Tapes

[Hokieson]

I was just wondering, are there any real advantages to using "Strapping Tape" over duct tape or boxing tape etc.

[Dangus]

I was just wondering, are there any real advantages to using "Strapping Tape" over duct tape or boxing tape etc.

"Strapping tape" usually refers to fiberglass filament tape. Because it has fiberglass filament, it becomes very resilient and resistant to tearing. Most of the time the adhesives used in FFT's are superior to those of duct tape and clear tape, as well.

[Richard le Gris]

The downside of fiberglass filament tape (FFT) is that it does not stretch in the direction that the filaments run, and unless you get the stuff that has filaments running in different directions (this tape is, for the record, awesome) it also tends to fray parallel to the filaments unless you are careful. FFT also tends to be lighter than duct/cloth tape. Actually, both of these can be benefits too, depending on what and how you are building.

[Arrakis]

The upside of fiberglass filament tape (FFT) is that it does not stretch in the direction that the filaments run

Correctomundo. Every bug is a feature, from a certain point of view.

/Obi-Wan

[bo1]

fft is superior to duct tape in every way possible, accept one. it is so resistant to motion that is causes a stress point in the faom at its termination. often it will cause a tear at its end. so i use methods to make sure the end isnt in a position that will recieve anystress.

[LoganSteele]

I have taken the advice of the experts here and strapping tape is awesome. Ive used it and learned some things in its use to watch for.

You cant cut it so you have to have cutting tools to use it (scissors are nice). That may come up in your field repair kit making (if you make one of those). I also found when i used it to tape down my finished pommels where it overlapped it seemed too hard for some checkers and they thought it was the core so watch that. I now try to leave a bare square of foam in the mifddle of the pommel with no tape on it so they feel the softness. When i tape over the tops of my stab tips with it checkers seem to think it makes it too hard hitting and it fails so i use hockey tape there (stabs made with two layers of golds gym yoga mat ). I use the strapping tape along the flats and the pommels. Duct tape i find useful sometimes when i make my counter weights.

[Arrakis]

When i tape over the tops of my stab tips with it checkers seem to think it makes it too hard hitting and it fails so i use hockey tape there (stabs made with two layers of golds gym yoga mat ).

You're doing it wrong.

[LoganSteele]

Thank you for letting me know. I once put on support tape on stab tips different but I found a new and better way on a tutorial. I'll find your post on the right way and review it soon. I might post a picture if I have any questions after that.

[Arrakis]

Excellent decision.

[Illano]

fft is superior to duct tape in every way possible, accept one. it is so resistant to motion that is causes a stress point in the faom at its termination. often it will cause a tear at its end. so i use methods to make sure the end isnt in a position that will recieve anystress.

I find this happens a bit with duct tape too, I've never used fft though.