http://do-it-yourself.tribe.net/thread/fa77bd57-16db-4657-bc55-ac037cad7362?format=rss Tribe.net. Local Connections http://do-it-yourself.tribe.net/thread/fa77bd57-16db-4657-bc55-ac037cad7362#11a22fe2-2787-4729-b04d-8dcbe918e4db And be careful to clean up your hands after using all that glue because some may get stuck under your caps lock ;-) Tue, 31 Jul 2007 06:13:53 GMT http://do-it-yourself.tribe.net/thread/fa77bd57-16db-4657-bc55-ac037cad7362#11a22fe2-2787-4729-b04d-8dcbe918e4db Giovanni 2007-07-31T06:13:53Z http://do-it-yourself.tribe.net/thread/fa77bd57-16db-4657-bc55-ac037cad7362#408d275f-05b8-44ff-af14-1187df6be4f4 THE THING TO REMEMBER IS VINYL HAS AN OIL BASE OF SOME SORT. I TRIED SILICONE ON WATERBEDS AND IT FAILED. WHAT I DID FIND THAT WORKED WELL WAS GO TO AN AUTO PARTS STORE AND GET BLACK SILICONE THAT THEY USE ON WINDSHIELDS. IT BONDS WELL WITH VINYL. ALSO AS SOMEONE MENTIONED PATCH KITS FOR INFLATABLE RAFTS WORK WELL. ALSO YOU CAN BUY THE FABRIC GLUE THAT THEY USE TO BOND TWO PIECES TOGETHER BUT IT COMES IN QUARTS AND GALLONS AND IT IS EXPENSIVE.ALSO SIGN COMPANY SUPPLY COMPANIES SELL ADHESIVE TO BOND PANAFLEX VINYL FACES TOGETHER LIKE IN YOUR BIG GOODYEAR SIGNS. TRY THEM. Tue, 31 Jul 2007 02:42:46 GMT http://do-it-yourself.tribe.net/thread/fa77bd57-16db-4657-bc55-ac037cad7362#408d275f-05b8-44ff-af14-1187df6be4f4 HOWARD 2007-07-31T02:42:46Z http://do-it-yourself.tribe.net/thread/fa77bd57-16db-4657-bc55-ac037cad7362#e35c79de-36c4-42cd-8322-f5de22902c2f Try a pool liner repair kit. They work great on inflatable rafts. Tue, 31 Jul 2007 00:49:47 GMT http://do-it-yourself.tribe.net/thread/fa77bd57-16db-4657-bc55-ac037cad7362#e35c79de-36c4-42cd-8322-f5de22902c2f $item.owner.firstName 2007-07-31T00:49:47Z http://do-it-yourself.tribe.net/thread/fa77bd57-16db-4657-bc55-ac037cad7362#6e3b07d7-457d-48e6-8208-e6237f3bc722 Someone already mentioned this and I'll second it, get a patch kit for inflatable rafts. They can be found in most sporting goods and camping supply stores on the racks wear they have inflatable cushions, aluminum oars and other accessories for rubber rafts. Get the kind that includes glue and a piece of material to put over the entire hole, not the self-stick kind. I've patched a number of holes in rubber rafts over the years with great success. Oh, and avoid Coleman inflatable mattresses, they tend to leak more and don't have as good of air valves (you pretty much have to lose air trying to seal them because their self-seal mechanism sucks). Mon, 30 Jul 2007 19:18:48 GMT http://do-it-yourself.tribe.net/thread/fa77bd57-16db-4657-bc55-ac037cad7362#6e3b07d7-457d-48e6-8208-e6237f3bc722 Dan10things 2007-07-30T19:18:48Z http://do-it-yourself.tribe.net/thread/fa77bd57-16db-4657-bc55-ac037cad7362#69779676-ad2a-4d46-b26f-0971303d567b Ditto on the " always leak", Iv'e been useing them as my every day, or I should say night, bed for years. I get about a year out of one but I'm not moving it around. At very least I have to add air every couple of weeks. If I had a girl friend I'm sure I'd have to replace it weekly, so I'd go conventail ( mattress wise that is ) and forget finding a slow leak, you need to get it in water to do that ( a pool). And no, I havn't found that brands make a differance. Mon, 30 Jul 2007 14:10:51 GMT http://do-it-yourself.tribe.net/thread/fa77bd57-16db-4657-bc55-ac037cad7362#69779676-ad2a-4d46-b26f-0971303d567b Dan 2007-07-30T14:10:51Z http://do-it-yourself.tribe.net/thread/fa77bd57-16db-4657-bc55-ac037cad7362#c14a0ed1-969f-421f-aa61-0040012512c7 i tried two colemans. both leaked eventually ( soon after purchase). the reason i say this is i build skoolies. inflatable mattresses are a keystone of my designs which use them to allow me to deflate them and use the area as a shop. i tried every brand i could get my hands on. none lasted very long before leaking. the reason i treid two colemens is that was the first one i tried. when it leaked i thought it a fluke and bought another. i eventually just gave up on inflatables. for the skoolie i use futons. for backpacking i use self-inflating air mattresses ( they don't leak) Sun, 29 Jul 2007 19:27:30 GMT http://do-it-yourself.tribe.net/thread/fa77bd57-16db-4657-bc55-ac037cad7362#c14a0ed1-969f-421f-aa61-0040012512c7 $item.owner.firstName 2007-07-29T19:27:30Z http://do-it-yourself.tribe.net/thread/fa77bd57-16db-4657-bc55-ac037cad7362#3cc04f6d-d87b-4c77-88ef-dbba8d810f5f coleman Sun, 29 Jul 2007 18:07:57 GMT http://do-it-yourself.tribe.net/thread/fa77bd57-16db-4657-bc55-ac037cad7362#3cc04f6d-d87b-4c77-88ef-dbba8d810f5f Tom 2007-07-29T18:07:57Z http://do-it-yourself.tribe.net/thread/fa77bd57-16db-4657-bc55-ac037cad7362#4d5e8065-b676-47e3-a781-240ff382032d Thank you Giovanni and Babesodelici. TAP rocks, I've been there many times. I have this product http://www.tapplastics.com/shop/product.php?pid=132& and contemplated using it but was holding off pending further information. I've never seen the VLP at the store but then again I was only looking at acrylic supplies previously. Thank you for reminding me to check there, I think the VLP product might be just what I'm needing... that decent patch material. I'll check out the REI store near me as well. Wish I had read this thread yesterday as I was just there. Sun, 29 Jul 2007 15:36:52 GMT http://do-it-yourself.tribe.net/thread/fa77bd57-16db-4657-bc55-ac037cad7362#4d5e8065-b676-47e3-a781-240ff382032d Danger Girl 2007-07-29T15:36:52Z http://do-it-yourself.tribe.net/thread/fa77bd57-16db-4657-bc55-ac037cad7362#dfb43881-b78c-4450-8f8f-099d143143c9 so tom... what BRAND did you buy? Sun, 29 Jul 2007 13:42:52 GMT http://do-it-yourself.tribe.net/thread/fa77bd57-16db-4657-bc55-ac037cad7362#dfb43881-b78c-4450-8f8f-099d143143c9 $item.owner.firstName 2007-07-29T13:42:52Z http://do-it-yourself.tribe.net/thread/fa77bd57-16db-4657-bc55-ac037cad7362#a9072a08-1406-4b5f-8623-f958965b9aa2 I am on my 3rd Walmart $20 air mattress in two years. First one tore...on? Nothing. Just seemed to snag on some nonexistent "sharp object" while loading it in/out of the car on its second use. Returned it for replacement. Slow leak. Returned that one (why? Because for travel, something you can fold up *small*, it still seemed like the best option. I was hoping my bad ones were flukes). My 3rd one has a slowww leak that I can't see, feel, or hear. Have done the soapy water thing--- no bubbles, nothing. It takes jussst about 5 hours for the damn thing to go from perfectly comfortable to....oww, why is my back hurting? Oh, because I'm on the hard ground. Patch kits specifically for vinyl are available at Walmart, but I can't patch what I can't find. Ergh. Sun, 29 Jul 2007 05:59:42 GMT http://do-it-yourself.tribe.net/thread/fa77bd57-16db-4657-bc55-ac037cad7362#a9072a08-1406-4b5f-8623-f958965b9aa2 transfag1 2007-07-29T05:59:42Z http://do-it-yourself.tribe.net/thread/fa77bd57-16db-4657-bc55-ac037cad7362#4b2ca13b-3765-42d1-83b3-2160128959c7 although... I have an entirely different experience. I bought an air mattress and it *doesn't* leak. The 3 people I consulted whilst looking for a descent air mattress to buy... all had good experiences... with mattresses that didn't leak. so... I am curious... and hope to continue the thread... Sun, 29 Jul 2007 04:35:44 GMT http://do-it-yourself.tribe.net/thread/fa77bd57-16db-4657-bc55-ac037cad7362#4b2ca13b-3765-42d1-83b3-2160128959c7 Tom 2007-07-29T04:35:44Z http://do-it-yourself.tribe.net/thread/fa77bd57-16db-4657-bc55-ac037cad7362#97410261-5401-41f3-8c0b-ff9a09107329 > since they all leak even when new your chances of making an effective repair are zero. On the other hand, since they all leak, it's already perfect. Sat, 28 Jul 2007 18:01:42 GMT http://do-it-yourself.tribe.net/thread/fa77bd57-16db-4657-bc55-ac037cad7362#97410261-5401-41f3-8c0b-ff9a09107329 Giovanni 2007-07-28T18:01:42Z http://do-it-yourself.tribe.net/thread/fa77bd57-16db-4657-bc55-ac037cad7362#937e7877-aa64-4481-9d42-0e168e3e132a Ours never leaked until the kid jumped on it (father thought it was okay and didn't understand why I freaked out when she did it). We paid $60 for it and it never leaked until this happened. Would love to repair rather than replace if at all possible - and we travel with it too. Sat, 28 Jul 2007 17:35:38 GMT http://do-it-yourself.tribe.net/thread/fa77bd57-16db-4657-bc55-ac037cad7362#937e7877-aa64-4481-9d42-0e168e3e132a stephanie 2007-07-28T17:35:38Z http://do-it-yourself.tribe.net/thread/fa77bd57-16db-4657-bc55-ac037cad7362#6b7f7fd7-2e88-460e-a01d-874e4fefd918 you missed my point. since they all leak even when new your chances of making an effective repair are zero. Sat, 28 Jul 2007 16:43:26 GMT http://do-it-yourself.tribe.net/thread/fa77bd57-16db-4657-bc55-ac037cad7362#6b7f7fd7-2e88-460e-a01d-874e4fefd918 $item.owner.firstName 2007-07-28T16:43:26Z http://do-it-yourself.tribe.net/thread/fa77bd57-16db-4657-bc55-ac037cad7362#7090b9e2-a4bd-4b96-9885-7b70f4bfffb3 REI and marine stores/chandleries sell repair kits for inflatable dinghies. Same application: PVC glue and patch material. Sat, 28 Jul 2007 07:54:40 GMT http://do-it-yourself.tribe.net/thread/fa77bd57-16db-4657-bc55-ac037cad7362#7090b9e2-a4bd-4b96-9885-7b70f4bfffb3 Babesodelicious 2007-07-28T07:54:40Z http://do-it-yourself.tribe.net/thread/fa77bd57-16db-4657-bc55-ac037cad7362#fc58396b-7082-44d4-aaec-c5cd44832f9c > They do not however travel easily. And they won't float :-) Try with one of the kits I have linked in a previous post and then cover with a large piece of duct tape for extra protection. Otherwise ask the people at TAP plastics and see if this is OK to use: http://www.tapplastics.com/shop/product.php?pid=288& Sat, 28 Jul 2007 06:36:00 GMT http://do-it-yourself.tribe.net/thread/fa77bd57-16db-4657-bc55-ac037cad7362#fc58396b-7082-44d4-aaec-c5cd44832f9c Giovanni 2007-07-28T06:36:00Z http://do-it-yourself.tribe.net/thread/fa77bd57-16db-4657-bc55-ac037cad7362#5b8236e7-4e8e-40dc-91e4-f94a7aa030c3 Not a slow leak. See post above. Why repair instead of buy another? Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Already have two king size futons are really exceptionally cush. They do not however travel easily. I'm really interested in technical solutions to the problem at hand rather than wholly different work-arounds. Sat, 28 Jul 2007 06:21:00 GMT http://do-it-yourself.tribe.net/thread/fa77bd57-16db-4657-bc55-ac037cad7362#5b8236e7-4e8e-40dc-91e4-f94a7aa030c3 Danger Girl 2007-07-28T06:21:00Z http://do-it-yourself.tribe.net/thread/fa77bd57-16db-4657-bc55-ac037cad7362#c54befb7-970c-4b16-8c9a-6ae17d8ff24c I would say the tear is easily 1cm x 1cm. Perhaps even 2cm x 1.5cm. I've not looked at it in a while but that's my approximate recollection. Sat, 28 Jul 2007 06:15:42 GMT http://do-it-yourself.tribe.net/thread/fa77bd57-16db-4657-bc55-ac037cad7362#c54befb7-970c-4b16-8c9a-6ae17d8ff24c Danger Girl 2007-07-28T06:15:42Z http://do-it-yourself.tribe.net/thread/fa77bd57-16db-4657-bc55-ac037cad7362#e25a184e-041d-445c-8ce8-bfbabf77f1cb > repairing these things is a lost cause. Not necessarily. For a small leak get one of these kits: http://www.qualityinflatables.com/59632.html http://www.amazon.com/Airhead-Vinyl-Repair-Kit/dp/B0000AY7XZ A large cut may be more of an issue. > And for a $20 air mattress A decent queen air mattress is about $40, an airbed is $60 and up. Sat, 28 Jul 2007 01:33:45 GMT http://do-it-yourself.tribe.net/thread/fa77bd57-16db-4657-bc55-ac037cad7362#e25a184e-041d-445c-8ce8-bfbabf77f1cb Giovanni 2007-07-28T01:33:45Z http://do-it-yourself.tribe.net/thread/fa77bd57-16db-4657-bc55-ac037cad7362#2d64fcb0-f231-44df-8309-cf2658899cc4 why? ALL inflatable air mattresses leak. even new ones. i know. i tried seven different brands before i came to that conclusion. throw it away and get yourself a good futon. Sat, 28 Jul 2007 01:34:17 GMT http://do-it-yourself.tribe.net/thread/fa77bd57-16db-4657-bc55-ac037cad7362#2d64fcb0-f231-44df-8309-cf2658899cc4 $item.owner.firstName 2007-07-28T01:34:17Z http://do-it-yourself.tribe.net/thread/fa77bd57-16db-4657-bc55-ac037cad7362#65b2d83f-8bfe-4c2a-9727-38f32fdd009d repairing these things is a lost cause. To find a slow leak requires a swimming pool , you'll go crazy trying to find it any other way. And for a $20 air mattress ? And they're made of Vinyl. Tire patch adheasive is not compatable, it will attack/desolve the vinyl. and the patch has to be on the pressure side of the damage ( inside). Sat, 28 Jul 2007 00:53:40 GMT http://do-it-yourself.tribe.net/thread/fa77bd57-16db-4657-bc55-ac037cad7362#65b2d83f-8bfe-4c2a-9727-38f32fdd009d Dan 2007-07-28T00:53:40Z http://do-it-yourself.tribe.net/thread/fa77bd57-16db-4657-bc55-ac037cad7362#03691250-d227-402b-b82a-e2a5c1031f5c I'm thinking... would a bike tire repair patch work? I guess it all depends on whether the glue and patch bond with the mattress material (rubber? vinyl? plastic? PVC? antelope skin?) also... if it is at the seam, it may cause greater issues. maybe check coleman dot com? see if'n they got a repair kit. Sat, 28 Jul 2007 00:16:54 GMT http://do-it-yourself.tribe.net/thread/fa77bd57-16db-4657-bc55-ac037cad7362#03691250-d227-402b-b82a-e2a5c1031f5c Tom 2007-07-28T00:16:54Z http://do-it-yourself.tribe.net/thread/fa77bd57-16db-4657-bc55-ac037cad7362#8f3aff49-6088-456b-824a-03822e106e0b > What is the easiest way to find it? Inflate it at a pressure a little higher than you usually do and try to hear or feel the leak with your (wet) hand. Use soapy water to confirm the location. Fri, 27 Jul 2007 23:58:57 GMT http://do-it-yourself.tribe.net/thread/fa77bd57-16db-4657-bc55-ac037cad7362#8f3aff49-6088-456b-824a-03822e106e0b Giovanni 2007-07-27T23:58:57Z http://do-it-yourself.tribe.net/thread/fa77bd57-16db-4657-bc55-ac037cad7362#9459eb89-97a0-4205-b3d7-0453a52703b6 I'm interested in this too - we have a queen size with a slow leak but don't know where it is. What is the easiest way to find it? Fri, 27 Jul 2007 23:35:13 GMT http://do-it-yourself.tribe.net/thread/fa77bd57-16db-4657-bc55-ac037cad7362#9459eb89-97a0-4205-b3d7-0453a52703b6 stephanie 2007-07-27T23:35:13Z http://do-it-yourself.tribe.net/thread/fa77bd57-16db-4657-bc55-ac037cad7362#22a6780e-e1ba-4b08-9503-5fb28af4c3e7 > fairly large it may be easier if you give us the approximate size. I think that up to 1 or 2 inch could be repaired easily. Fri, 27 Jul 2007 23:00:43 GMT http://do-it-yourself.tribe.net/thread/fa77bd57-16db-4657-bc55-ac037cad7362#22a6780e-e1ba-4b08-9503-5fb28af4c3e7 Giovanni 2007-07-27T23:00:43Z http://do-it-yourself.tribe.net/thread/fa77bd57-16db-4657-bc55-ac037cad7362#0042c61b-3dab-452f-b308-cc6867e272a6 Anyone have a good method of repairing an inflatable mattress? Have a Coleman king size with a fairly large hole in it. Don't know if it's salvageable. Fri, 27 Jul 2007 22:05:17 GMT http://do-it-yourself.tribe.net/thread/fa77bd57-16db-4657-bc55-ac037cad7362#0042c61b-3dab-452f-b308-cc6867e272a6 Danger Girl 2007-07-27T22:05:17Z