Tape
A list and source directory for various types of tape viable for use when making implements for foam fighting sports.
Last updated
A list and source directory for various types of tape viable for use when making implements for foam fighting sports.
Last updated
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Double-Sided Carpet Tape
Easy to apply.
Great for repairs, stab tips, guards/crosspieces, getting other tape to stick better, and for securing handle wraps.
You could build an entire weapon with this as the only 'adhesive'.
Depending on the use, it is not as long lasting as actual adhesives.
Should be used selectively.
Duct Tape
Easy to cut, tear, and apply.
Can be very effective as a skin and is highly resistant to wear.
Cheap versions are not worth it.
Should never be present on striking or incidental surfaces.
There are options that do all of the things that Duct Tape do well without being nearly as heavy (Strapping Tape with perpendicular Fibers, specifically).
If better options are had, should generally be relegated to covering seams and skinning parts of shields.
Gorilla Tape
Better Duct Tape.
While generally a straight upgrade to Duct Tape, sometimes you may find that it pulls away from surfaces where the tape was under tension or could buckle until you've pressed it back down a few times.
Packing Tape
Easy to apply.
Only used as a skin for striking surfaces.
Provides adequate protection from the surface of your striking foam tearing.
Generally doesn't adhere extremely well, but is often good enough.
Can make weapons "slappy".
Tyvec House Wrap Tape
Only used as a skin for striking surfaces.
A thinner, elastic, upgrade from packing tape.
The thinner material, plus its elasticity, make for a much more forgiving strking surface that has less slap to it.
Strapping Tape (Parallel Fibers)
Used to provide structure and stability to parts of weapons, primarily stab tips, guards, and axe/hammer heads.
The fiberglass reinforcement makes the tape much more rigid and doesn't allow it to stretch, which can stiffen striking surfaces, so usage should mitigate how much coverage and how many layers are applied on striking surfaces.
All of the fibers being oriented in a single direction means that it is only resisting stretch parallel to those fibers.
Strapping tape (Perpendicular Fibers)
Easy to apply.
Used to provide structure and stability to parts of weapons, primarily stab tips, guards, and axe/hammer heads.
While thicker and more rigid than packing tape, the perpendicular arrangement of the fibers in this tape makes for a thinner and more-flexible material than similar with parallel fibers, and it is more forgiving when applied on a striking surface.
The fibers being oriented along two directions, and the tape generally being much wider than the kind with parallel fibers, allows for creating more stability with less built-up tape that you would see otherwise.
Fabric Tape
Easy to cut, tear, and apply.
Used primarily as a skin for incidental padding, courtesy padding, guards, and pommels.
Also used to secure covers to weapons, to coat handles and exposed cores, and to cover seams/stiffer tape on striking surfaces (under the cover).
A relatively strong tape, extremely durable in the face of constant abuse, moisture, dirt, etc.
Not all fabric tapes are made equal.
Double-sided carpet tape is easy to apply and highly versatile, making it ideal for repairs, securing stab tips, guards, crosspieces, and enhancing the adhesion of other tapes. It’s also excellent for securing handle wraps and can even be used as the sole adhesive for assembling an entire project, such as a weapon. However, while it provides strong immediate adhesion, it may not be as durable or long-lasting as traditional adhesives, so it’s best used selectively depending on the application.
Some carpet tapes come with fibers, while some are essentially just a roll of wax paper keeping a ribbon of adhesive from touching itself. The kinds with fibers, especially with many parallel fibers, are the ones that are generally worth using as they lead to the least waste. It could be argued that there are instances where the kind without is better, because it weighs less per inch, but it is much harder to work with.
Carpet tape is best cut with a knife, by pressing the knife against the backside of the wax paper while applying tension. Some times, it's easier to pierce the center of the strip and cut outward in both directions. If you use scissors, depending on the kind of tape, you may have a rather annoying time.
Foam to Core
Foam to Foam
Adhering Handle Wrap
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By far the best version of carpet tape that I've come across for Foamsmithing purposes. It has many perpendicular fibers, which allows it to essentially double as perpendicular fiber strapping tape. The secondary bonus to these fibers is that it makes it much easier to cut and manipulate, as well as recover from errors. You can even cut this kind of carpet tape with scissors so you can make more precise shapes, if needed.
Duck Brand Indoor Outdoor Carpet Tape
Walmart
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