if I do not have water such as out on a ride like most flats and i have not a spare. I pump up large and pass the tube along my eyes until i feel the air hit my eye
There are two kinds of people in the world, "Those who help themselves to people, and those who help people!"
what I find best to do, since I work in a shop and I change flats all the time- I take the tire and tube off to keep them in place, jack it up full of air, and when you find the hole (if its big enough) that will also be the same area that whatever caused the puncture is at too.
Really small of course, take the tube out, shove more air in it and start rotating the tube along somewhere really sensitive like your cheek or eye area, usually I do ear because then you can hear it.
also if your not sure if there is a hole, you can always do the bounce test. crank the puppy full of air and throw it to the ground, if it makes the awe inspiring "DONK" against the ground, chances are its still a good tube.
"Steel is real."
- IDK, some guy.