Foil repair - beginners questions.

[nm7s9]

I suspect you'll find that in many cases the holes in the bracket for the 'B' and 'C' sockets are different sizes - the hole for the insulated 'B'socket must be large enough to accommodate both the metal jack and the plastic insulation (typically 7 or 8 mm) while the grounded 'C' socket only needs to be large enough to accommodate the metal socket itself (usually about 6 mm). This would make swapping the individual sockets difficult (although not necessarily impossible).

Thanks - I'll take apart an example of each, not that I don't believe you, but It'll be good practice.

Can I ask a Colourfull, though maybe trivial question?

What colours does tape come in for tip/barrel tape and foible tape?

Do they have to be the same color?

Are there any "hidden" meanings in which colour you use?

Are all colors legal?

Does Purple fencer use purple foil tape?


Cheers
Nick

[Purple Fencer]

Thanks - I'll take apart an example of each, not that I don't believe you, but It'll be good practice.

Can I ask a Colourfull, though maybe trivial question?

What colours does tape come in for tip/barrel tape and foible tape?

Do they have to be the same color?

Are there any "hidden" meanings in which colour you use?

Are all colors legal?

Does Purple fencer use purple foil tape?


Cheers
Nick

In order:

Any color a manufacturer makes....trust me...we've seen tons of variations.

No (I used to make the blade and barrel different colors)

That's a personal issue, if any.

Yes

As a matter of fact, when I was competing....yes. My screen name comes from my socks, however (I started wearing purple socks before I found there was purple gaff tape)

[SJCFU#2]

Just to add to PF's responses regarding tip tape, many people choose a specific color of tape (or combination of colors), just to make it easier to distinguish their foils from everyone else's.

Not only are there no specif rules regarding the colors of tape - there aren't many rules regarding the tape itself beyond the length (and there tends to be an ongoing debate between referees and armorers as to whether 15 cm should be considered a minimum or a maximum) and the need for it to insulate the blade and barrel from contact with any other metallic surface (such as the opponent's lame). While US armorers generally recommend gaff tape (also known as camera tape, depending on who's selling it), but I've also seen electrical tape (which does the job to a point, but tends to need to be replaced more frequently - although I still sometimes use it on the barrel since it's thinner than gaff tape), duct tape (which I don't recommend - leaves too much adhesive residue), athletic tape (not as good as gaff tape but it works in a pinch), and I've even heard of people using heat-shrink tubing rather than tape (although if you go that way I would recommend only using it on the blade and taping the barrel with something else so as to make it easier to get at the screws).