View Full Version : What to use for blade balancing tape?
morrisr
03-14-2008, 11:09 PM
What do folks recommend for use as blade balancing tape on the main blades?
The guy at our LHS said to go to Home Depot and get lead foil tape in the HVAC department. But that sounds a bit too heavy to me.
Suggestions?
Duke600
03-14-2008, 11:32 PM
I have actually used Scotch tape on my 450 and 600 sized heli's. Just remember to wrap it on the leading edge so the wind won't pick up a corner. Also stickers can work if you need something heavier.
TheBum
03-14-2008, 11:39 PM
I typically use electrical tape. When I don't need much balancing, just a tiny bit wrapped across the leading edge of the lighter blade does the trick for me.
helical
03-15-2008, 01:37 PM
Electrical tape here.
PTFlyer
03-16-2008, 09:06 AM
I use Pactra Trim Tape....I get it a the LHS
Comes in a roll already cut into different widths....comes in a bunch of colors also
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0091p?&C=QAF&V=PAC
That's a great idea...I didnt even think about using Pactra tape !!!!!
gcmsguru
03-18-2008, 11:51 AM
I've been using a variety of tape that is made from aluminum.
This stuff is sometimes sold at auto parts stores and is marketed to be used for repairing holes in exhaust systems ( doesn't work very well for that ), and it's also sold at home improvement stores generally in the furnace / AC department.
The adhesive is quite good, provided you clean the application area with alcohol before application. You can cut off a chunk larger than you believe you will need, remove the backing, and drop it right on a blade ( either on a balancer or scale ) sticky side up to see the results. Then you trim the piece down in order to tweak the exact amount necessary.
The stuff works quite well, is cheaper than typical "balancing" tape, and it's heavier so you don't need to use as much thereby preserving the airfoil shape better.
BritOnTour
03-19-2008, 01:53 PM
The guy at our LHS said to go to Home Depot and get lead foil tape in the HVAC department. But that sounds a bit too heavy to me.
The HVAC tape is not lead, it is usually aluminum foil. it's heavier than electrical tape, but not too heavy.