Ice Tool Tape. What kind?

Quick question for you ice heads. I've got a pair of Grivel Monsters and the rubber finger grip strips you can purchase separately for the upper thin metal section.

My question is two fold.

First what is the best method of attaching the rubber finger grip strips to the tools?

After thinking about this for quite a while I figured you could either epoxy or tape them on. Epoxy would be messier, take longer, be permanent, and less ascetically pleasing. So I figure taping them on would be a better solution. I have seen pics of several tools that have a grip tape on them but don't know if it would work well for attaching grip strip or not.

So my second question is. What kind of tape would be best to use for grip and strength and where do I get it?

thx guys,
Eric

I've been pleased with tennis grip tape. Not the popular blue stuff, but a white wrap that seems to be like a real thin foam rubber. Bike handlebar tape (the pricey stuff containing cork, not the 99 cent plastic stuff from the department store) is another option, esp. if you want to build up some thickness. But my experience with bike tape on bikes suggests that it will tear easily.

edit - it's Wilson Pro Overgrip

3M Temflex has been working well for me, you can get it at home depot next to the electrical tape.

I have found bike tubes to be excellent. I typically slice them down to make them single layer, then wrap... definitely super durable but also heavier than cork tape would be.

+1 for bike tubes. I use road bike ones, cut in half, then half again. Wrap the ends with heavy-duty duct tape.

I'm a fan of insulated electric tape. More than sticky enough, adds some insulation/padding, adequate durability, a bit tacky on the outside so plenty grippy, and doesn't wear out or fall off after repeated wetting.

Agree with Derek. 3M mastic tape/electrical insulation tape. durable, self sealing, and sticky.

solutions.3m.com/wps/portal…

Yep as others have said I really like the 2228 mastic tape. You can alter how tight the wrap is and do all kinds of tricks to customize the grip.

I prefer Temflex, it is self sealing, provides adequate friction, and does not turn into a big mess when tools are laid on top of each other. 2228 is pretty thick and sticks to everything.Temflex is very similar, if not the same, as what Petzl uses on Nomics.

Thanks guys,

Seems like I've got three really good options. Bike tubes, 3M 2228 mastic, and 3M Temflex tape.

I'll do some experimenting and see what I come up with.

thx again,
Eric

Ray,

You wouldn't happen to know what kind (model#) of Temflex that is and where I might get it would you? Seems to be several kinds.

Eric

ebay.co.uk/itm/like/3211051…

Self-amalgamating tape. The above link is ebay UK, but I'm sure you'll find it closer to home!

amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywo…

thanks Ray.

I used temflex up until last year when I started using friction tape. It has a tacky exterior and is a cloth tape. The 3m version is clean and won't leave a residue on your gloves - cheaper version will leave a mark on our glove. It stays tacky even when wet. Plumbers use the stuff to help grab and twist pipes.

link: goo.gl/UQFgS0

As to your question about the x-monsters... I used regular olf super glue to attach mine. I tried tape and couldn't get them to stay put. After I glued them, They have stayed for many years (3+).

Hmmm.....good to know Chadnuesmeyer. Thanks for the input.

chadnuesmeyer wrote:I used temflex up until last year when I started using friction tape. It has a tacky exterior and is a cloth tape. The 3m version is clean and won't leave a residue on your gloves - cheaper version will leave a mark on our glove. It stays tacky even when wet. Plumbers use the stuff to help grab and twist pipes. link: goo.gl/UQFgS0 As to your question about the x-monsters... I used regular olf super glue to attach mine. I tried tape and couldn't get them to stay put. After I glued them, They have stayed for many years (3+).

I taped my tools because the aluminum shafts pull the heat out of my hands first and for a little extra friction second. When its really cold the unwrapped tools are awful to say the least. Aluminum conducts heat very well and is why Petzl uses Temflex on the Nomics. That friction tape has very little insulation properties compared to Temflex or 2228. 2228 is probably the best insulator out of all that has been mentioned in this thread but turns into a mess. That friction tape is the worst insulator.

I haven't tried it yet, but was thinking about using Lizard Skins handlebar tape- it's super light, a little spongy, and super grippy even when wet. A bit expensive, but I love it for cyclocross racing. Thought it might work well for the uppers on my Cobras. Anyone try this?

Lizard skins. Excellent idea.

I just ordered Cinelli Cork Tape for my quantum tech's. Found the suggestion on account of this thread. Hope it lives up to my expectations. On a side note, I should have the most bitchin' looking tools around...

That's Right!

Anyone have any experience w/ these...? Something about securing the tape end...? Warm? Freeze over? for $15 shipped shouldn't break the bank

They'll be bitchin' I'm not sure for how long. I feel like the cork tape will tear up pretty easy.