Solving handling problems with tape

[Swedpat]

Long time the slipper surface of my Fenix L1D has been annoying to me. Therefore I was exalted in Nitecore D10 when I received it, with it's great knurling. But I didn't really like the stepless brightness (difficult trying to estimate the brightness level). The last 1AA light I got is EagleTac P10A.
The shape of the light makes it more comfortable to hold than L1D. Still it wasn't really good, however.
Therefore I got an idéa: What if applying some tape around the tube?
I went to a store and purchased a roll of "hockey tape". The result was excellent. Also I lubricated the threads of the L1D, which made the head easy to wrist. Now the problem with gliding tube and difficulty to twist the head is solved!
Now I like the L1D much more than before. I appreciate the low level of 12 lumens. Perfect when having dark adapted eyes and put on the light, I will not be too dazzled. The L1D is my usual "go to toilet at night-light", as a true flashoholic I dont put on the household lamp, why to do it when I have such a suitable flashlights...
To be honest; It's not that dark in my appartment at night I would need any light to walk around, but I just like to use a flashlight...:thumbsup:

My Fenix TK20 had the problem of rolling rubber handle. I cutted off the rubber and shortened it maybe 2mm. After that I taped the handle with usual electrical tape. The result was excellent. The handle is stable and no rolling.

Here is a picture of the flashlights, at close distance maybe it isn't the most esthetical solution. But what's matter? It really works!
From left: Fenix L1D Q5, EagleTac P10A, Fenix TK20:

 

[Big_Ed]

My E1B was slippery, just like everyone else's, so I bought a roll of rubber tape. There's no adhesive on it at all. You just stretch it as you roll it on, and it adheres to itself. It works really well, leaves no sticky residue, hasn't yet turned my hands black, and gives the best grip I could imagine. I bought the stuff at my local Do-It Best Hardware Store for around $4 or so. The roll is huge and could cover many lights.
I tried the Hockey tape on one of my Inova flashlights, and there was always a sticky residue, and my hands were always turning black after each time I used the light. I'm glad I found the rubber tape.

 

[Swedpat]

Ed,

Interesting, I have not heard about such a tape. I don't really get how it works. No adhesive and still get caught on the surface?
About the hockey tape I experience that such a problems you mention only acts in the beginning, but will pass after a while. Now the hockey tape isn't sticky at all, but provides still a superior grip in comparison to the tube surface.

Regards, Patric

 

[Sub_Umbra]

There are lots of cool varieties of tape at bicycle shops and they're designed to make handlebars less slippery. Some also absorb shock.

I usually just slip an old pice of bike inner tube over part of the light to make it less slippery and easier to hold in my mouth.

 

[Big_Ed]

I didn't hear of it before, either. I was actually in the hardware store looking for some grip tape to replace the hockey tape I tried and stumbled upon the rubber tape. It doesn't stick to the surface of the light itself, but as you stretch it and wrap it around, you press it against the layer underneath it and it sticks to itself. And the longer it sits the better it sticks to itself. You can unravel it and re-do it if you want. I really like the stuff.

 

[Swedpat]

Also a very interesting alternative Sub Umbra!

 

[ninjaboigt]

lol ur L1D looks like my old p2d when i put gaffer tape on it.

i like gaffer because it leaves no sticky residue behind.

 

[FLT MEDIC]

There are lots of cool varieties of tape at bicycle shops and they're designes to make handlebars less slippery. Some also absorb shock.

I usually just slip an old pice of bike inner tube over part of the light to make it less slippery and easier to hol in my mouth.

Same here, nothing like bike inner tube over the whole light to make it easier to hold in my mouth during an emergency, makes it much less slippery when wet, protects its finish and makes it non-conductive.

The rubber electrical self-fusing tape sticks without leaving a sticky residue like ordinary electrical tape and moulds like a clay so its weather-proof and sticks only to itself so it won't unravel by itself. It's easier to apply to lights but one bite to hold the light during an emergency and my teeth will usually cut it open after one use.