Taping ice tool handles

Any tape recommendations out there for taping ice tool handles? The extruding gasket and hard plastic combo on the handle of my Grivel tech machines are pretty hard on my pinkies when I climb a lot and they swell up. I'm thinking that tape will help pad them and hopefully improve grip.

Some of the older guys I ice climb with have told me electric tape works well or bicycle tape works pretty well. Hope that helps. 

Temflex 2155 is a great option. It's a self-fusing splicing tape. Cheap and easy to apply. Good grip and biteability plus a bit of extra insulation from cold.

I wrapped mine in an old bike tire inner tube.  Instructions can be found online.  Wrapped the whole shaft and finished off right below the pick with some Mastic tape mentioned above for added insulation while in high dagger.  Great grip the whole way up from the base of the handle to the pick and then a little extra near the top.  It would probably add some cushion since it's all rubber too. Protects from scrapes and scratches too if that's of any interest to you as well.

I've used two types of rubber insulated electrical tape: 3M 2242 and 3M 2155. Both of them 30 mil thickness.

Sean Hoffecker wrote: I wrapped mine in an old bike tire inner tube.  Instructions can be found online.  Wrapped the whole shaft and finished off right below the pick with some Mastic tape mentioned above for added insulation while in high dagger.  Great grip the whole way up from the base of the handle to the pick and then a little extra near the top.  It would probably add some cushion since it's all rubber too. Protects from scrapes and scratches too if that's of any interest to you as well.

 https://www.thealpinestart.com/2018/09/26/how-to-wrap-your-tools-with-grip-tape-aka-bike-tube/

earl mcalister wrote: Any tape recommendations out there for taping ice tool handles? The extruding gasket and hard plastic combo on the handle of my Grivel tech machines are pretty hard on my pinkies when I climb a lot and they swell up. I'm thinking that tape will help pad them and hopefully improve grip.

I’ve always used hockey grip tape. It’s grippy and remains in place even when wet. 

I also use hockey tape. comes in cool colors.. Very first move with my Grivel machines the tools popped and I landed on my ass. never liked them after that and never bought another set of Grivel tools though I did run their crampons for about 4 seasons..  Climbing is 90% Mental ;)

earl mcalister wrote: Any tape recommendations out there for taping ice tool handles? The extruding gasket and hard plastic combo on the handle of my Grivel tech machines are pretty hard on my pinkies when I climb a lot and they swell up. I'm thinking that tape will help pad them and hopefully improve grip.

I used a dremel to shape the handles on my tech machines, made a huge difference 

another vote for HOCKEY TAPE!!!

Kevin Mcbride wrote:

I used a dremel to shape the handles on my tech machines, made a huge difference 

Kevin, do you have pictures to show what you did? I really like these tools but the handle is definitely the most inferior part. Wish it was as comfy as nomics.

3M tape is great as it seems to "repel" active freezing.  But it sounds like additional taping will make your grip more constricted (tighter).  Toughen up those little hand piggies!  What type of gloves do you use?  Is there a stitching seam mid-line on your pinky? Or as mentioned above...dremel or sand down that handle until its smooth and has no extruding rubber.

Matt Murphy wrote: 3M tape is great as it seems to "repel" active freezing.  But it sounds like additional taping will make your grip more constricted (tighter).  Toughen up those little hand piggies!  What type of gloves do you use?  Is there a stitching seam mid-line on your pinky? Or as mentioned above...dremel or sand down that handle until its smooth and has no extruding rubber.

Matt, I have terrible skin for both rock climbing and during ice season. The cold leads to lots of cracks on the fingers even with daily use of lotion. The pinky swelling happened even after I razor bladed the gaskets smooth. Looking for other options other than just using my ergonomics all the time with that nice, big handle. I pretty much use thin gloves all the time but I dont think it's the gloves. All my Petzl tools don't cause any issues.

Linerless electrical tape, fat sticky stuff available at any electrical supply house.  Not a fan of hockey tape, it's slippery when it saturates and freezes (sorry Nick!).

Wrap from the bottom up.

Sounds more like you need a different set of tools that fit your hands.. and a looser grip.

Another thought.  Android leashes may help alleviate the compression on your pinkies.  They're quick enough to use, shouldn't hamper your style much.

earl mcalister wrote:

Matt, I have terrible skin for both rock climbing and during ice season. The cold leads to lots of cracks on the fingers even with daily use of lotion. The pinky swelling happened even after I razor bladed the gaskets smooth. looking for other options other than just using my ergonomics all the time with that nice, big handle.

I hear ya on the cracks. Leashes (+side...you'll exude old school flavor)   Try making the index finger dish a little deeper.  More grip on that one equals less on pinky.  ???

Not sure if anyone mentioned this...hockey stick tape 

earl mcalister wrote:

Kevin, do you have pictures to show what you did? I really like these tools but the handle is definitely the most inferior part. Wish it was as comfy as nomics.

I dont have those tools anymore. But essentially i dremeled off the rubber gasket on the front and rear of the handle, i also shaved off the rubber knob on the side of the handle, i then wrapped the handle with temflex. Was a big improvement overt the stock handle

so your petzls work great but you want to use the grivels that suck so your trying to find a way to make the grivels suck less?   humans are a weird bunch....   then there are all the dudes going on about did anyone mention hockey tape when every 3rd post recommends hockey tape..  we are certainly doomed as a species....