Nylon tape for collapsible slider channels?

[hackish 8]

I was wondering what people use to install or repair the collapsible slider channels? I've seen the 3" tape folded over and used but manfacturers seem to be using a 2" version of this.

Any ideas?

-Michael

[gowlerk 2,213]

I find tape too bulky. I cut a strip if ZP nylon 2.5 inches and after folding it's 2" wide. (I just copy PD)

Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

[hackish 8]

Here is the stuff I'm referring to. It's a plain weave.



-Michael

[parachutist 2]

That looks like 2" binding tape. It's handy to have in the shop, but hard to find from typical suppliers. I bought a roll from PD

[Quagmirian 40]

It looks like a 2 inch version of 7282 tape. You can probably get a roll from BRM.

[linestretch 0]

gowlerk

I find tape too bulky. I cut a strip if ZP nylon 2.5 inches and after folding it's 2" wide. (I just copy PD)

I haven't done up any in a while but feel that the ZP is a waste of time and energy. It wears out a lot faster & is a bitch to work with. The tape holds up a LOT longer and of course is SOOO much easier sew. Just my 2 cents.

my pics & stuff!

[hackish 8]

The next question is where to get some? I've found 2" wide type 3 tape but the weave is different. This stuff is a 2" version of the stuff used for the edges of a slider. I'm still waiting for a response from bally but have not been having much luck with anyone else.

-Michael

[riggerrob 643]

PD slider tape works fine for slider channels. It was even the production standard for a South African-made (?) canopy.

[hackish 8]

The photo above is an icarus slider and they use 2" wide tape for the collapsable part. One suggestion was to hot-knife 0.75" off the tape and fold that edge under for a finished width of 2". In a pinch, yes but prefer to have it look factory original.

-Michael

[JerryBaumchen 1,369]

Hi Michael,

Quote

One suggestion was to hot-knife 0.75" off the tape and fold that edge under for a finished width of 2".

I've made a few draw-string sliders. I would not recommend doing that. It will make the edges even stronger/stiffer; and that is not what you want in this location.

I'm with Rob Warner, the 3" tape will work. It also will collapse readily. Try it and see for yourself.

My old $0.02,

Jerry Baumchen

[riggerrob 643]

Yes Jerry,

Another trick is fold the aft end over multiple times, until it is as thick as the (fabric, tape and binding tape) edge on the original. Sew across the folded edge multiple times until it is as stiff as the original. The most critical dimension is the width of the hole the cord exits.
This "fold the bejesus out of it" method vastly reduces parts count and inventory and the number of sewing machines required.

[hackish 8]

riggerrob

Another trick is fold the aft end over multiple times, until it is as thick as the (fabric, tape and binding tape) edge on the original. Sew across the folded edge multiple times until it is as stiff as the original. The most critical dimension is the width of the hole the cord exits.
This "fold the bejesus out of it" method vastly reduces parts count and inventory and the number of sewing machines required.

I noticed that icarus does this folding with their channel tape like this while PD used some reinforcement tape with a bartack across the spot that would wear.


Here are the tabs I made, instead of 3/4" I used 1" because people complain that the factory collapsible is too hard to collapse. My plans to buy a tacker were thwarted by the boss of the household who does not agree that there is a significant time cost doing it with a 20U.

It was hard to get both pieces of tape folded to exactly the same dimensions but I think next time I'll just roll it around a 3/32 TIG rod for consistency.

I did speak with Bally finally and they have the tape I need. Really helpful people to deal with.

-Michael

[highspeeddirt 0]

there is a seller on ebay that has this tape, 2''natural preshrunk nylon MIL T 5608. $14.99 for 100 yards. seller is mil-std-883

[hackish 8]

Wow, awesome! This is exactly the stuff I was looking for. Price was $35 for 100 yards which is still a good deal even after $20 S&H.

Thanks!

-Michael

[highspeeddirt 0]

no problem