Bike Forums
Page 1 of 3
1
2
3
Show 30 post(s) from this thread on one page

Bike Forums (https://www.bikeforums.net/forum.php)
-   General Cycling Discussion (https://www.bikeforums.net/forumdisplay.php?f=7)
-   -   Best electric tape for securing bar tape? (https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=1191351)

Jicafold 01-06-20 11:50 AM
Best electric tape for securing bar tape?
 
So like many people I secure my handlebar tape with black electrical tape. However, the most recent tape I bought doesn't stick very well and comes undone. And those pieces of tape they give you with the bar tape don't work very well and aren't very flexible. What specific brand of black electric tape has worked the best for you?

PdalPowr 01-06-20 12:14 PM
Try the tape in the store.
Electrical tape works better when stretched a bit and will adhere more.

caloso 01-06-20 12:15 PM
3m

tyrion 01-06-20 12:16 PM
I use (any 'ol) electrical tape then cover that with self fusing silicone tape.

dedhed 01-06-20 12:17 PM
I like the quality of 3M products. Type 35 also comes in colors.
https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/company-...4355725&rt=rud

whewdoggie 01-06-20 12:18 PM
My last roll was scotch brand which I believe is 3M. Works fine, no issues.

MNebiker 01-06-20 12:22 PM
Scotch 88 All-weather and Scotch Super 33+ tapes are about as good as you can find. Sunlight, heat and UV are hard on tapes, particularly the cheapo stuff, but these 3M products hold up pretty good.

Jicafold 01-06-20 12:42 PM
Originally Posted by PdalPowr (Post 21272659)
Try the tape in the store.
I'm not sure where you figured I bought my previous electric tape. The store was made of rather large bricks. I went inside and selected some electric tape. Then I went to the checkout and paid them the money for it. Unless you are suggesting I physically try to use the tape while I am still in the store. I think they would frown upon me opening the package and taping my bars right there in the aisle.

Originally Posted by PdalPowr (Post 21272659)
Try the tape in the store.
Electrical tape works better when stretched a bit and will adhere more.
I tried stretching it. It just comes off anyway. It was an unknown generic brand.

I'll try the 3M products. Thank you.

woodcraft 01-06-20 12:47 PM
33+

csrpenfab 01-06-20 01:29 PM
No more electrical tape used here... I use this nifty silicone self fusing tape from Amazon. Holds tightly and never has any gooey reside:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

ironwood 01-06-20 01:37 PM
Try using hemp twine instead of tape. The Rivendell site, www.rivbike.com has instructions.

Jicafold 01-06-20 02:12 PM
Hemp twine, Interesting. What keeps it from falling off?

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...678cde8149.jpg

HTupolev 01-06-20 02:17 PM
Originally Posted by Jicafold (Post 21272606)
Best electric tape for
Scotch Super 33+.

And, when finishing bar tape with electrical tape, do not use very much tension. High electrical tape tension will cause the electrical tape to slip on itself, and allow the bar tape to squeeze out over time; this creates a sticky mess and potentially force you to re-wrap after a while.

MoAlpha 01-06-20 02:23 PM
Originally Posted by PdalPowr (Post 21272659)
Try the tape in the store.
Electrical tape works better when stretched a bit and will adhere more.
Don't stretch the last inch or so. If you do, it will creep back and peel up. As someone else pointed out, self-fusing silicone tape is superior in every way and has no adhesive to ooze out and make a mess.

ironwood 01-06-20 03:04 PM
Originally Posted by Jicafold (Post 21272905)
Hemp twine, Interesting. What keeps it from falling off?

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...678cde8149.jpg
If you tie it like they do on the Rivendell video, it shouldn't come loose. Some people also shellac the tape. If done right some cork tape will look like leather, sort of.

Ogsarg 01-06-20 03:13 PM
Originally Posted by caloso (Post 21272660)
3m
This. As someone that has done a lot of electrical work, I can say that there is a big difference between 3M and the cheaper tapes. Sticks better and stays flexible longer and under more extreme conditions such as sunlite exposure and heat. Well worth the slight premium over the no-name cheap stuff.

BTW. Cut the tape with a sharp razor or x-acto knife as opposed to stretching or tearing it. Works and looks much better.

HTupolev 01-06-20 04:22 PM
Originally Posted by Ogsarg (Post 21273012)
BTW. Cut the tape with a sharp razor or x-acto knife as opposed to stretching or tearing it. Works and looks much better.
Or scissors.

For the easiest workflow, cut a piece of electrical tape prior to wrapping the bar tape, and stick it hanging on something within reach so that it's ready to grab when you need it.

Pratt 01-06-20 06:18 PM
Have not used it for handle bars, but Gorilla Tape's sticky power is impressive.
Good luck

Wileyrat 01-06-20 06:23 PM
Scotch 88t.

spelger 01-06-20 07:17 PM
Originally Posted by csrpenfab (Post 21272837)
No more electrical tape used here... I use this nifty silicone self fusing tape from Amazon. Holds tightly and never has any gooey reside:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
This looks similar to a tape i had used in the AF years ago when making cables housing many conductors. it was a bit thicker in the middle and had a green witness line that if just covered by the edge when wrapping was considered wrapped correctly. it needed a bit of a stretch to "bond" properly. neat stuff. do you only use that at the end? or for the entire bar?

looked more closely, just the ends. i switching to this.

Bmach 01-06-20 07:20 PM
Another one for Scotch 33+ works well in all temps. I have never had to replace it.

DrIsotope 01-06-20 07:46 PM
Another for 33+.

NoWhammies 01-06-20 10:36 PM
Another vote for 3m.

PdalPowr 01-07-20 10:24 AM
Originally Posted by Jicafold (Post 21272737)
I'm not sure where you figured I bought my previous electric tape. The store was made of rather large bricks. I went inside and selected some electric tape. Then I went to the checkout and paid them the money for it. Unless you are suggesting I physically try to use the tape while I am still in the store. I think they would frown upon me opening the package and taping my bars right there in the aisle.



I tried stretching it. It just comes off anyway. It was an unknown generic brand.

I'll try the 3M products. Thank you.
Wow dude I was only trying to help.🤗

AndreyT 01-07-20 10:28 AM
Originally Posted by PdalPowr (Post 21272659)
Electrical tape works better when stretched a bit and will adhere more.
Exactly the opposite is true. The fundamental skill of using electrical tape for finishing (and many other uses) involves stretching it during the initial wraps and then absolutely NOT stretching it for the last wrap or two. Stretching is what makes the tape to creep. The last wrap shall not be stretched.

Originally Posted by Jicafold (Post 21272606)
What specific brand of black electric tape has worked the best for you?
The topic has been discussed here many times before. Maybe try self-fusing silicon tape instead of electrical tape.

https://www.bikeforums.net/bicycle-m...tape-tape.html


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 10:42 AM.
Page 1 of 3
1
2
3
Show 30 post(s) from this thread on one page


Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.