Old Cloth Electrical Tape

[Motorman55]

Looking for the older cloth type electrical tape. Haven't seen any around at the local hardware store or big box stores.

Is it still being made?

 

[aircommuter]

It is called friction tape and you can still buy it.

 

[chruler]

If you can't find it, you can always try "gaffer's tape."

It's tough fabric tape and sticks like **** to a blanket but leaves no residue when you pull it off.

 

[Ruger_556]

I just bought some through Tacoma Screw. It's sold as friction tape.

 

[Crazyjake8493]

I know Lowe's here carries friction tape. Home Depot should too.

 

[yhprum]

Can also get it at sporting goods stores for hockey stick tape

 

[BillK]

These guys should have it too https://www.tubesandmore.com/

 

[Speedy Petey]

Hockey tape and gaffers tape are NOT electrical tape.

People will always do what they want, but these should not be used for electrical purposes.

 

[Motorman55]

OK, Thanks for info.

 

[rlitman]

Hockey tape and gaffers tape are NOT electrical tape.

People will always do what they want, but these should not be used for electrical purposes.

Correct, but while friction tape sold today is the same product that was sold as cloth electrical tape in the past, it is no longer of much use for electrical purposes either. Still, it can be used to protect a taped splice (as an overwrap).

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Hockey tape and gaffers tape are NOT electrical tape.

People will always do what they want, but these should not be used for electrical purposes.

was gonna say the same thing as i scrolled through the comments.

 

[zmaxmotorsports]

What are you trying to use it for? I prefer 3m linerless rubber tape with super33 over the top for splices/split bolts myself anyway.
Wrap it with inside out super33 first before wrapping with the rubber tape.

 

[Motorman55]

I originally used it to wrap my motorcycle drag bars and brake/clutch levers on my Harley. I'm out of it and I want to re-wrap the levers.

The tape makes for great gripping surface on tool handles also.

 

[hh76]

I originally used it to wrap my motorcycle drag bars and brake/clutch levers on my Harley. I'm out of it and I want to re-wrap the levers.

The tape makes for great gripping surface on tool handles also.

Hockey tape is what I used. Spiral a thin piece of wire under it to get a little more grip.

 

[chruler]

I originally used it to wrap my motorcycle drag bars and brake/clutch levers on my Harley. I'm out of it and I want to re-wrap the levers.

The tape makes for great gripping surface on tool handles also.

A good roll of Gaffers tape will not leave residue when you need to replace it and it sticks like crazy!

 

[Motorman55]

Found the tape.

 

[mrVanagon]

Several brands of gaffer's tape are rated for electrical use. Hence the name. (A "gaffer" is the head electrician in a stage or film crew)

 

[matt151617]

Where are you guys finding it at Lowes? A search on their website for gaffer's tape finds nothing, and for friction tape only shows electrical tape and anti-skid tape.

 

[Speedy Petey]

Several brands of gaffer's tape are rated for electrical use. Hence the name. (A "gaffer" is the head electrician in a stage or film crew)

Can you show us some that are?

Gaffers tape is meant for taping down wires and cables to floors, wall, etc. It's for keeping things in place, NOT splicing. This is why it is always listed as easily removed leaving no residue. This is also why it is matte finish and not glossy like duct tape.

Check out the images in this listing: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GZE3UJ8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

Can you show us some that are?

Gaffers tape is meant for taping down wires and cables to floors, wall, etc. It's for keeping things in place, NOT splicing. This is why it is always listed as easily removed leaving no residue. This is also why it is matte finish and not glossy like duct tape.

Check out the images in this listing: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GZE3UJ8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

So it shouldn't be used on motorcycle handlebars or levers?

 

[Norcal]

So it shouldn't be used on motorcycle handlebars or levers?

Why not? Just not a good idea to use as electrical insulation.

 

[cybrdyke]

3M #1755 Temflex Cotton Friction Tape comes in 3/4 x 60' rolls.

I know we've all called it electrical tape for decades, but technically, it's not. In fact, there are surprisingly few tapes that have the appropriate ratings to be called "electrical tape". Most of the cheap tapes that you find at discount stores are vinyl tape, maybe even say that they're electrical tape, but they're actually not. People have died from making this mistake.
CD

 

[75gmck25]

Many years ago when I was working military tactical communications we were taught to first use electrical tape for insulation, and then to add friction tape over the insulation layer if the wiring was subject to possible damage. Friction tape was never used by itself to protect wiring because it does not provide moisture protection, and almost all of our wiring was partially exposed to the elements.

Bruce

 

[zmaxmotorsports]

Many years ago when I was working military tactical communications we were taught to first use electrical tape for insulation, and then to add friction tape over the insulation layer if the wiring was subject to possible damage. Friction tape was never used by itself to protect wiring because it does not provide moisture protection, and almost all of our wiring was partially exposed to the elements.

Bruce

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

Why not? Just not a good idea to use as electrical insulation.

Sarcasm.
My point is that "old cloth electrical tape" isn't commonly used in electrical anymore. (I don't think I've ever used it for any type of electrical application).

BTW: I've also never used Duct tape on a duct (or duck tap on a duck), masking tape isn't the best choice for masking........

 

[rlitman]

Many years ago when I was working military tactical communications we were taught to first use electrical tape for insulation, and then to add friction tape over the insulation layer if the wiring was subject to possible damage. Friction tape was never used by itself to protect wiring because it does not provide moisture protection, and almost all of our wiring was partially exposed to the elements.

Bruce

It is common practice to protect taped split bolts with a layer of friction tape on top.

 

[ttpete]

Back before there were sta-kons and wire nuts, splices were soldered, then taped with rubber tape and friction tape. Watched my electrician grandfather do it that way when my dad finished the upstairs rooms.

 

[rlitman]

Back before there were sta-kons and wire nuts, splices were soldered, then taped with rubber tape and friction tape. Watched my electrician grandfather do it that way when my dad finished the upstairs rooms.

I've got some soldered BX left in my attic that I've spliced into, and probably more in my walls that I haven't seen. It was all tinned wire, and is in surprisingly good condition, though the parts closest to light fixtures have the insulation getting crunchy. When I come into contact with that, I either replace, or sleeve in heat shrink.

Anyway, in my case what they did was twist and solder. Then run on a ceramic wire nut, and wrap that in cloth tape. And that damned cloth tape is a huge pain to remove.

 

[ttpete]

I've got some soldered BX left in my attic that I've spliced into, and probably more in my walls that I haven't seen. It was all tinned wire, and is in surprisingly good condition, though the parts closest to light fixtures have the insulation getting crunchy. When I come into contact with that, I either replace, or sleeve in heat shrink.

Anyway, in my case what they did was twist and solder. Then run on a ceramic wire nut, and wrap that in cloth tape. And that damned cloth tape is a huge pain to remove.

They were soldered with a small solder pot on a swivel handle. It was heated on a gasoline blowtorch. The splices were pulled out and pointed down, then the pot was brought up under the splice to solder it. Took only a few minutes to do them all.

 

[zmaxmotorsports]

Back before there were sta-kons and wire nuts, splices were soldered, then taped with rubber tape and friction tape. Watched my electrician grandfather do it that way when my dad finished the upstairs rooms.

I still solder some residential stuff from time to time.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Many years ago when I was working military tactical communications we were taught to first use electrical tape for insulation, and then to add friction tape over the insulation layer if the wiring was subject to possible damage. Friction tape was never used by itself to protect wiring because it does not provide moisture protection, and almost all of our wiring was partially exposed to the elements.

Bruce

Interesting ! For many, MANY years, all automotive wiring harnesses were built using friction tape over the splices (1-2" of insulation removed and wires twisted at least 1-1/2 times and then cover with "friction tape"). The whole harness was tightly covered in "harness tape" (PVC with no adhesive, 3/4-1" wide). Maybe not truly waterproof (i.e. below water), but very splash resistant.

Not sure what the current "standard" is, but that was common into the 1990s !

 

[theoldwizard1]

Sarcasm.
My point is that "old cloth electrical tape" isn't commonly used in electrical anymore. (I don't think I've ever used it for any type of electrical application).

It is common practice to protect taped split bolts with a layer of friction tape on top.

I am sure that is what is covering the split bolts at the line where is connects to the house ! Over 60 years old !!