Self amalgamating tape or self amalgamating tape?

[Matata]

I appreciate there are different brands of the above. I remember some had a clear film lining between layers on the roll. Which brand is the pukka stuff...the black stuff that you stretch as you put it on and after a few days its bonded...job done...Ta nik...stay strong

 

[cherod]

thats the one i use ( clear film in between ) no idea of brand name , great stuff.

 

[PetiteFleur]

Ditto

 

[pvb]

There are lots of brands available.

 

[Matador]

Bought my last roll from Toolstation all of £3.52.

 

[neilf39]

Mine has black film in the middle. Works fine. No idea which is the pukka stuff, amalgamating tape is amalgamating tape isn't it? Unless it doesn't amalgamate of course and, then it's insulating tape.

 

[greeny]

All the stuff I've used has had a film between the layers.
Without the film I'd have thought it would risk self amalgamation on the roll maybe.
The stuff I use self amalgamates immediately it is stretched and applied. No need to wait for a couple of days although maybe the bond gets stronger over time.
I got my last supply off ebay.

 

[Boathook]

The best one that I have used was purchased fro a chandlery. Plastic film on one side to peel off before use, with a 'dimpled' finish as well.
Quite a few years ago, I tested alot at work for making temporary repairs to underground pipes. Not impressed how alot of them performed, and expensive as well.

 

[Daverw]

If you don’t have the film in between you would just have one big lump

 

[Neeves]

There are a number of suppliers, it comes in at least black and white. It comes in different widths. It even comes in different types.

A quality manufacturer, local to you, is Scapa Industrial - google them and you will find the website and also find that they make, I think its 3 types (you are spoilt for choice with all the possible permutations). How you buy it retail - I don't know.

It should self amalgamate as you apply it. The key is getting that film off!

Jonathan

I used to know Scapa well and have a roll of tape - which is excellent. Sadly mine was obtained because I know them - retail - a whole new ball game (and you are all better located than me to work it out)!

 

[LadyInBed]

Bought my last roll from Toolstation all of £3.52.

That's what I use, 18mm (Red separator).
I also have a roll of 25mm x 10m off the net, (£6.59)
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fixman-193...RZSXW346Y0E&psc=1&refRID=1XNCFN6Y5RZSXW346Y0E

 

[Matata]

Thanks guys for that...

 

[MikeCC]

As Jonathan says, there are different types of self-amalgamating but there is also silicone tape, which tends to be more expensive.

 

[CAPTAIN FANTASTIC]

Amalgamating tape does not last long in the outside environment exposed to UV light but some disintegrate much quicker than others

 

[Daverw]

not sure about exposure to UV, I’ve had connections on some of my antennas on mast for over 20 years, just checked one to replace coax and had to cut through the taped section and fitting underneath like new,

 

[Spirit (of Glenans)]

I get a few rolls in Lidl (red separating film), whenever they have them on offer.

 

[VicS]

I appreciate there are different brands of the above. I remember some had a clear film lining between layers on the roll. Which brand is the pukka stuff...the black stuff that you stretch as you put it on and after a few days its bonded...job done...Ta nik...stay strong

It must have a film of some sort between the layers on the roll... or it would all amalgamate into one

I think mine has a black "film" .... no idea what make........ what ever my usual chandler was selling 40 years ago i guess.

 

[PCUK]

Warm it with a hot air gun after fitting and it will amalgamate much quicker.

 

[Neeves]

Warm it with a hot air gun after fitting and it will amalgamate much quicker.

Not the sort of thing we have on thre boat - but I imagine a hair drier will work as well - nice idea (I do like the idea of things we carry having a dual use (not that I have very much use for a hair dryer )

As mentioned some amalgamating tape might be susceptible to UV - my problem is removing it.

One of those simple inventions (maybe it was not simple) that actually works (though not beautiful).

Jonathan

 

[johnalison]

not sure about exposure to UV, I’ve had connections on some of my antennas on mast for over 20 years, just checked one to replace coax and had to cut through the taped section and fitting underneath like new,

S/A tape lasts much better than vinyl tape outdoors. I tape up split rings around the cockpit and elsewhere with white S/A tape and it lasts several years, which is good enough for me.

Quick tip. If you are going up the mast, cut the tape into sections and get them 'started' before you go up. It is murder trying to do it with cold fingers and no spectacles when sitting in a bosun's chair.