Forum menu
Options for small r...
 

Options for small repair to tubeless rim tape?

Posts: 1789
Free Member
Topic starter
 

Whilst replacing a bent spoke I had to pierce the rip tape and push the spoke nipple back through the rim tape. New nipple and spoke installed, so I now have a small circular hole about 8mm diameter.

 

Option 1: drip a small bit of stans sealant in the hole, leave to cure for a few hours then locally tape over the area with Gorilla Tape (lap around 10cm over in total). Currently my preferred option.

Option 2: Small bit of plumbing silicone/LS-X sealant in the hole, leave to cure and tape over locally with Gorilla Tape. 

Option 3: (nuclear option) Full install of Gorilla Tape around the circumference of the wheel, going over the existing DT Swiss Tape. Note, ever had any problems with the current DT Swiss Tape, this seem total overkill currently. 


 
Posted : 12/06/2025 10:38 pm
Posts: 9962
Full Member
 

I had a small problem with some tubeless rim tape. I just added a piece of take on top with a good over lap. It wasn’t Gorilla take but it worked


 
Posted : 12/06/2025 10:41 pm
Posts: 850
Full Member
 

Have had to replace quite a few alu nips on a couple of wheels. Just clean up the hole and the tape (IPA being my choice), stick 6 inches or so of new rim tape over the top. Works fine for me.


 
Posted : 12/06/2025 10:48 pm
Posts: 2222
Free Member
Posts: 3636
Full Member
 

I use Tesa tape (Stans). When this has happened to to me, I've just used a Stanley knife to remove the section of affected tape, maybe 50-60mm, and stick a new section in it's place. It's never not worked and I've done it 3-4 times when spokes have snapped at the nipple. 

However, this is probably made easier as I only tape over the spoke holes in the well of the rim using 18mm tape in a 30mm internal rim. 


 
Posted : 13/06/2025 8:46 am
Posts: 509
Full Member
 

I would either put about 6 in of tape over the hole, or just retape the whole rim. Rim tape isn't that expensive and then you know it's done right. If you do re-tape I would remove the old and then spend some time with some isopropyl alcohol to make sure all the residue is off before applying fresh rim tape


 
Posted : 13/06/2025 8:54 am
Posts: 8199
Full Member
 

If the wheel is already apart just retape it. 


 
Posted : 13/06/2025 8:55 am
weeksy reacted
Posts: 9606
Full Member
 

Option 4 - just re-tape it.


 
Posted : 13/06/2025 10:20 am
weeksy reacted
Posts: 4432
Full Member
 

I've patched DT tape with another section of DT tape in the past and its' held air just fine, it's designed to stick to itself. 

 Just be sure to properly clean around the hole so ensure good adhesion. 

 Or just retape the whole thing.  


 
Posted : 13/06/2025 10:48 am
Posts: 66102
Full Member
 

I've done little tape patches a bunch of times, you have to get the old tape really clean but otherwise it's never been a problem


 
Posted : 13/06/2025 6:50 pm
Posts: 1469
Free Member
 

Why bother trying to repair rather than just re-tape the whole thing so you know it's right?

Schwalbe rim tape FTW 🙂


 
Posted : 13/06/2025 8:42 pm
Posts: 881
Full Member
 

Because it's easier to bodge it, Stanley. I just patch the hole with a bit of tape, even used electrical tape in the past. Never not worked 


 
Posted : 15/06/2025 2:19 pm
Posts: 8100
Free Member
 

Gorilla Tape has worked well for me in the past for a similar issue.


 
Posted : 17/06/2025 9:37 am