Metal strips -- Spike tape or gaffer's tape?

[AllezCat]

For the professional armorers out there:

We're going to put down two copper strips for our division's big season opener. The underlay will be carpet. I've heard that gaffer's tape (less-residue duct tape, used in the theatrical arts) is typically used by the national armorers. A prospective vendor carries both "gaffer's tape" and "spike tape", which are apparently of slightly different stickiness. Which is better for taping down strips?

[sallearmourer]

Gaffer Tape preferable the 4inch wide stuff is what the USFA used to tape down the stripes at NACS

Tim Loomis

www.yeoldearmourer.com

[neevel]

The understanding that I have is that spike tape is the same thing as gaffers' tape, just in a narrow (1/2") width. Tim is correct that 4" gaffers tape is just about the best thing out there for taping down strips (the 4" is important-- it'll work much better than 2 " tape). You want to lay it down with about 1" on the strip and 3" on the floor.


-Dave