what size bicycle tubes

deltablade · May 19, 2021

I want to add bands to my machete sheaths to hold various stuff, and wonder what size tubes to buy . I am using 1 1/2" and 2" pvc for the sheaths, flattened out.

unwisefool · May 19, 2021

The thin ones

deltablade · May 19, 2021

I am guessing that if I use 1 1/2" pvc, the tube should be smaller than that...1 1/4 or 1"...
nope, tried that, way too small

Arathol · May 19, 2021

Buy small......they are rubber, they will stretch....

killgar · May 20, 2021

I purchase mine from Walmart. It's a inexpensive source. Last time I bought one in every diameter they had. It doesn't hurt to have a variety because they can come in handy for a number of uses. The smallest diameter (like for a ten speed bike) is REALLY small.

And they only stretch so far. Stretch/stress them too much and they won't last as long. When stretched and exposed to air they eventually start cracking.

deltablade · May 20, 2021

I replace all my batteries over Labor Day each year. should I replace the tire bands each year also?

plumberroy · May 21, 2021

Go to a local bike shop. They will give you several sizes of old tubes free

deltablade · May 21, 2021

great idea

Phydeaux · May 22, 2021

I got some used inner tubes from a bicycle repair shop. They had holes in them, but it didn't matter to me I'm just going to cut them up anyways. So the gal helping me says she'll see if she could find some. She got me 3 different sizes.

eveled · May 22, 2021

When I drive by a bike in the trash I pull over and take the tubes. The tires are usually flat. Pull the tube out cut then pull it out. Takes 10 seconds. An assortment of sizes is definitely the way to go.

tiguy7 · May 23, 2021

killgar said:
I purchase mine from Walmart. It's a inexpensive source. Last time I bought one in every diameter they had. It doesn't hurt to have a variety because they can come in handy for a number of uses. The smallest diameter (like for a ten speed bike) is REALLY small.

And they only stretch so far. Stretch/stress them too much and they won't last as long. When stretched and exposed to air they eventually start cracking.

The cracking may be caused by Ozone. Keep them away from electric motors.

tiguy7 · May 23, 2021

Bike inner tubes are also good for exercising and gluing wooden chair legs together.

Pomsbz · May 23, 2021

tiguy7 said:
Bike inner tubes are also good for exercising and gluing wooden chair legs together.

How? I use ratchets for holding them together but I can't work out how inner tubes would work.

tiguy7 · May 23, 2021

Pomsbz said:
How? I use ratchets for holding them together but I can't work out how inner tubes would work.

If you tie the ends together, they act like big rubber bands.

killgar · May 23, 2021

So I thought I'd try and turn this into a "Show pics of the interesting stuff you use bicycle inner tubes for" thread

. Here are some contributions-

The throttle grips on my bikes are completely round, and although they have rubber wraps, being round they are difficult to keep a grip on with thick gloves, or over any long rides. There are aftermarket grips with horizontal ridges, but they're expensive, I'm cheap, and I live by the philosophy "why buy it if I can make it". So I cut a section of scrap aluminum tubing, riveted some thick leather strips across it, and secure it to the throttle using several 1" wide sections of inner tube. The tube not only holds the "grip enhancement" in place, but being rubber, they are also grippy themselves. Got one on each bike, and they've been serving me well for over a decade (have to change the bands from time to time)

First pic with the inner tubing, second without, third a pic of just the "enhancement".

The other pic is a 27mm wrench that I always carry when I leave home, in case I have to deal with any "loose nuts" I may encounter in my travels. The wrench measures 14" long.

As for other interesting uses, on a few occasions I've used sections of inner tube to make improvised, emergency plumbing repairs in bathrooms and kitchens while waiting for Home Depot to open. A long, stretchy, durable piece of tubing can really come in handy.

tiguy7 · May 23, 2021

I have used inner tubes in place of handlebar tape on drop bars. Very grippy.

killgar · May 24, 2021

I prefer horizontal belt carry over pocket carry for my folding knives. For a few decades now I've been using a section of inner tube looped on my belt. The stretchiness of the tube, plus the gripiness of the rubber, holds the knife securely, but a firm yank pulls it free. It doesn't work with every folder though. Didn't work with my Spyderco Military because of how far the blade sticks out around the thumb hole.

Pic 1- Benchmade AFCK. Pic 2- Al Mar SERE 2000. Pic 3- Buck 110.

Pic 4 is a flashlight that was rather slippery so I wrapped it with inner tube.

scdub · May 25, 2021

Ranger Bands!

I have a little saying/joke in my family - if something needs to be fixed, first ask if a Ranger Band will work. 7 times out of 10 it’s a YES.

Will have to take some pics and will post soon.

Also, yes, get a variety of sizes and cut them at different widths as needed...

tiguy7 · May 25, 2021

scdub said:
Ranger Bands!

I have a little saying/joke in my family - if something needs to be fixed, first ask if a Ranger Band will work. 7 times out of 10 it’s a YES.

Will have to take some pics and will post soon.

Also, yes, get a variety of sizes and cut them at different widths as needed...

Right up there with baling wire, chewing gum, and duct tape.

scdub · May 26, 2021

Ok here are a few of MANY examples of “Ranger Bands” in action around my house:

These are used to protect the straps from getting cut when sheathing/unsheathing, and on one side to connect a small piece of shock cord which helps keep the straps open.

More bands on the sheath straps to tighten it up and protect them. Also a larger one on the grip eliminates rattling in the sheath and keeps the handle on more securely.

This one is used to tension the sternum strap that this sheath is clipped to.

I keep a racing harness hooked up in my car - just in case - and Ranger bands are used to eliminate rattling from the steel quick-links.

This one has fixed my toilet for about a year so far...

Door grip - sticky/tricksy handle.

Grip of the greatest bayonet Nerf revolver ever.

Quick sheath recipe:
Ranger bands, 1 piece of leather, folded at the bottom, 2 bamboo dowels down the sides (to protect the Ranger bands), some paracord, and a couple of molle links.

To help stay squared away.