapping valve O-rings fixes the majority of slow leaks without requiring a full bladder replacement. Reinforced repairs using a sock fold technique reduce the risk of future hernias.
Sources & Further Reading
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