Hi,

We have a number of tools (typically yard/garden) that have
soft, black neoprene-like "cushioned grips" for handles.
Pole saws, trimmers, etc.

These black cushions are sort of like a foam material.
They don't stand up well to wear and tear. (in fact,
they *tear*!)

Ideas for replacements? I'd thought of using "dip"
but would need quite a bit for each tool (the foam
cushions tend to be like a foot long and 1/4" thick
on 1-1.5" dia structural pieces).

The other thought that came to mind was "bicycle handlebar
wrap" (typically a sort of soft, cushioned, rubbery plastic
"tape" about an inch wide that was spiral wrapped along the
length of the handlebars). But, the stores that I've
checked thus far don't seem to sell this anymore (I'll
try a "bike shop", next).

As it *resembles* the original foamy rubber handles, I'd
also considered rubber "pipe insulation" -- the stuff
that is sold in 6-8 ft lengths, "split" down one side.
But, this seems like it would be too thick (1/2" typically)
and I'm not sure how well the seam would hold up to the sort of
mechanical abuse that these tools encounter.

(The existing cushion seem to be either slip-on or "dipped"
in some way -- no visible seems, they just tear at arbitrary
places!)

You could use anything that has the right amount of cushioning and then use black electrical tape wrapped over the material to give the strength you are looking for. Overlap the tape about 60 -70 percent.

I do this with my bicycle handlebars, and the tape lasts for several years and a few thousand miles of biking between redoing.

On Sun, 20 Sep 2015 12:11:00 -0700, Don Y
wrote:

Hi,

We have a number of tools (typically yard/garden) that have
soft, black neoprene-like "cushioned grips" for handles.
Pole saws, trimmers, etc.

These black cushions are sort of like a foam material.
They don't stand up well to wear and tear. (in fact,
they *tear*!)

Ideas for replacements? I'd thought of using "dip"
but would need quite a bit for each tool (the foam
cushions tend to be like a foot long and 1/4" thick
on 1-1.5" dia structural pieces).

The other thought that came to mind was "bicycle handlebar
wrap" (typically a sort of soft, cushioned, rubbery plastic
"tape" about an inch wide that was spiral wrapped along the
length of the handlebars). But, the stores that I've
checked thus far don't seem to sell this anymore (I'll
try a "bike shop", next).

As it *resembles* the original foamy rubber handles, I'd
also considered rubber "pipe insulation" -- the stuff
that is sold in 6-8 ft lengths, "split" down one side.
But, this seems like it would be too thick (1/2" typically)
and I'm not sure how well the seam would hold up to the sort of
mechanical abuse that these tools encounter.

(The existing cushion seem to be either slip-on or "dipped"
in some way -- no visible seems, they just tear at arbitrary
places!)

You might check a Tennis shop. There is a tacky gauze wrap used on
tennis racket handles. It provides some grip on sweat soaked leather
grips. The thicker the wrap is gives a better grip, reducing chances
of blisters.

On 9/20/2015 12:25 PM, Oren wrote:
On Sun, 20 Sep 2015 12:11:00 -0700, Don Y
wrote:

Hi,

We have a number of tools (typically yard/garden) that have
soft, black neoprene-like "cushioned grips" for handles.
Pole saws, trimmers, etc.

These black cushions are sort of like a foam material.
They don't stand up well to wear and tear. (in fact,
they *tear*!)

Ideas for replacements? I'd thought of using "dip"
but would need quite a bit for each tool (the foam
cushions tend to be like a foot long and 1/4" thick
on 1-1.5" dia structural pieces).

The other thought that came to mind was "bicycle handlebar
wrap" (typically a sort of soft, cushioned, rubbery plastic
"tape" about an inch wide that was spiral wrapped along the
length of the handlebars). But, the stores that I've
checked thus far don't seem to sell this anymore (I'll
try a "bike shop", next).

As it *resembles* the original foamy rubber handles, I'd
also considered rubber "pipe insulation" -- the stuff
that is sold in 6-8 ft lengths, "split" down one side.
But, this seems like it would be too thick (1/2" typically)
and I'm not sure how well the seam would hold up to the sort of
mechanical abuse that these tools encounter.

(The existing cushion seem to be either slip-on or "dipped"
in some way -- no visible seems, they just tear at arbitrary
places!)

You might check a Tennis shop. There is a tacky gauze wrap used on
tennis racket handles. It provides some grip on sweat soaked leather
grips. The thicker the wrap is gives a better grip, reducing chances
of blisters.

Oh! I thought that was part of the handle, not an "add on".
I think golf clubs have a similar "treatment"?

On 9/20/2015 12:24 PM, wrote:
You could use anything that has the right amount of cushioning and then use
black electrical tape wrapped over the material to give the strength you are
looking for. Overlap the tape about 60 -70 percent.

I tried that with some foam rubber and 20mil "pipe wrap". It felt pretty
hokey.

I do this with my bicycle handlebars, and the tape lasts for several years
and a few thousand miles of biking between redoing.

I think you hold onto a bicycle's handlebars differently than a large
"branch lopper", pole saw, etc. The "tape" I recall (from youth) was
sort of like a spongey plastic/rubber -- typically different colors
("kids"). It seems like it would stay in place, better -- nothing
*under* it (to be the cushion).

On Sun, 20 Sep 2015 12:32:21 -0700, Don Y
wrote:


You might check a Tennis shop. There is a tacky gauze wrap used on
tennis racket handles. It provides some grip on sweat soaked leather
grips. The thicker the wrap is gives a better grip, reducing chances
of blisters.

Oh! I thought that was part of the handle, not an "add on".
I think golf clubs have a similar "treatment"?

http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&page=1&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Atennis%20racket% 20grip%20wrap

It seems, things have changed (since I played tennis), perhaps.
Several types of wraps / tape for anti-slip tennis, maybe golf.
badminton and racket ball handles. Even fishing rod handles. See if
something on the link suits your needs.

On Sun, 20 Sep 2015 14:11:00 -0500, Don Y
wrote:

Hi,

We have a number of tools (typically yard/garden) that have
soft, black neoprene-like "cushioned grips" for handles.
Pole saws, trimmers, etc.

These black cushions are sort of like a foam material.
They don't stand up well to wear and tear. (in fact,
they *tear*!)

Ideas for replacements? I'd thought of using "dip"
but would need quite a bit for each tool (the foam
cushions tend to be like a foot long and 1/4" thick
on 1-1.5" dia structural pieces).

The other thought that came to mind was "bicycle handlebar
wrap" (typically a sort of soft, cushioned, rubbery plastic
"tape" about an inch wide that was spiral wrapped along the
length of the handlebars). But, the stores that I've
checked thus far don't seem to sell this anymore (I'll
try a "bike shop", next).

As it *resembles* the original foamy rubber handles, I'd
also considered rubber "pipe insulation" -- the stuff
that is sold in 6-8 ft lengths, "split" down one side.
But, this seems like it would be too thick (1/2" typically)
and I'm not sure how well the seam would hold up to the sort of
mechanical abuse that these tools encounter.

(The existing cushion seem to be either slip-on or "dipped"
in some way -- no visible seems, they just tear at arbitrary
places!)

Would a motorcycle handle grip work? They come in 7/8"
and 1".
There's something called Re-Grip. I know nothing about
them except seeing an ad.


--
Using Opera's mail client: http://www.opera.com/mail/

On 9/20/2015 12:43 PM, Oren wrote:
On Sun, 20 Sep 2015 12:32:21 -0700, Don Y
wrote:


You might check a Tennis shop. There is a tacky gauze wrap used on
tennis racket handles. It provides some grip on sweat soaked leather
grips. The thicker the wrap is gives a better grip, reducing chances
of blisters.

Oh! I thought that was part of the handle, not an "add on".
I think golf clubs have a similar "treatment"?

http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&page=1&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Atennis%20racket% 20grip%20wrap

It seems, things have changed (since I played tennis), perhaps.
Several types of wraps / tape for anti-slip tennis, maybe golf.
badminton and racket ball handles. Even fishing rod handles. See if
something on the link suits your needs.

Excellent! Do these have any "give" (sponginess) to them? Or, are
they essentially "electrical tape" (or, "friction tape")?

We have a "Dave's" that opened here, recently. I'll see what they have
(they *don't* have "bicycle handlebar tape" but I didn't think to
check the other "departments")

On Sun, 20 Sep 2015 13:26:22 -0700, Don Y
wrote:

On 9/20/2015 12:43 PM, Oren wrote:
On Sun, 20 Sep 2015 12:32:21 -0700, Don Y
wrote:


You might check a Tennis shop. There is a tacky gauze wrap used on
tennis racket handles. It provides some grip on sweat soaked leather
grips. The thicker the wrap is gives a better grip, reducing chances
of blisters.

Oh! I thought that was part of the handle, not an "add on".
I think golf clubs have a similar "treatment"?

http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&page=1&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Atennis%20racket% 20grip%20wrap

It seems, things have changed (since I played tennis), perhaps.
Several types of wraps / tape for anti-slip tennis, maybe golf.
badminton and racket ball handles. Even fishing rod handles. See if
something on the link suits your needs.

Excellent! Do these have any "give" (sponginess) to them? Or, are
they essentially "electrical tape" (or, "friction tape")?

We have a "Dave's" that opened here, recently. I'll see what they have
(they *don't* have "bicycle handlebar tape" but I didn't think to
check the other "departments")

I'm only familiar with the tennis gauze tape wrap from circa late
'70's. It was tacky, wrapped around a handle like a bandage. When
worn out -- you unwrapped it and put another one on. Something like
that may fit your needs. It wasn't tape per say -- just a method to
improve grip. Put it on, take if off and keep it nearby for
replacement.

I played tennis with Chris Evert's sister and her friend back in the
day -- Ft. Lauderdale

http://www.infoplease.com/biography/var/chrisevert.html

On 9/20/2015 12:59 PM, Dean Hoffman wrote:
On Sun, 20 Sep 2015 14:11:00 -0500, Don Y wrote:

Hi,

We have a number of tools (typically yard/garden) that have
soft, black neoprene-like "cushioned grips" for handles.
Pole saws, trimmers, etc.

These black cushions are sort of like a foam material.
They don't stand up well to wear and tear. (in fact,
they *tear*!)

Ideas for replacements? I'd thought of using "dip"
but would need quite a bit for each tool (the foam
cushions tend to be like a foot long and 1/4" thick
on 1-1.5" dia structural pieces).

The other thought that came to mind was "bicycle handlebar
wrap" (typically a sort of soft, cushioned, rubbery plastic
"tape" about an inch wide that was spiral wrapped along the
length of the handlebars). But, the stores that I've
checked thus far don't seem to sell this anymore (I'll
try a "bike shop", next).

As it *resembles* the original foamy rubber handles, I'd
also considered rubber "pipe insulation" -- the stuff
that is sold in 6-8 ft lengths, "split" down one side.
But, this seems like it would be too thick (1/2" typically)
and I'm not sure how well the seam would hold up to the sort of
mechanical abuse that these tools encounter.

(The existing cushion seem to be either slip-on or "dipped"
in some way -- no visible seems, they just tear at arbitrary
places!)

Would a motorcycle handle grip work? They come in 7/8"
and 1".

I don't think so. It seems like most of these have 1.25" diameter
handles onto which the "cushion material" is applied:
- pole saw
- shears (look like giant scissors)
- pruning saw
- landscape rakes
- "loppers" (no idea what they are called... used to cut very thick branches?)
- 15' extension handle for paint roller
etc.

There's something called Re-Grip. I know nothing about
them except seeing an ad.

I'll chase it down. Thanks!

We have a "Dave's" that opened here, recently. I'll see what they have
(they *don't* have "bicycle handlebar tape" but I didn't think to
check the other "departments")


WHAT IS A "DAVE'S"?

On 9/20/2015 6:33 PM, wrote:


We have a "Dave's" that opened here, recently. I'll see what they have
(they *don't* have "bicycle handlebar tape" but I didn't think to
check the other "departments")


WHAT IS A "DAVE'S"?

s.b. "Dick's" -- Dick's Sporting Goods

Don Y wrote:
Hi,

We have a number of tools (typically yard/garden) that have
soft, black neoprene-like "cushioned grips" for handles.
Pole saws, trimmers, etc.

These black cushions are sort of like a foam material.
They don't stand up well to wear and tear. (in fact,
they *tear*!)

Ideas for replacements? I'd thought of using "dip"
but would need quite a bit for each tool (the foam
cushions tend to be like a foot long and 1/4" thick
on 1-1.5" dia structural pieces).

https://www.google.com/search?q=hand...ndle+grip+tape