Do you use ripstop tape for canopy repairs?

[ernokaikkonen 0]

I'm wondering what the riggers' opinions on (self adhesive)ripstop tape are. I've heard that tape shouldn't be used for canopy repairs because of the glue residue, and because of the possible adverse effects of the glue on the canopy fabric. I can quite well understand that using duct tape or gaffers tape or something like that isn't a good idea since you can't know what's in the glue. However, using a product that's meant for this purpose(like the one sold on Paragear?) should be ok, right?

In addition to the poll question: If you do use ripstop tape, how big a hole would you be comfortable patching with the tape?

[wmw999 2,588]

Over time, the ripstop tape ends up not being sticky and falling off. That means that the glue ends up impregnated into the canopy fabric. Of course, neither of those is desirable -- the canopy fabric is weaker where the tape was.

A sewn patch is best. A sewn ripstop tape patch can be OK (I've seen them last the life of student canopies in the days of rounds). But a sewn patch is really best.

Wendy W.

There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown)

[Pablito 0]

If there is a hole and you are concidering to put ripstop tape, patche it it is better.
I've seen old ripstop patches where the glue weackens the material and ends up breaking. and now you have a bigger hole to patch.
My 2 cents
Pablito

"If you don't overcome your fears they will overcome you first"
Shady Monkey/6Segundos Rodriguez/AKA Pablito

[iowa 0]

Don't do it. Speaking from expierence you just end up with a bigger sewn patch later.

It doesn't take that long for a rigger to put in a patch.

Keith

''Always do sober what you said you would do drunk. That will teach you to keep your mouth shut.'' - Ernest Hemingway

[Hooknswoop 19]

Never use rip stop tape.

Derek

[riggerrob 643]

Only use sticky ripstop tape to patch drogues.

[mjosparky 4]

Quote

Don't do it. Speaking from expierence you just end up with a bigger sewn patch later.

It doesn't take that long for a rigger to put in a patch.

Have you ever patched a hole, 12" for the tail in the top skin running into a seam. A few minutes is closer to enough time to go crazy. Just my 2c, I would never use tape, tape is for closing boxes.
Sparky

My idea of a fair fight is clubbing baby seals

[Lizard 0]

Ive used it for years, and never really had any adverse effects from it. Sewn patches look better and are better in my opinion, but Ive never really had a problem with the "lick'em stick'em" either. If it were going on my personel canopy, I would not use it, I would just go ahead and do a sew patch.

[masher 1]

Is there any difference between ZP and F11 in their response to the adhesive?

--
Arching is overrated - Marlies

[Hooknswoop 19]

No, the adhesive is acidic and will eventually destroy the area it is in contact with. I have seen several canopies blow up starting at a rip-stop tape repair. I have torn fabric that had been repaired with rip-stop tape like it was tissue paper.

I won't use it and encourage others to not use it.

Derek

[cssriggers 0]

We will use it certain situations, like to patch small holes in student or tandem canopies to get them through a busy weekend. We then put them on our "to-do" list for the next week for real patches, where the whole area covered by the ripstop tape will be replaced.

I recently used a lot of it when some CRWdogs were here for a POPS record, and needed every guy on every jump.

In my opinion it's quite useful when the pace is rockin and a canopy really has to get back in the air, to avoid the damage from spreading (thus making my job harder...) BUT it should always be replaced ASAP with a real patch.

Alpha Mike Foxtrot,
JHL

[slotperfect 7]

On the few occasions I have used it over the years I have been on the road, and have patched it out with a proper patch after returning home.

Arrive Safely

John

[masher 1]

How long is eventually? I know my mileage will vary, but I would like a ballpark figure...

--
Arching is overrated - Marlies

[Hooknswoop 19]

Good question, I don't know. I would like to get my hands on some rip stop tape and apply small pieces to some fabric and pull test a piece a month to see exactly how fast the damage occurs. Anyone have any rip-stop tape they are willing to donate?

Derek

[hookitt 1]

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Anyone have any rip-stop tape they are willing to donate?

You keep asking that question Just buy some!!

I have some on the stabilzers of my interceptor. It's been on there for a year but has only had a few jumps put on it since. I'll post results once I finally decide to jump it some more and after it's repaired.

My grammar sometimes resembles that of magnetic refrigerator poetry... Ghetto

[steve1 5]

We use to use it on para-commanders and and other rounds back in the 70's. I had a friend back then who used nothing but duck tape on his 28 ft. round. He made over a thousand jumps on it and it was covered with duck tape. I guess I've never heard anything about the glue weakening the material and I didn't know anyone still used the stuff. Thanks for the info.....Steve1