Secrets for removing duct tape? The best tape to use?

Jestyr · Post by **Jestyr** » Fri Jul 10, 2009 1:07 pm

So the tape on my swords is shredded. Apparently I used an uber cheap duct tape, because the stuff will not peel off in chunks -- just a flake at a time. Does anyone have any secrets to pull it off?

The follow up question is what is the best brand/kind of tape to use that will look good the longest?

audax · Post by **audax** » Fri Jul 10, 2009 1:14 pm

Gorilla tape is good stuff.

For removal, I score it with a utility knife and then just pull the tape off. This may require you to drink beer and swear from time to time. It helps if there is something soothing on TV, like a good South Park episode.

Token Bastard · Post by **Token Bastard** » Fri Jul 10, 2009 1:25 pm

audax wrote:Gorilla tape is good stuff.

For removal, I score it with a utility knife and then just pull the tape off. This may require you to drink beer and swear from time to time. It helps if there is something soothing on TV, like a good South Park episode.

Agreed on both counts. Gorilla tape just can't be beat, and removing cheap tape from a stick is a pretty aggravating endeavor. Definitely stock up on the beer and some good TV, although I'd prefer Family Guy over South Park any day. :wink:

-Ed

Johann Lederer · Post by **Johann Lederer** » Fri Jul 10, 2009 1:48 pm

I used "bargain" tape a while back and the only way i could get it off decently was a cabinet scraper...[img]http://www.stortz.com/images/356-e.jpg[/img]

Maeryk · Post by **Maeryk** » Fri Jul 10, 2009 1:50 pm

pronounce it "strapping tape" and tape over it.

Or try mineral spirits or lighter fluid?

What's probably happening is the silver is flaking off the webbed fabric backing and glue substrate. THose two above are handy at eating glue, but will probably eat your strapping tape as well.

Oswyn_de_Wulferton · Post by **Oswyn_de_Wulferton** » Fri Jul 10, 2009 2:14 pm

I also suggest Gorilla Tape. Be aware, it is noticably thicker and heavier compared to regular tape. I know some people who use it in parts to help balance, and the rest with normal black tape.

Otherwise, just don't skimp when buying tape. Don't get it from bargain bins, and you should be fine.

Derian le Breton · Post by **Derian le Breton** » Fri Jul 10, 2009 2:20 pm

Lighter fluid, mineral spirits, goof-off, or acetone (nail polish remover) should dissolve the glue rapidly. Any tape below the duct tape may be affected as well.

-Derian.

mattmaus · Post by **mattmaus** » Fri Jul 10, 2009 2:34 pm

Usualy I spiral wrap mine in strapping tape. After that a single layer of duct tape.

When they need to be re-done, run a razor blade down the length and peel it like a banana.

Works good no matter how jackaloped and corroded the duct tape is.

Lorccan · Post by **Lorccan** » Fri Jul 10, 2009 2:37 pm

I strongly prefer gaffer's tape to duct tape. I lay down the strapping tape for strength/reinforcement, then a piece of 3" gaffer's tape up one flat and down the other. 1" gaffer's tape for the edge covers the overlaps. Since gaffer's tape is strong, not reflective, and designed to be peeled away cleanly when it's no longer needed, I consider it almost ideal!

If you are wrapping your duct tape in a spiral, you are making more work for yourself! It's worth doing with the strapping tape, but the duct or gaffer's tape does not add enough strength to be worth it - it's mostly for cosmetic purposes, so the fewer layers, the better.

YMMV, especially with Gorilla tape.

Check out www.tapemonster.com !

D. Sebastian · Post by **D. Sebastian** » Fri Jul 10, 2009 3:05 pm

Lorccan wrote:If you are wrapping your duct tape in a spiral, you are making more work for yourself!

Yeah, but it looks so sexy!

audax · Post by **audax** » Fri Jul 10, 2009 3:08 pm

Looks like a Pixie Stik!

Lorccan · Post by **Lorccan** » Fri Jul 10, 2009 3:09 pm

D. Sebastian wrote:Yeah, but it looks so sexy!

You got me there, D!

Jestyr · Post by **Jestyr** » Fri Jul 10, 2009 5:08 pm

Thanks, all. :-)

Derian le Breton · Post by **Derian le Breton** » Fri Jul 10, 2009 5:11 pm

Good luck! Let us know which method you use, and how it goes.

-Derian.

Rockman18 · Post by **Rockman18** » Fri Jul 10, 2009 5:20 pm

I have some stuff thats called Goo be gone and it works pretty good for taking sticky stuff off. Be prepared for a strong citrus smell and the fact that it will likely soak into the rattan and you might smell it for awhile. I dont mind the smell but my wife thinks its really strong.

Jestyr · Post by **Jestyr** » Fri Jul 10, 2009 8:53 pm

I used goop gone and a wood chisel (I didn't have a cabinet scraper and didn't want to buy one). And some time. Never ever will I use bargain tape again!

To tape I used Gorilla Tape. It seems like good stuff, but it is pretty heavy. On my thin rattan it is okay, my slightly thicker stuff feels pretty stout. Not as lively as before. I'll see how it goes tomorrow as far as the weight and how I like it.

Thanks again everyone! :-)

Graedwyn · Post by **Graedwyn** » Sat Jul 11, 2009 6:27 am

D. Sebastian wrote:Yeah, but it looks so sexy!

Does that spiral indicate the cutting edge?

-Graedwyn

Rasper77 · Post by **Rasper77** » Sat Jul 11, 2009 11:19 am

I prefer using Athletic tap now days.
But I cant remember ever retaping a sword. they always pulp out befor ide need too. I Guess I did retape my great axe once..

Konstantin the Red · Post by **Konstantin the Red** » Sat Jul 11, 2009 6:42 pm

Graedwyn wrote:
D. Sebastian wrote:Yeah, but it looks so sexy!

Does that spiral indicate the cutting edge?
-Graedwyn

He thrusts, and you're screwed!

No I am not going to attach my sig...

D. Sebastian · Post by **D. Sebastian** » Sun Jul 12, 2009 9:14 am

Graedwyn wrote:
D. Sebastian wrote:Yeah, but it looks so sexy!

Does that spiral indicate the cutting edge?

-Graedwyn

Now that's funny!

Here's a pic with the cutting edge shown:
http://www.honorblade.com/pics/2008/200 ... ty-001.jpg

Seamus Yanger · Post by **Seamus Yanger** » Sun Jul 12, 2009 1:47 pm

3M 3939 good stuff.

Alex Baird · Post by **Alex Baird** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 2:56 pm

Jestyr wrote:Does anyone have any secrets to pull it off?

Heat gun/paint stripping gun.

Chris Gilman · Post by **Chris Gilman** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 8:04 pm

Chemicals are like keys, not like hammers. Only the correct key will unlock the lock, not the biggest badass one.
Naptha is the solvent for many tape adhesives. Naptha will not harm most plastics, but will disolve the glue.

Secrets for removing duct tape? The best tape to use?

Secrets for removing duct tape? The best tape to use?

Re: Secrets for removing duct tape? The best tape to use?