Since I've been quoted a number of times in this thread, let me say a couple of things . . . One, field repairs are just that; afterwards, the bladder should be replaced. Patches are likely to fail over time (BTDT).
In the past, when all mfgs made wings and bcs with bladders, it was not uncommon for the owner to patch a bladder. It is not difficult, and if done correctly it will last for the life of the wing. I know people that have patched holes with duct tape and that held for years. So, using the proper materials and glue will certainly last longer than that.
I would consider duct tape as a field repair. I would not consider using the proper materials as a field repair. If you were using proper materials, the only difference between the end user and the mfgs repair would be the location (your garage or the mfg's facility).
I do not know anyone that has thrown away a waterbed because they had to patch a hole in it and since patch kits are sold for waterbeds, I doubt anyone is sending them back to the mfg. The same thing was done with bicycle tires.
There is also a product being sold on the market now that has adhesive on one side (like a bandaid) and you tape it on the hole. I cannot think of the mfg, but you can find the same material at WalMart in the camping section.
So, if anyone is comfortable putting a bandaid on a cut, you should be able to patch a bladder.
If you have an inner bladder, in order to patch it, you must have access to the bladder. Depending on the wing and where the hole is, you might need a BC tool to remove the bladder from the shell. With a 360 loop wing and zipper, you can see the majority of the bladder without taking the bladder and the shell apart.
In summary, if done properly (and it is not hard to do), you will not need to replace the bladder with a new bladder because you put a pin hole in it and if the wing is 360 loop with a 360 zipper, you will not be sending it back to us for repairs.
Early next year we will make a video or slide presentation to show everyone just how easy it is to patch a bladder.
Best regards,
Patrick
OxyCheq
---
http://oxycheq.com