ripstop tape

[amy 0]

Just curious -

Do you use ripstop tape for repairs?

If so, do you consider it a permanent "fix"?

I've always considered it to be a temporary fix. At best, a way to keep the canopy in the air until a real patch can be done. However, I recently found a ripstop tape repair in a place that was clearly intended to be permanent, and now I'm curious how other riggers are using it.

Anyone?

Amy

[usskydiver 0]

I fixed our windblade with it ( both sides and then sewed it down 10-12 spi). I still wonder why my team mates call me analretennant when referring to my rigging work....

[skycat 0]

From a previous thread.

Quote

The gum/adhesive on Rip Stop tape degrades the fabric stength over time. I have removed tape from a canopy and could tear the fabric like tissue paper.

If your PC is torn, replace it, if your canopy is torn, get it properly patched.

Don't use Rip Stop tape.

Hook

Fly it like you stole it!

[diablopilot 2]

I've seen and used Ripstop tape as a permenet repair on a low porosity (F111 type) main. It was sewn much like a patch.

I would never use it as anything other than a temporary repair for a ZP canopy.

----------------------------------------------
You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously.

[Hooknswoop 19]

Every canopy that I've seen come apart that had rip-stop tape on it, the failure started at the tape and the fabric in that area had the strength of tissue paper.

If a hole is big enough to warrent a repair, patch it. If you canopy has rip-stop tape on it, have it patched. If your canopy has rip-stop tape that has been sewn, then the damage should have been patched when it was under the sewing machine the first time.

Even using rip-stop tape as a temp repair means the final patch will be larger, which may also make the patch much more difficult if the rip-stop tape temporary repair means that a seam or re-inforcement tape will be included in the patch, where it wouldn't have been if the damage had been patched in the first place.

Derek

[masterrig 1]

I agree with Hooknswoop and the others who recommend NOT using rip-stop tape. I have had main parachutes as well as one or two reserves come into my shop with rip-stop tape on them and it ia a real chore to fix. I've had them come in with Duct Tape... sewn on. Whether it is sewn on or just 'stuck' on the material, To properly repair the area, the finished patch turns-out much bigger than would originally have been needed to repair it. Also, the rip-stop tape and surrounding area, becomes somewhat brittle. It's just not a good idea.

Chuck

[riggerrob 643]

Sticky ripstop tape is old-school.
It frowned upon for reserve repairs in Canada.
The stuff sticks so poorly to ZP fabric that you have to run the sewing machine around the edge of the patch anyways. If you have to drag a canopy to a sewing machine, you might as well do a legitimate patch.
In conclusion, I only use sticky ripstop tape to patch drogues. Then I still run a row of stitching around the edges.

[masterrig 1]

It's a big No, No, to use rip-stop tape on reserves here in the States. I think you 'nailed' it. If, you're going to drag a parachute to a sewing machine to sew rip-stop tape, do it right and do a 'real' patch. Thanks for the info!

Chuck

[teason 0]

The adhesive on ripstop tape has been found to breakdown nylon fabric or at least weaken it. I use it only for temp fixes in a pinch. The permanent repair MUST remove all areas the tape came in contact with.
As for reserves .... scary!

T

I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet.

[masterrig 1]

That's one of many reasons I don't stock it and don't use it. Scary on reserves? Just imagine, that stuff stuck on a packed parachute for 120 days!

Chuck