Alright all of you our in Internetters: Here’s a fascinating product that we can see dozens of uses for- but suspect that there are plenty more that haven’t even occurred to us.  At Interbike, grip makers ESI were keen to show off their latest groundbreaking product:  sticky tape.
After cutting off a length and handing it over, the ESI folks warned that once touched to itself the silicone material would start to bond within seconds, and cure permanently within two minutes.  They noted that the tape sticks to itself like crazy- but not to anything else that isn’t silicone.  Sure enough, by the end of the conversation the taped had cures in place and wrapped fingers required scissors to free.
Suggested uses include repairing or adding texture to ESI grips, protecting chainstays, and wrapping handlebars to fix slipping light mounts.  A testament to its strength, ESI had even used the tape to secure an 8′ flag above their booth.
So the stuff is strong, stretchy, and can be cut away without leaving any residue, and ten-foot rolls sell for £8.  We have a roll and haven’t decided what to do with it yet.  Suggestions?
Isn’t this just amalgamating tape?
£6 for 10m x 19mm here:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Self-Fusing-Amalgamating-Silicone-Rubber-Tape-Car-Boat-/230407583304?_trksid=p2141725.m3641.l6368
Tape Barney to his office chair.
yup, there are three types. The cheaper EPR ones is quite common and been used for years on electrical wiring. The silicone stuff (as with the ESI above) is a lot softer and thicker and a lot more expensive (cheap stuff is £4 for 10m). I suspect that ebay link above is not silicone but one of the cheaper materials.
Johnny,
Good find! It certainly didn’t look quite like the stuff in your link (no texture), but the performance sounds the same. Fascinating stuff either way…
I’m amazed this is news, I’m sure my Dad had this stuff in the shed about 30 years ago! I tape my chainstays with it. Have bought textured and smooth, it sets smooth when you stretch it anyway.
Emperors new tape methinks
Perfect – having handcuffs on your person can be so hard to explain to the police!