Prop Tape

[dginok]

I have an IVOProp on my Super Sport. The original stainless leading edge tapes did not last long after my first flight, getting beaten up pretty badly from ground debris, especially from a particularly dirty ramp that I would visit. The tape would get punctures and tears surprisingly easily. So, I bought new stainless tape, applied it per the IVOProp instructions and soon thereafter had the same results.

After that, I went looking for an alternative tape to the stainless variety. I tried a few different tapes, with varying degrees of success, but none of them satisfactorily protected the prop blades.

I recently came across 3M 8681HS polyurethane protective tape. I bought some of that off of eBay, not expecting much based on my experience with other tapes. It is fairly thin, but apparently is very tough stuff. I have flown into many of the same places that beat the heck out of other tapes, but the 8681 tape has taken the abuse with no resulting damage. I have about forty hours on it so far, and it is looking nearly as good as when it was installed.

This (gray) tape looks good against the black IVOProp blades, and it's great not to have to apply super glue around the tape perimeter as IVO has you do with the stainless tapes.

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[avidflyer]

Does that tape come with a paper back that you peal off to apply to the prop? Thanks, JImChuk

[dginok]

It has a clear plastic release liner covering the adhesive.

[avidflyer]

If enough people were interested in using this tape, it would make sense for one person to buy a longer roll at a lower cost, and mail it to the interested parties. Anyone interested? JImChuk

[dginok]

The item number that I bought from eBay is 253181460719. It's $12.50 for a 2 inch by 1 yard piece, with a discount for larger quantities.

[avidflyer]

I'm thinking about buying a larger amount. Is anyone interested in some 2 1/2" wide medium dark gray color? $10.50 per yard shipped. I would cut it in 1' pieces so I could ship them in an envelope. Send me a PM. If enough are interested, I'll get a roll. JImChuk

[jrevens]

I had used 3M polyurethane protective tape on the leading edge of my wood props on my O-320 160 HP Lycoming for over 20 years - #8672, which is a clear, UV resistant, 8 mil. thick, 1" wide tape with a slow aging acrylic adhesive. It conformed nicely to the gradual leading edge curve when applied with a slight amount of tension. It saved a lot of wear & tear and nicks, as well as rain erosion. Kind of expensive, but great stuff. I never experienced slippage or movement after it was installed, but it could be removed without damage to the prop finish with a heat gun and a slow peel. I've found it useful for a lot of other application also, i.e. - protective layer between clamps or wire-ties and tubing. I found that the 1" width was sufficient to provide adequate leading edge protection when centered on the leading edge.

[bumsteer]

The tape used in NASCAR is called Bear Bond. It is available but I don't know if they have a clear version.

Rick

[Maverick]

NASCAR races always have wrecks and in the repairs they use some kind of tape to make hoods, torn fenders, etc. stay on the cars. I don't recall the name of it but, I wonder if it might work if it is available. Just wondering.

[buckchop]

Wonder if thats the same tape they sell at the welding store? Me and L where just talkin about this the other day, for the tape between the prop sections for ur inspection tape to check if prop is comin loose, Ill have to check on that asap.