ELectrical Tape???

[Iceseeker]

I did a search but was unable to locate a topic from the past on attatching reels to your pole. I was given a Frabil sensi rod and I would like to put a real on but hesuitate on using electrical tape because ibcomes sticky and messy. If I recall correctly there are other types of tape that can be used but I not sure what they are. Any help would be appreciated...

Thumper

[TV BOY]

small zip ties or shrink tubeing!

[jimh874]

i personaly havnt had a problem with electrical tape getting sticky or what not, unless you get something oily on the tape then its bad. i have 3 rods that have been taped for the past 5 seasons now, and had to replace the tape on one because of being old. i have had it come apart due to getting wet, cold and wet again.

something i have been looking in to for a little better fix on this is the use of heat shrink. its produced in many different sizes and colors also.

the idea behind this would be to secure with tape still for suport, but use the heat shrink to cover the tape. should eliminate any unraveling and last a long time.

you could actually eliminate the electrical tape in favor of small zip ties, then cover with the heat shrink.

jim

[Ed Carlson]

I much prefer Silicon Tape to the basic vinyl electrical tape.

The silicon tape self bonds to itself and remains subtle even in -0 weather. It also works well for a backing when spooling up Superbraid lines like Power Pro ICE.

Look for the silicon tape in the electrical department at your local hardware store.

[30 inch eyes]

I have had good luck with hockey stick tape

[waterwolff]

If you use electrical tape and want to avoid the residual tape glue from staying on the handle simply back tape or reverse the tape around for the first one or two wraps. This will solve the problem. I myself prefer shrink tube

[captainshane]

ELECTRICAL TAPE WORKS VERY WELL. BUT USE ANY COLOR EXCEPT BLACK. THE BLACK LEAVES THE STICKY STUFF THAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT. THE REDS, WHITES, GREEN, AND BLUE DO NOT. THE BAD THING ABOUT ZIP TIES THEY HAVE A SHARP EDGE WHEN YOU CUT THEM.

SHANE

[JohnMickish]

Not all electrical tape is created equal. If it comes from Tiwain or China throw it away, as that junk will leave a mess. Use 3M model 33 plus or 35 black or the color of your choice for cold weather. Trust me on this one, as I've used miles of the stuff. The 33 or 35 stays pliable when cold and it sticks.

[jimh874]

the knob or the head of the zip tie can be positioned on the open side of your hand, easily covered with a wrap of tape or 2 then covered with the heat shrink. they make zip ties so small now you wouldnt even know its there, and triming would leave no sharp edge.

jim

[IcEaHoLiC]

I use electrical tape on all my ice rods(corked handles).....I have never had a sticky mess before...I like to use elctrical tape on my rods because I have better sensitivity with electrical tape....I would say give it a try and if you dont like it you can always switch...

[huntingmaxima]

Use heat shrink, I have it on all my rods.Put it on with a hair drier.

[minnesota mac]

You want to use 3m 33 plus as stated above. I use it on almost all my summer and winter rods and have no problems. Not all tape is the same. You get what you pay for.

[jltimm]

Where do ya get the heat shtink tubing this big?

[waterwolff]

To prevent the sharp edges on a zip tie don't cut it twist the zip tie tail off with your Kline's or pliers grab the tail of the tie up next to the head and twist in circles until tie tail separates

[zelek]

I'm surprised no one mentioned athletic tape. You know, the stuff they wrap ankles with in training rooms all across the country. It's available at any walmart and I think it works great.

[Northlander]

Im with Ed. Zip ties are always a mess with that knob sticking out and athletic tape absorbs water. Why put a zip tie on then tape over it? Why not just tape it then?

[Phred52]

Iceseeker, Go down to the farm supply store whos name starts with "R". Go into the electrical section (wire nuts,ground clamps etc.)and look for "Tommy Tape". It's a silicon based tape that is stretchy and only sticks to itself, plus, it WILL NOT leave ANY gooey residue on the rod handle. It is available in about a dozen colors and IMO keeps your hands warmer by absorbing some body heat. It's a little more expensive, but WELL worth the cost. I found it in my town at the store of the same name. You will find 100's of uses for this stuff once you use it!!

[Ed Carlson]

Skip the zip ties and use the sheep band (heavy rubber bands) they use to seal O/2 bait bags at the bait shop. They hold tight like an O-ring on the reel seat, yup O-rings work well too.

Most of the time I only use the one band on the rear seat, as it needs a bit more support at that point. Then I use the Tommy Tape over the sheep band to form a nice smooth tight grip.

For me the zip ties drive me nuts under my hand or fingers. I like the feel of the smooth no slip grip of the silicon Tommy Tape. In my opinion the silicon tape is less slippery in the cold.

The heat shrink is a great option if you can find it. I used to get the leftover caps from electrical termination kits used on 3-phase motors. The large shrink caps could be cut into bands and slipped onto the rod. Once you lined them up you hit it with a hot hair dryer and they sucked up tight. Great system if you get the large shrinks somewhere. When I used up the supply I had I switched to Tommy Tape. I think you can find them at electrical supply stores if you look. Not sure how high priced it will be?

[Iceseeker]

Tommy Tape thatis what I remember it called. I also spoke with a electrician friend and he said the heat wrap has worked very well for him in the past.

You can always count on the members at this site for some knowledge and answers.

Thanks to all

Iceseeker (still seeking by the way) no ice...

[Phred52]

Iceseeker, You do know which "R" store I'm refering too, right? It's the one that was formerly a Hyvee (if memory serves). They have alot of farm/ ranch stuff there. and it's right on hwy 15!

[Iceseeker]

Yep, memory serves you correct and I was inthere and they had the tape. North side of the store.

Thanks,

Iceseeker

[KJSnider]

I first put 2 small zip ties on, then wrap with black 3M elec. tape so I don't have any sharp edges to make my hands sore from the zip ties. It might be overkill, but works for me.

KJ

[upnorth]

I use plain old 3M tape and stretch it real tight so the edges don't stick up, I have one rod that I did that way 3 years ago and it has not turned sticky on me yet.

I also make sure that all the metal of the reel is covered with tape, sure makes it more comfortable when it is a bit cold out there.

[Finlander]

The only time I had electrical tape get sticky was when it was 95 degrees in the shade.

So I don't think it will get sticky at 32 degrees!

And never had it unravell either!

[slick814]

Good old 3M 33+ electrical tape works great. It doesn't get sticky in the cold, only when it gets hot out. Never had a problem with using it on my rods.

I do prefer red or yellow, though. Makes it easier to see exactly where the reel sits when it get darker.