Need grip tape for laptop computer
March 11, 2011 1:23 PM Subscribe
I bought a laptop recently that seems to be naturally slippery and hard to get a sure grip on (without squeezing like mad). I always transport it in its bag, but it feels like it could easily slip out of my hands just moving between bag and desk sometimes. Because of this, I'm looking for some better grip tape to apply to the bottom of it. (I currently have duct tape which isn't quite as grippy as I'd like.)
I'm looking for some that's smooth, and not the rough/sand-papery kind, because that might eventually damage my bag.
It needs to be thin (non-padded) so the edges of the tape won't try to peel up due to rubbing on the bag as the laptop goes in and out. It seems like a thicker tape might, ever so slightly, reduce airflow under the laptop too.
And preferably one that doesn't leave a residue on your hands.
Thanks.
I'm looking for some that's smooth, and not the rough/sand-papery kind, because that might eventually damage my bag.
It needs to be thin (non-padded) so the edges of the tape won't try to peel up due to rubbing on the bag as the laptop goes in and out. It seems like a thicker tape might, ever so slightly, reduce airflow under the laptop too.
And preferably one that doesn't leave a residue on your hands.
Thanks.
What about threaded packaging tape? That should give some ridges to the bottom for gripping and would be skinny enough for you to avoid air vents, etc.
posted by msbutah at 1:40 PM on March 11, 2011
posted by msbutah at 1:40 PM on March 11, 2011
Skateboard grip tape worked for this guy's iPod touch. No damage to pockets.
posted by plokent at 1:50 PM on March 11, 2011
posted by plokent at 1:50 PM on March 11, 2011
The Gorilla brand of tape has a better external gripping surface (and better glue) than the regular stuff, and it's black which might give a nicer appearance.
posted by anadem at 1:52 PM on March 11, 2011
posted by anadem at 1:52 PM on March 11, 2011
How about Stomp Grip? It's a cut-to-fit softish rubber stick-on pad with raised bumps that's designed for use on motorcycles.
posted by workerant at 1:53 PM on March 11, 2011
posted by workerant at 1:53 PM on March 11, 2011
Not exactly tape, but this stuff: http://www.pre-wrap.com (pre-wrap) is incredibly grippy, comes in fun colors, and is quite cheap. Get some double sided tape to make it stick to the laptop. It leaves no residue. It can be found at any sports store like Dick's.
Best of luck!
posted by fuzzysoft at 3:54 PM on March 11, 2011
Best of luck!
posted by fuzzysoft at 3:54 PM on March 11, 2011
Hockey tape - but it's really awful. It gets rubbery and gummy pretty fast.
Skateboard and bathroom tape, unless you're a tradesman, will cut up your hands and your bags right quick.
Gaffer tape is what you want. There are better quality grades of the stuff than featured in the wikipedia link; I've seen some that are like rough firmed linen. Comes in a variety of colours, too.
posted by porpoise at 7:21 PM on March 11, 2011
Skateboard and bathroom tape, unless you're a tradesman, will cut up your hands and your bags right quick.
Gaffer tape is what you want. There are better quality grades of the stuff than featured in the wikipedia link; I've seen some that are like rough firmed linen. Comes in a variety of colours, too.
posted by porpoise at 7:21 PM on March 11, 2011
Response by poster: Thanks everybody, but it looks like Jamaro's answer is just what I was looking for.
And I'm not an Apple user or fan (don't dislike them, just not a fan or user) but that is a good story. Impressive that people would do such a good and thorough and conscientious job. An example for all of us, I'd say. Thanks a lot for the post Jamaro.
posted by atm at 4:23 PM on March 12, 2011
And I'm not an Apple user or fan (don't dislike them, just not a fan or user) but that is a good story. Impressive that people would do such a good and thorough and conscientious job. An example for all of us, I'd say. Thanks a lot for the post Jamaro.
posted by atm at 4:23 PM on March 12, 2011
Where as I love Gaffer tape, it is designed to be put on and taken off easily over short periods of time, and over long periods of time, the adhesive starts to go bad. You don't want to use it for anything long term, otherwise you may find the tape slipping off at one point, with crispy tape gunk around the corners, and a liquidy goo in the middle.
posted by markblasco at 11:14 PM on March 12, 2011
posted by markblasco at 11:14 PM on March 12, 2011
This thread is closed to new comments.
I should say that I thought about baseball bat tape, but I don't know whether or not it needs to be overlapped with itself to stick well. I mean, would it be good for a flat application like I need, or does it need to be wound (and partially overlap) on top of itself to stay in place?
posted by atm at 1:32 PM on March 11, 2011