Best electric tape for securing bar tape?
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
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?
#2
Senior Member
Try the tape in the store.
Electrical tape works better when stretched a bit and will adhere more.
Electrical tape works better when stretched a bit and will adhere more.
#3
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3m
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I like the quality of 3M products. Type 35 also comes in colors.
https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/company-...4355725&rt=rud
https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/company-...4355725&rt=rud
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#7
Full Member
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.
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#8
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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.
I'll try the 3M products. Thank you.
Last edited by Jicafold; 01-06-20 at 12:53 PM.
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#10
Full Member
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
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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#11
Senior Member
Try using hemp twine instead of tape. The Rivendell site, www.rivbike.com has instructions.
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#13
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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.
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.
#14
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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.
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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.
BTW. Cut the tape with a sharp razor or x-acto knife as opposed to stretching or tearing it. Works and looks much better.
#17
Senior Member
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.
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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
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
looked more closely, just the ends. i switching to this.
Last edited by spelger; 01-06-20 at 07:19 PM. Reason: add info
#24
Senior Member
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.
I tried stretching it. It just comes off anyway. It was an unknown generic brand.
I'll try the 3M products. Thank you.
Last edited by PdalPowr; 01-07-20 at 11:51 AM.
#25
Senior Member
https://www.bikeforums.net/bicycle-m...tape-tape.html
Last edited by AndreyT; 01-07-20 at 10:32 AM.