Athletes use grip tape to enhance their performance in several sports. Cyclists wrap it around their handlebars; bowlers wrap it around their fingers; hockey players wrap it around the blades of their sticks; tennis players wrap it around the handles of their rackets. The applications of grip tape within sport are almost endless. While installing grip tape on a piece of sports paraphernalia is not difficult, you should follow a few general guidelines to maximize the tape's effectiveness.
Step 1
Remove any old, worn grip tape that may be in place already. Do so by unwrapping it rather than cutting it, as cutting it can damage the piece of equipment underneath the tape.
Step 2
Apply a gentle cleaning solution or some soapy water to the surface where you will be applying the new grip tape. Wipe the surface with a paper towel. This will remove grease and dirt particles that can interfere with the tight binding of your grip tape. Allow the surface to dry completely.
Step 3
Unroll a bit of the grip tape and touch the end of it to the tip of your bike handlebars, hockey stick blade or tennis racket handle. The grip tape should be aligned almost perpendicularly to the item being wrapped, but with a slight diagonal tilt. Begin wrapping the tape around the handle or blade, working your way up it with each successive wrap. Overlap each previous wrap about one-fourth to one-third of the way with each new wrap.
Step 4
Cut the tape with your razor knife when you have reached the end of the object you are wrapping. Check the length of the handle or blade for gaps in the taping job. If there are some, you may want to rewrap the item to remove the gaps.
Step 5
Secure the loose ends of the grip tape with electrical tape. Electrical tape has an elasticity that will allow you to create a very tight seal on both ends of your grip-taped handle or blade.
Tips and Warnings
- You can use a hair dryer to shrink the grip tape a little and to make its glue bind more tightly to the object's surface.
Things You'll Need
- Mild cleaning solution
- Paper towel
- Grip tape
- Electrical tape
- Razor knife
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