"Grip Tape" For Tools

[Zinc2005]

Is there such a thing? I have a few tools I really like for quality/performance but the grips could be better. Anyone ever tried wrapping tool handles in the way one might wrap a tennis racket or hockey stick?

 

[Tellingthem]

Is there such a thing? I have a few tools I really like for quality/performance but the grips could be better. Anyone ever tried wrapping tool handles in the way one might wrap a tennis racket or hockey stick?

Yep. Saw that exact thing at a tractor supply store a few weeks ago. Almost got some but it did look alot like handlebar tape. Figured if I wanted some I'd just get that instead. There is a fancier system called re-grip.

 

[Justind97]

You could use Plasti Dip. I just peeled some off a tool the other day that had been on for more than 15 years. Only peeled it off because I was a bit bored. I'll use again

 

[bonneyman]

In the old days they used hockey tape. Also known as cloth or friction tape. Something like this:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001J0FEQU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1285885

 

[doan]

baseball bat tape at sporting goods stores

 

[Sine Swept]

I noticed some handles say "Plastisol Ink", if you could get that and a way to cure it (320 F) it would be top notch.

Plastisol is what is used to print ink onto tshirts

 

[cheechi]

I only clicked on this thread to suggest hockey tape.

I think it's HD that has some of that around me. When it goes on clearance maybe I'll pick some up the only thing I can think of caring is the 3 tier HF cart I have has a smooth painted round handle. I can't think of an actual tool that needs it.

 

[kctyphoon]

telco industry uses friction tape to wrap on the ends of cables before pullling them in underground conduit, or around fiber optic lines for ariel innerduct. cant remember what brand it is, probably not something popular..

what ive used before on wooden hammer handles, and some other things - is electrical tape. wrap a smooth layer from the bottom of the handle as high up as you would like, then without cutting the tape - unwind a 2' or 3' piece, and still without cutting it - spin the roll of tape repeatedly - to twist the lenght you pulled out into a round "thread or rope" for lack of better word.. then wrap that around the handle from the top down, to give you a spiral "grip" down the handle. then repeat - opposite direction from bottom up to give you a "diamond pattern" - and then cover all that with a second layer of smooth tape.. the result will look and feel like as if you wrapped string around the handle and covered it with tape... it will give you a very nice non-slip grip.
i have dont this on wooden line hammer handles, and a screwdriver or two the dog chewed up at home.. it really works pretty good and is a fast and simple method you can always remove.

 

[nicksnothereman]

Is there such a thing? I have a few tools I really like for quality/performance but the grips could be better. Anyone ever tried wrapping tool handles in the way one might wrap a tennis racket or hockey stick?

I use hockey tape. Don't really need to but it can help (depends on handle style). 99% of guys with expensive stuff won't modify it, since I got a ton of junk I modify my stuff all the time. The best place to use grip tape is on hard handle screwdrivers...the difference is outstanding.

I use a traditional hockey wrap (traditional to me) with cordage on my cheater bar and yes it works good. I use it on other stuff like knives, machetes, and axes to a better degree...extremely important for those tools.

 

[bushmechanic]

Bicycle inner tubes and electrical tape are used the world over to improve gripping surfaces.

Buy all the fancy stuff you want, nothing really works better enough to go out of your way doing research.

 

[Fizbin]

I use the Self Bonding Super Tape from Harbor Freight. It's a little spendy, but I like that it has no adhesive (doesn't leave a sticky residue after a while) and stays put.

The only downside is that you have to cut it off to remove it.

Here's the link:
http://www.harborfreight.com/1-in-x-10-ft-self-bonding-super-tape-68401.html

 

[Charlief]

Friction tape. I have it on my demolition hammers and it's lasted for years. Three remodels and lots of bruises lol

 

[justme-]

Good ol friction tape works wonders - I have tools inherited with friction tape on them from the 50's. Gets a bit "gluey" after a couple decades tho... Last hammer I wrapped I used the method KCtyhpoon described, which I picked up from watching hockey sticks get wrapped....

Simple, cheap and effective.
I've tried plastidip but didn't like it on handles. lost grip when oily and just didn't seem to hold well to the tool. I did like dipping the shafts of my screwdrivers in it tho and just cutting the tips out. Holds on well and easily identifies the tool (color to size/tip) as mine. Did that with a few adjustable wrench handles - both driver and wrenches still have the dip after 15+ years.

 

[rick carpenter]

I've tried plastidip but didn't like it on handles. lost grip when oily and just didn't seem to hold well to the tool. I did like dipping the shafts of my screwdrivers in it tho and just cutting the tips out. Holds on well and easily identifies the tool (color to size/tip) as mine. Did that with a few adjustable wrench handles - both driver and wrenches still have the dip after 15+ years.

I use heat shrink tubing on my screwdriver shanks for the same effect. Didn't ever think about dipping in plastidip. Good idea.