First, I don't use those REMA or equivalent patch kits with pre-fabricated patches, those kits are for GIRLY MEN. I just get out my Buck 119 Special Survivorman knife and eviscerate a thin but blown-out tire to produce the necessary rubber for my patch. And then, I use an abrasion tool (either sandpaper or the metal top of my 1967 sears patch-kit can) to get a very rough surface on both patch and tube, apply glue, wait a few minutes, and patch the tube.
I generally quit when the tube has maybe 5 patches as it usually has a very slow leak by that time ...
- Don Gillies
San Diego, CA, USA