Good electrical tape
Submitted: Thursday, Sep 14, 2006 at 16:45
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Surf
Not a 4wd/
camping question, but still related as its to do with electrics. Where can you get decent electrical tape that actually sticks, and whats the best brand to get?
I'm sick and tired of trying to get the stuff to stick, only to see the end come unstuck prompting you to add another couple of layers in the hope that sticks, only to see that unstick, prompting you to add another few layers in the hope that will stick etc etc.
Some of the brands I've tried are Nitto and Narva, but I'm sure that all electrical tape comes from the same factory, and the last part of the manufacturing process is to make sure it wont stick to anything, including itself.
Reply By: Member - andrew B (Kununurra) - Thursday, Sep 14, 2006 at 16:49
Thursday, Sep 14, 2006 at 16:49
I have similar problems - a bit of 100MPH tape over the top helps a lot, but looks untidy. Heat shrink where possible, and you can get liquid electrical tape, although I haven't tried any.
Cheerrs Andrew
AnswerID:
194552
Reply By: ed. - Thursday, Sep 14, 2006 at 16:50
Thursday, Sep 14, 2006 at 16:50
Just wondering if you actually stretch the tape before sticking it?
As I wrap it around I stretch it. Found it sticks better this way.
AnswerID:
194553
Follow Up By: Marn - Thursday, Sep 14, 2006 at 21:05
Thursday, Sep 14, 2006 at 21:05
Yep, stretching is definately the way to go. Gives a lot better finish too.
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Follow Up By: Mad Dog - Vic - Friday, Sep 15, 2006 at 17:46
Friday, Sep 15, 2006 at 17:46
Yep stretching is the correct way, been doing it for years with great success.
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452770
Reply By: Member - Phantom (WA) - Thursday, Sep 14, 2006 at 16:57
Thursday, Sep 14, 2006 at 16:57
I have found that you don't buy the tape from the cheapy auto stores as it is what you say...crap. You can still get "proper" tape from electrical outlets.
AnswerID:
194554
Reply By: Grandpa joe - Thursday, Sep 14, 2006 at 17:26
Thursday, Sep 14, 2006 at 17:26
Nitto brand tape or most supplied from electrical wholesalers like TLE for example, supply industry quality electrical tape.
AnswerID:
194556
Follow Up By: madcow - Friday, Sep 15, 2006 at 08:19
Friday, Sep 15, 2006 at 08:19
We use Nitto here and have used the lanson brand and found it to be good but not suitable for our environment.
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452671
Reply By: Shaker - Thursday, Sep 14, 2006 at 17:27
Thursday, Sep 14, 2006 at 17:27
I think you will find it hard to beat Nitto.
The best tape is the self amalgamating rubber tape.
AnswerID:
194557
Follow Up By: Shaker - Thursday, Sep 14, 2006 at 17:27
Thursday, Sep 14, 2006 at 17:27
Sorry meant to put ...... hard to beat Nitto in self adhesive plastic tape.
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452545
Follow Up By: equinox - Thursday, Sep 14, 2006 at 19:11
Thursday, Sep 14, 2006 at 19:11
Spot on. Nitto and Wattmaster too, for me. From an electrical wholesaler.
Self Amalgamating Tape is really good tape and waterproof to, up to certain pressures. From memory it costs over $20 a roll.
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Follow Up By: gqpat - Thursday, Sep 14, 2006 at 22:46
Thursday, Sep 14, 2006 at 22:46
Nitto tape has now turned to s**t if you have purchased it recently its sticking ability is very poor as it used to be excellent. Ashdown brand tape very good and alot cheaper give this a go...
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Follow Up By: Pajman Pete (SA) - Friday, Sep 15, 2006 at 07:56
Friday, Sep 15, 2006 at 07:56
The self amalgamating tape is excellent. We had a hardware store went belly up in our area and was selling their last stock at 80% off. I got 2 rolls of the stuff for $5, plus a lifetime's supply of mantles, waterproofing compound and some other good
camping stuff.
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Reply By: Footloose - Thursday, Sep 14, 2006 at 17:27
Thursday, Sep 14, 2006 at 17:27
Also try using two lengths. Wind them in opposite directions.
AnswerID:
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Reply By: ROBST - Thursday, Sep 14, 2006 at 18:37
Thursday, Sep 14, 2006 at 18:37
3M make very good electrical tape i have found it the best about $10 a roll.
they have about three different types for vairous applications. It isnot easy to find but Blackwoods stock it.
AnswerID:
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Reply By: Kiwi Kia - Thursday, Sep 14, 2006 at 20:33
Thursday, Sep 14, 2006 at 20:33
Yep, it's a problem alright. As previously mentioned 'self amalgamating' tape is probably the only type that will really do what you want. I am glad that no one has called electrical tape 'insulating tape' as it isn't! If you read the labels you will find that almost every brand has no 'voltage rating' so can not be used as to do an 'insulating' job. You may as
well use any sticky 500 mph tape.
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Follow Up By: Star Bug - Thursday, Sep 14, 2006 at 20:58
Thursday, Sep 14, 2006 at 20:58
yep... self amalgamating butyl rubber tape (Scotch #23) is the choice. Even after 7 years exposure on anrtenna installations, it was still intact. I had to cut it off to remove it.
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Reply By: David from Engine Saver Low Water Alarms - Thursday, Sep 14, 2006 at 21:49
Thursday, Sep 14, 2006 at 21:49
Hi Surf.
I am sure you won't get better tape than Nitto or Narva.
An electrician once told me "Never stretch and tear the tape off, always cut it without stretching"
Apparently stretching
ruins the adhesive.
David
AnswerID:
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Follow Up By: Member - andrew B (Kununurra) - Friday, Sep 15, 2006 at 08:21
Friday, Sep 15, 2006 at 08:21
On the money there I think David, the stretched end, and torn with oils etc from the fingers is probably the biggest problem.
Cheers Andrew
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Follow Up By: Mad Dog - Vic - Friday, Sep 15, 2006 at 17:50
Friday, Sep 15, 2006 at 17:50
phew, I always stretch when wrapping the tape but never to the extent that it tears the tape. I have had great success using this method.
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452771
Reply By: Oz Travellers - Friday, Sep 15, 2006 at 09:00
Friday, Sep 15, 2006 at 09:00
I agree that if you cut the tape end you get a better "stick". However, I'm an Electrical Contractor & I mostly break the end off when I tape up elecrical connectors. Sparky
AnswerID:
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Reply By: Member - Phil G (SA) - Friday, Sep 15, 2006 at 10:31
Friday, Sep 15, 2006 at 10:31
I either run a small cable tie around the end of the tape or else it is buried in the split conduit. And like others Nitto tape does me
well.
AnswerID:
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Reply By: pathfinder - Friday, Sep 15, 2006 at 13:34
Friday, Sep 15, 2006 at 13:34
a uni friend recently tested the full range of tapes for a research project - in terms of electrical tape, 'Cling' is the go...
AnswerID:
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Reply By: nowimnumberone - Friday, Sep 15, 2006 at 18:53
Friday, Sep 15, 2006 at 18:53
nitto
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