Duct tape as a rim strip???

[rpt50]

I've seen where folks use duct tape as a rim strip. I thought I would give it a try. Any advice on the number of layers? Also, would electrical tape be better?

[76xtdrvr]

Duct tape is all I've ever used, a minimum of 2 layers.

I use a x-acto knife to cut out the rim lock and tube stem holes.

[Sheriff245]

I put 2 layers of duct tape, but I suppose one would be enough. It lasts forever, and I never have to align the holes when putting the tube back on. Been doing it for over 12 years without an issue.

[Keith72]

I think either would be ok. Probably need more layers of electrical tape than duct tape. Not sure how many though.

[markgoodall]

Also, would electrical tape be better?

Electrical tape moves alot over time. I've not used it for this application, but for just about everything else, I've always found that it stretches and moves alot more than you'd imagine.

[06yz]

Yup, I use 2 layers also. I don' know why anyone would waste $ on those rubber rim things.

MAX!!!

[slomojo]

I use electrical tape,about four layers,lasts real good.

[Dillier23]

No offense to you duct tape engineers. That crap will dry out and stick like hell to the inside of the rim. Unless you are planning to get rid of the bike every couple years I just spend the extra 3 or 4 bucks and get a rim strip. It keeps the inside of your rim free of the adhesive that dries out and becomes bonded to the inside of the rim. I bought a bike that had duct tape in the rim and all I could think about when peeling that mess of crap off was, what kind of hillbilly had this bike before me?

[SS109]

No offense to you duct tape engineers. That crap will dry out and stick like hell to the inside of the rim. Unless you are planning to get rid of the bike every couple years I just spend the extra 3 or 4 bucks and get a rim strip. It keeps the inside of your rim free of the adhesive that dries out and becomes bonded to the inside of the rim. I bought a bike that had duct tape in the rim and all I could think about when peeling that mess of crap off was, what kind of hillbilly had this bike before me?

+1

I absolutely hate finding that someone has used duct tape instead of the rubber rim strip on a bike I have bought. That crap takes forever to clean off and for the TuBliss system I have to! ! ?

[Mike38]

I use both a rim strip and electrical tape.

[Burnrider]

I'm with the guys on cleaning up the rim after suck tape has been used. Dry riding areas might be better than the sloppy stew we have.

I made the mistake of using scotch cloth pads and lacquer thinner on the rim and that removed the coating and (the duct tape adhesive). The Excel rims started to corrode.

I always tried to get the best quality tape, didn't help much.

[cb60130]

I can't for the life of me figure out why anybody would use a $4.00 roll of duct tape to replace a $2.00 rim strip:bonk:

I bought a bike last year that had duct tape rim strips... half of the spoke nipples were permanently bonded to the spokes... there was crust built up around every hole the spokes came through... and the entire rim had nasty crusty dried up glue shit all the way around... Funny but I've never experienced any of those problems with the proper rim strips!!!

I guess I look at it this way... I can pound a screw into a piece of wood with a hammer... but why wouldn't I just use a screwdriver???

[01cr80]

No offense to you duct tape engineers.

lol:smirk:

[ekulb14]

No offense to you duct tape engineers. That crap will dry out and stick like hell to the inside of the rim. Unless you are planning to get rid of the bike every couple years I just spend the extra 3 or 4 bucks and get a rim strip. It keeps the inside of your rim free of the adhesive that dries out and becomes bonded to the inside of the rim. I bought a bike that had duct tape in the rim and all I could think about when peeling that mess of crap off was, what kind of hillbilly had this bike before me?

Funny but I've never experienced any of those problems with the proper rim strips!!!

? idk bout you but some of us ride often enough that we have to change our tires ever oh idk... 3 weeks. and most us duct tape engineers will change the tape with ever new tire ,this would involve cleaning the rim and removing any "gunk" but hey each to his own ?

[cb60130]

idk bout you but some of us ride often enough that we have to change our tires ever oh idk... 3 weeks. and most us duct tape engineers will change the tape with ever new tire ,this would involve cleaning the rim and removing any "gunk" but hey each to his own ?

Well.... you go ahead and waste your time peeling that gooey shit off... then cleaning up the mess.... then sticking new gooey shit on your rim and cutting it to size with every tire change... I'll just keep using the right tool for the right job and save an hour of time on every tire change.... ?

[ghte]

Dont forget to WD 40 the nipple ends and use baby powder on your inner tube.

[rpt50]

Wow, you guys are harsh! Who would have thought rim strip material could generate such controversy:smirk:

[Slackkinhard]

Wow, you guys are harsh! Who would have thought rim strip material could generate such controversy:smirk:

Yeah, especially since most of us long term riders have been using it for decades....without any problems. ?

Rim strips have failed me, duct tape...never. Agreed that there 'can' be some mess, not always, but nothing that a rag with some mineral spirits doesn't resolve rather easily.

[mike_dean]

I change my tires at least 2 times a year usually more, anti seize my spokes, use 3M duct tape, and I adjust my spokes at least once a month, never had a problem, and the duct won't move around and stretch out like a rim strip. Been doing this for 40 years.

[downonmonday]

I used electrical tape with about 3 layers. It's cheap and lasts for a long time. Although I do replaced my tires 2 times a season, maybe more depending on terrain ridden.