Thinking of ordering some Tommy Tape for my next TN Handle build. Any tips on using it?

Thanks - Marc

Keep it simple - that's all I can handle!

[www.tommytape.com]

It will work but I wil warn you that the reel seat will dent the cork. I used it on some ice rods and while it works good I went back to electrical tape (the good stuff) and like it more myself because it is a slimmer profile and is more comfortable in my hand. All that said, it will work great and keep the reel very secure.

About a decade ago I was advised by Tommy Tape that it was also available at Home Depot under the name Stretch and Seal. You will typically find it in the plumbing department. Similar tapes might also be available from your local hardware store. Our local hardware store carries a similar tape in variety colors.

I have found it necessary to finish each end of a wrap with electrical tape. On one occasion I shipped my rod ahead and received it at the hotel. Upon opening the container I was surprised to find a large red o-ring on the butt end. The vibration during shipping had caused the tape to roll over on itself and create the o-ring.

Don

Don Becker



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/24/2015 02:40AM by Donald Becker.

roger wilson Wrote: It will work but I will warn you that the reel seat will dent the cork. Wouldn't that have to do with how tight you wrap it? Or does it shrink? I am building 2 Tn grips now and was planing to use this also? I have used the hard dark burnt cork rings on the grip were the reel will be mounted, I have a roll on it's way from amazon. I would think the {reel seat} would dent regular cork even with hockey tape if it was to tight? Or am I best to scrap this stuff for attaching the reel? Thanks Ja

I have had the reel foot dent regular cork when using electrical tape too. With the burnt cork it should help a lot. And the dent is just a little impression, I did not find it to be a big deal.

Thanks - Marc

Keep it simple - that's all I can handle!

You can add a poker chip or two (Rich Forhan trick) in the cork to give the reel foot something hard to rest on. Other materials could work too. I just put a piece of strapping tape on each end on the foot and that locks it down well. I cover this with regular black tape. These have both been covered in RM and on here.

Jay Dubay - I think it all comes down to personal preference. I wrap my electrical tape pretty right too so I'm sure it will leave a dent but I like the feel of it better as it has a slimmer profile on the handle. One thing I always do is out painters tape on the cork, under the reel foot, before I wrap the electrical tape. This helps preserve the cork from pulling out pits when you unwrap. I really like the yellow Frog Tape because it is a very light adhesive and come off easily. I would give it a try and if for any reason you don't like it that Tommy Tape is great to have around!

Thanks guys, I'm really not to worried about dents in the cork as these are personal rods I'm building on the Baston 822.5 blanks for walleye jigging. I really don't care for reel seats when the weather gets cold here in Mi so I kind of shy away from them. I thought I would try the Tommy tape instead of the hockey tape I used in the past. Thanks Ja

Tommy Tape and equivalents stretch and may be better suited to providing a grip surface over PVC tape.

Don Becker

Jay,
I think that you might be happier with plastic electrical tape compared to hockey tape. I don't like any sort of thick or sticky tape under my hand. I always consider hockey to be both thick and sticky. Great for grips, but not for my rod handles.

As others have said, Where I am going to have tape on the cork handle, I will always put a double wrap of tape on the handle that always stays on the handle. Then, if a reel is added or removed, that tape stays on the cork and protects that part of the cork handle from having any cork pulled out of the grip by the adhesive on the tape. When using tape for tennessee grips, I always keep a roll of tape in my tackle box, so that if I decide to change a reel, or if the tape begins to come loose, I can quickly strip off the old tape and wrap on fresh tape.

As others have said, when using a grip like you suggest, I like as little extra build up on the grip as possible. Hence the use of the plastic electric tape for reel holding on the grip.

Take care

I love Tennessee grips on my crappie rods, and won't use anything else after building different ones and trying different seats. I actually use a file and create a flat spot in cork where my reel will set so it is recessed. I file and check, and as soon as the fee foot is flush with cork I stop. I didn't do this on the first couple, but when I finally did, man it's like the reel and cork were made together. And I've tried the Tommy tape, and after the edges started lifting then sticking back to itself, I pulled it off. Now I only use a few wraps of reinforced packing tape, then finish with 3M electrical. Tough to beat. Stretch tape tight when wrapping until the end, loose wrap so it doesn't pull itself and expose adhesive.