Self Fusing Electrical Tape Question

[eastexan]

I need to repair some cuts and scrapes on my welding cables and was at Ace Hardware looking at some regular electrical tape when I noticed this self fusing waterproof type. So I bought some of it.
Aceｮ 22ft 3/4in Rubber Splicing Tape - Electrical Tape - Ace Hardware

But now I have a question for those of you who have used this kind of tape.
There is a blue layer on the back of the tape that looks kind of like it should peel away, similar to double sided tape. But no matter how hard I try, I can't get it to peel off without the tape wanting to go to pieces.

So I assume that this layer isn't supposed to come off??
Is this correct? :confused2:

 

[yomax4]

Hmm. Not sure.. I have found that the liquid electrical tape works great to fill cracks and knicks prior to taping.

 

[jonyyuma]

Our rubber tape must be stretched lightly and the barrier will peel loose. try tugging it as you un-roll it onto the repair. We allow a 1/2 half wrap if exposed to moisture. Cover rubber tape with plastic tape for added protection and longer life. rubber will deteriorate if in direct sunlight. Hope this helps?

 

[deereman75]

I have got some of the princess auto knock off of that "magic tape" stuff, a self fusing rubber repair tape. I find that you have to have a little bit of tension on the tape for the backing to come off easly. I have to say that that stuff is very useful, and I use it a lot.

 

[schoolsout]

That layer needs to come off, I imagine. I use a lot of that stuff for making stiff rigs for my trolling lures (Marlin stuff) and end up using the hook point to help separate the layer from rubber tape. I imagine that is what keeps the tape from bonding to itself while on the roll, although to get a really good bond, you need to stretch it out over itself.

I've used West Marine brand stuff and the 3M stuff...

 

[JB4310]

I'm not a big fan of those new miracle tapes, I'm sure there are some apps that they would be good for. But repairing welding leads would not be one IMO, unless you just have small areas in need of attention, even then several wraps of decent electrical tape should work fine.

Tile tape works good for large areas, we use it for making connections to drainage pipes, it's a wide flexible tape similar to electrical tape, stays together very nicely.

http://www.agridrain.com/pipeproduct.asp?prodtype=101

I wrapped my very old, scavenged from a dump, welding leads with good old gray duct tape 25 years ago. and just recently replaced it with the tile tape, which is much more flexible and looks better too.

JB

 

[Soundguy]

yep.. stretcht he tape and the barrier releases then when wrapped it will self vulcanize..

soundguy

 

[eastexan]

Hmm. Not sure.. I have found that the liquid electrical tape works great to fill cracks and knicks prior to taping.

Yomax, thanks for the info.

I always wondered about that liquid tape and got me a can of the black. I noticed it also comes in red.
And you're right, it's great for filling in cracks and nicks. It dries really fast.

And thanks to everyone else for setting me straight on how to use the self sealing tape.

 

[Soundguy]

as the others said. I like to put the liquid stuff on.. let it setup to seal a connector.. then tape over it. i'm not found of using it as the only insulator though.. but used in tandem with some other insulator.. it works good.


soundguy

 

[jonyyuma]

We also have a new Silicone based self-fusing tape, but it is not cheap at all.