Surgical tape wrapped tools

[knock knock]

I acquire some wrenches over the weekend. One of them was wrapped in surgical tape as well as an extension. I have never seen this before. Not sure if it’s for working in the hot or cold or improve grip. Not sure what other purpose it would serve other than preventing rattling in a truck tool box perhaps. Has anyone else ever seen this done.

 

[cgrutt]

Possibly to prevent damaging painted area or insulate against shorting out electrical connection on battery/alternator/starter? I have a box end that I wrapped in electrical tape 35-40 years ago that was used on battery terminals. Maybe prior owner worked in a hospital or EMT motor pool and had access to surplus surgical tape?

 

[KnurledNut]

Could be hockey tape. I use it on my framing hammer for extra grip. I also wrapped a ratcheting screwdriver shaft for the same reason.

I played some back in the day and learned to make a substantial grip by twirling the tape to make a cord and then wrapping over it.
Quite durable and absorbs sweat.

On my framer I also wrapped 12ga copper wire around the handle swell where it enters the cheek and taped over it to help resist breaking from overstrike and prying/pulling with the claw, and it also provides a second grip point when I choke up on it. It's survived lots of rough work.

 

[kbuhagiar]

Some folks just like to use tape. Any excuse to tape something up.
Seriously, as mentioned above, it could be a grip or insulation issue, although there may be neater ways to do it.

 

[four.cycle]

"Hockey Tape" (aka "Athletic Tape") available in any sporting goods store. Buy the four-pack:



Prevents losing one's grip on tools to prevent them from flying off into the stickerbushes 50 feet away.

 

[Kscardsfan]

I've used hockey tape/trainers tape to make things grippy for myself. Never on a mechanics hand tool though.

 

[bonneyman]

Another vote for hockey tape! Haven't used it on ratchet handles but lots of other items where dipping or duct tape are inappropriate.

 

[Beerhippie]

It's for grip, pure and simple. Athletes use athletic tape--I used a metric **** ton as a rock climber--but real wrenches use friction tape.

 

[four.cycle]

^ I just remembered what else I'd wrapped up with it: the handle on my splitting maul.
Been so long since I've used any of those tools I've forgotten about it.

 

[Beerhippie]

^ I just remembered what else I'd wrapped up with it: the handle on my splitting maul.
Been so long since I've used any of those tools I've forgotten about it.

I was amazed to find that the local hardware stores still carried friction tape a decade ago... haven't checked lately.

 

[bonneyman]

I was amazed to find that the local hardware stores still carried friction tape a decade ago... haven't checked lately.

I too have not checked lately, but Ace Hardware used to carry it in the electrical section as "old fashioned" electric tape.

 

[fourjeepin]

Or maybe they didn’t have a garage to work in. Ever set a wrench down in the sun and come back to it an hour later?

 

[Beerhippie]

Or maybe they didn’t have a garage to work in. Ever set a wrench down in the sun and come back to it an hour later?

Big Bend, TX. 125+F. You lay the tools out under the rig--because that's the only shade you can find.

Bring water. Lots of water.

 

[terrific]

You can't win out in the sun. Black oxide heats up fast and every bit of chrome blinds you.

 

[Sumboodie]

Or maybe they didn’t have a garage to work in. Ever set a wrench down in the sun and come back to it an hour later?

I melted a Craftsman 19.2v (I think?.. 19.6?.. sorry, was near 20 years ago!) cordless drill when I lived in Mtn Home. 100* day and had it on the black tailgate of my truck. Went to grab it and it was all soft, well and SUPER hot!