Must Have Tapes For FPV Quads | BUILD TIP

[@sandnessmj]

Glad you made this one, Mr. Bardwell. Here I am, 3 years later - specifically searching for this topic!

[@AKATEATime]

Joshua Bardwell, always tackling the sticky topics. 👍

[@FredDamstra]

I really like it when you nerd out on something simple and get into some of the details that I can't find elsewhere. It's what I liked about your videos and why I subscribed as a patreon.

[@JoshuaBardwell]

Glad I could deliver for you with this video. Thanks for your support :-)

[@pixelproshop9681]

These simple videos are some of your best. They cover things we all have struggled with. Tape does not seem exciting but I watched the entire video and "I Learned Something"

[@jamestavernier8222]

This video is greatly appreciated JB, not all of us have backgrounds in using tools, tapes, components and thats where your videos come in. When someone wants the best of the best without the fuss of listening to people that don't know what they're talking about lol

[@nathanameru7654]

I love these types of videos too! They address the problems we ALL get but no one addresses. These kind of videos help them you Josh

[@sunsetpark_fpv]

JB this is NOT a silly video. This is awesome stuff. I am into the concept of neat builds. I love the shock absorbtion/adhesiveness info! While watching the video I placed an order for 2 of the tapes in the video. Can't wait to have their properties on my desk moving forward! Thanks man.

[@edwardMcrichy]

I don't know what is more nerdy the fact that this video was made or the fact that I watch the whole thing, keep them coming anyways

[@wexer82]

Man, I searched and I found. You have a video for everything. Thank you, especially for this one.

[@JonBoehm]

For the record this is one of my favorite type of vid. Very useful info that applies even beyond quads. I find it much more useful than other kinds of vids.

[@erikdewane3319]

It's not "silly" at all, JB. ;) One of the best books I've ever owned was called "Hughes - 900 Screwdrivers that EVERY shop should have! Believe it or not, the 600-page book was NOT boring. ;)

[@dontaylor8103]

I just spent 14:32 minutes of my life watching JB go on 'bout...tape. I actually stood still in the kitchen watching this. Thank God my wife was out of the house. I could never expain how important tape is in quad builds to her. Please don't tell on me. I'll do anything if you keep this stuck between us. And seriously, thank you.

[@jclaudeXX]

Not a silly video at all, i enjoy all your vids about tools and how to do, some videos are way too technical for me but those simple hacks make my life easier, thank you for sharing your knowledge

[@gitech7450]

I'm very serious about tape. No joke. :) Tape is an engineering supply and artistic medium for me. Scotch Clear Transparent Tape is the best small width tape, and they have a new double adhesive version that I haven't tried yet, don't think it will hold still under tension as well with such think adhesive (it may slide). I have a favorite wide clear (packing) tape but it's not produced anymore. I have 6.5 rolls of it still though 'cause I bought a ton of it because things this good don't last forever. No other clear tape can even approach this stuff. It shocks me with everything about it every time I use it. I have foam planes that I used this tape to build way back in 2008, and all the tape is still clear and will never come off, and it's tensile strength is unreal, and it's super thin and light. Crazy! Other tape just fails within weeks to months, or even when just trying to get it off the roll. Scotch "Shipping" Tape is the WORST (type) of tape, stay away! lol Cheers :)

[@solidaerialmedia4957]

Your build materials videos are frickin" awesome! I use 80% of the ones you showed... The other 20%, I'm ordering right now. GREAT video!

[@antstoes]

Don't stop making these kind of No Brainer vids! I love them and a good needed break!!!

[@WEEBER13]

Dude. Your last two videos have been absolutely perfect timing for me!! I'm about to do my legit first build. Thanks for making a video about the best tape!!

[@michaeldunlap7934]

I install car audio and remote starts professionally, and the best electrical tape you can use is the scotch super 33+. It stretches the most and has the best adhesion.

[@W1ck5]

Josh just letting you know I have been just watching videos like crazy because I am trying to get into the FPV fun. I’m finding it has been testing my patience due to wanting everything at once, but I’m glad that I’ve been piecing it together bit by bit. Thanks for the videos because the tutorials are helping a bunch.

[@manadrain9561]

There are never enough shop tips videos! thanks !!

[@ianyboo]

This is not a silly video! This is the kind of vital little tidbits that nobody ever goes over! Thank you! Can you do one on all things soldering? Not necessarily how to solder but more like the little tips and tricks that make soldering easier :)

[@ososdechengdu]

This is what makes KZbin so great!

[@LACCALIFORNIA]

We love the simple stuff keep them coming. Little tips and tricks are always fun to watch.

[@renebernier8839]

I love all your videos. I always learn something and for me you are the trusted person to listen too.

[@bryanh8774]

Yo JDog, I love these little tip clips! When you're constantly getting info on the latest -insert product here- it's nice to hear about quad/rc tips. A new way to make something better/stronger/faster or more convenient. PLEASE keep posting these types of vids.

[@BisMaxx]

agreed

[@ChrisBrownKnoxville]

This video is actually very helpful. I was at ACE hardware yesterday looking at the tape assortment and wondering which one is best. I should have watched this video first. Thanks, Josh.

[@bongofury3176]

Awesome work Mr B. I am also a tape man. I could add a couple: Gorilla Tape (their version of Gaffa tape). Fairly rigid and very strong - very useful in certain situations...eg new hinge for Devo radio battery compartment...broken quad arm for that last flight...broken flying chair...kidnapping... and then there is 3M VHB grey foam tape/sheets - I use it for uneven surfaces as you can get it about 5mm thick and it really sticks if your surfaces are clean (a vital part of any tape is surface prep - get some anhydrous alcohol for a grease free clean). Happy flying, taping and whatever else you get up to

[@mr_mr]

Joshua should be known as Mr. Tape. Great video, I love these types of videos. These little details take years of trial and error and happy accidents to learn. Thanks!

[@jasoncourville9568]

I'm a tape nerd too. My favorite is the 3m 4011 outdoor tape. I use it to mount escs and flight controllers on my helicopters. Here's a removal tip, use nylon thread to saw through it like flossing. Then you can roll it off each surface with your finger. It works a treat 😉

[@SergeantRichGolfing]

Awesome video. I use self adhesive silicone tape,, which is way better than electrical tape. Reason why I use this type is because it's self-adhesive sealing tape made of high quality silicone rubber, waterproof, resistant heat,insulation. So, it won't stick to components but it sticks like hell to itself. Plus it's operating temperature range is -60 ℃ to +260 ℃ so it won't peel off like electrical tape does under extreme weather conditions.

[@miketech2]

My tape dispenser is wall mounted. So YOU KNOW I loved this geek level dive into techy tapes. Keep these coming.

[@allensparks285]

There's no such thing as too much knowledge... Not even about tape. Very informative and entertaining... well done 🤘

[@donsrandomstuff3562]

Bud....these silly little vids (as you called them) are awesome. I even save them (and others) in a list named Drone on KZbin so I can reference then when needed. This hobby has LOTS of info to take in and im still new to it myself. Keep posting them :)

[@shaiss1]

For the vhb tape. Throw it in the freezer for a few min before use. The cold shock will stiffen it making it easier to peel off the backing. Then within seconds of bonding it's back to it's usual goopeynss. And +1 for tesa tape

[@Edgewalker728]

Good stuff to know, any video from you is always packed to the brim with knowledge and expertise, there is other parts to fpv that dont often get talked about that can make a huge difference in a day of flying!

[@mistercohaagen]

Try pre-heating the black VHB with a heat gun, and clean the surfaces you're applying it to with alcohol first. It's for keeping aluminum siding panels on semi trailers without rivets (quieter)... it absolutely sticks to flat surfaces. The clear VHB is great for ESC mounting cause it doesn't rip components off circuit boards if you take it off by stretching it off from the side. It'll also stick better with a bit of heat to clean surfaces, but it doesn't bubble up like hot tar as the black stuff does.

[@leznets91]

These are exactly the sort of video I support on patreon. More nerdy videos!

[@horizonfpv1184]

Loved this episode. Wish there were more like this

[@richardcoggins739]

Joshua, Thanks for making this video, a lot of times it's the little tips like this that can make a big difference.

[@manuelpellizzari8540]

Great video ! For your VHB application I use hot glue. Yes it's hot and has to be applied with a hot glue gun but glue sticks are quite cheap and you can inject it in holes and rework it a bit afterwards (I know it was a video about tapes, but as you mention your struggling with sticking things together...) also great for quick and dirty fixes on the field if you have 220V somehow available.

[@pacificnorthwestpilots6050]

I love these type of videos! Thanks, JB!

[@joshuadavis5923]

Despite your concerns I think most of us really like simple videos like this. It was very educational and something everyone needs to either be taught or learn for themselves

[@MCsCreations]

BTW, look for "Tesa Tape" as well. It's an electric tape, but it's made of some kind of cloth, I don't know. It's used in cars wiring and it's really strong, maybe can protect motor wires against prop strikes.

[@nandakoryaaa]

Yeah, that is great tape. Used for Runcam Split cables.

[@backyardr.c.channel4732]

Is that the tape they use on the fpv egg 138 pro?

[@MCsCreations]

N D I'm not sure, but looks like it's the tape used in a few micros. Albert Kim and Nick Burns both talked about that. 😊

[@MCsCreations]

IT'S A TRAP! 😐

[@beeradfpv]

This. Don't use electrical tape on ESC's. This stuff takes MUCH more abuse and prop strikes than electrical tape.

[@michaelreagan2028]

You might add reflective tape to the list. I wrap a band around each arm. That way if the quad goes missing and all the buzzers fail to get my attention, I would just go back at night with a flashlight and might be able to find it pretty easy. Wish I had thought of it before I lost my first quad. It's still out in a wheat field, covered in dirt by now...gone but not forgotten. So from now on, reflective tape and a Hellgate buzzer.

[@cotees]

This may not be an epic video, but this is kinda of stuff that people between noob and expert need. I need to be told what I need, and I can't afford to buy and try out a bunch of tapes. Appreciate the video!

[@richardr3178]

I love the "simple" videos. Keep em coming, Josh!

[@cozzy206]

Don't wonder about quality mate................your the best for content THANKS.

[@Andre_M_3D]

thanks for the video. I use some of these tapes. In Canada we have something called Gorilla tape and they also make glue and various other products and it's insane how much this stuff sticks. The one I just referred to is probably close to VHB tape you spoke of. I just ordered a few more things you suggested. Again thanks man

[@centralpennrealtor]

Bet there aren't many other videos about tape, an often overlooked but essential part of most any build. Great job Joshua!

[@gregstewart4692]

Not silly at all Joshua. I am totally new to FPV and that information is invaluable. Please feel free to post any other "silly" videos you may have. I like to do things right and I learn from the experiences of others. So..... Thank you.

[@dovzofpv8490]

Well it is something we all have to think about at some point, good vid very useful. I've been using Unibond electrical tape, probably as it's more popular in the uk. It's black matt on the outside, good thickness and lasts well with no mess. I'll try the scotch next time!

[@touchthesun2448]

Sir! You are correct...Tape is important. The correct tape for each job is an important and relevant subject. I hope you guys are listening to him

[@yosayogi539]

Funny I use some of those tapes also. I worked at a place where we built transformers for navel ships and subs and used caption tape to cover bare thick wires and then used heat shrink on top of that. Good video Josh.

[@mike94560]

Two kinds of heat shrink I use. Plain old stuff. And 'dual wall' heat shrink. The 'dual wall' stuff has glue inside it and seals the joint against moisture. A bit of glue oozes out the ends when you shrink it.

[@Super73VW]

Scotch brand is all I use! i have found almost all of the other brands I have used to not adhere it itself very well! Super 33 and Super 88 are my go to!

[@Mostxclent]

I use capton tape, but one tape you never mentioned is Scotch silicone self fusing tape comes in two types. Scotch 70 and High temp self fusing. Great stuff check it out.

[@Martman5150]

Honestly, I love you man. And support you on patreon.

[@jaahaavi]

You should also test 3M 4010-tape. It's perfect tape also for gyro vibration dampening purposes. It's widely used in RC-helis for FBL mounting. 2-pieces stacked for nitros and 1-piece for electric helis. That tape sticks really well as it is used in nitros where oil and vibrations tears everything else off.

[@donshort3332]

As always, thank you for the wealth of information JB

[@icaruscomplex5588]

OMG that is friggin brilliant!!! Wrap electric tape around the foam landing pads!!!!

[@DavidToyotaHead13]

I use silicone tape, sticks to itself no problem and is super grippy for batterys!

[@Siamect]

Very useful information, I think most of us are using tape that we just have for other purposes and that not be the best for quadcopters. I would point out that foam tape is also stopping heat from dissipating it may not be the best for VTXes...

[@rogerhuff2602]

I liked this video. Thx.

[@SkylineUSA09]

Kapton tape is great for heat isolation. If you need to solder on a dense board with nearby components that you don't want to overheat, mask the surround area with Kapton tape.

[@davewheeler5305]

VHB tape! love this stuff. Comes in a TON of different variables like thickness, firmness ,width, etc.- some are thicker and a little squishy/conformable. 3M 471 is also an awesome multi-use tape, little tougher than typical vinyl, adhesive doesn't leave any residue, and has some stretch, really durable stuff.

[@dadsrcworkbench1322]

Great video. I learned about some new tapes. I use servo tape on my rc cars and I plan to get some kapton tape for soldering and my 3D printer.

[@bewing77]

I can recommend Gorilla Mounting Tape, it’s a transparent, double-sided, like 2mm thick and extremely sticky, especially once it gets to set for a while. My only real issue with it is that it’s difficult to cut without it sticking to the cutting device.

[@Inertia888]

I find with that *3M-4011* tape, if I blow it with low heat ~150*C for a few seconds, it will make it set better. I put the tape on, and put both things together, the way I want them to be, then I heat it up for a few seconds, and after it's warm, I hold them together finger-tight, for a few more seconds. I think it's because it's so gooey, and when it's warmer, it gets even gooier, so it ends up getting a better grip on whatever I'm sticking together. The heat allows it to really get into the tiny cracks and rough surfaces, so once it cools, it has a larger surface area to hold on to.

[@sasasasa-lx6cl]

Hockey stick blade tape is great for taping ESCs wires to arms. It is quite sturdy cloth tape, much more than electrical tape and looks definitely neater. It comes in different colors if you want to be creative. It is also cheaper that TESA and other electric tapes brands :)

[@markthompson8659]

Tesa 51026 is a high temp tape and 51036 is the highest temp tape they offer (Audi,BMW etc harness tape) Rated to 300 F is pricey but excellent product. I use it for engine harnesses for custom Cars and my quads

[@sunsetpark_fpv]

Got excited and followed the link to the VHB tape and ordered it. When it arrived and was only .125" wide I was like WTH? Watching JB's vids while drinking is not recommended 🤣

[@notlewislevine]

For ESCs you should give self fusing silicone tape a try. Holds well and doesn't leave any sticky residue

[@JoshuaBardwell]

It gets chopped too easily by props and then falls apart. I don't like it.

[@geoavia]

Affirmative

[@doluseb]

m levine yep works well for me

[@kkkkkkkkkk421]

Thank god tbs doesn't make any tapes !! Lol We won't get any hate from them . :D

[@Blahde]

They will think of summat :-)

[@charliedoubl]

I love me some nerdy tape video😋 cool to see we use the exact same array of tape for different mini quad utilization😂😀

[@johnvodopier5318]

The simple things are often the best. Another very good video. Thank you 😊

[@brokemechanicfpv1420]

I use Dorman electrical tape. Variety pack at any parts store with all the colors for like five bucks. Being a mechanic thats my go to. 3M double sided tape also at any parts store. I order my heat shrink online just because its so much cheaper :)

[@muchthump]

You had me at tape... I have a tape collecting problem. over 100 different kinds of gaff, electrical, and duct tape alone. Not counting craft tapes, specialty plumbing, metal, carpet, ect...

[@threedee999]

The 3M clear tape i call "scary tape" :D Reason being, i once by accident put a big roll of it on its side (~350mm in diameter) on freshly cut/peeled aluminium composite plate for like 5 seconds. It stuck so well just by gravity i ripped my skin off my fingers/knuckles trying to peel the reel away. Scary bonding capacity, hence "scary tape". Love that stuff.

[@AsocPro]

Wooo!!!!! Now I don’t have to blindly search videos to remember what Kapton tape is called! I’m gonna be waiting for your next video about must have mix tapes for fpv flying. :-D

[@Reman1975]

Oh, Now there's an idea for a poll. "Best and worst songs to have playing while flying Freestyle, Proximity, A camera ship, Or a racer". :) I'd vote for "Pink Floyd's" "Brain damage" as good, And "Prodigy's" "No Good (Start The Dance)" as quite bad when flying a camera ship. LOL !!!

[@johncarold]

Hay Josh This is not silly some of us are still new to Quads I mite have been flying since nine, But QUADS are new to me, I appreciate what videos that you made and the ones your making. JohnnyDRC

[@daniellawrence9229]

Watched every second. I like videos like this. Thank you sir

[@theibault]

I just watched a 15 minute long video on tape and I learned something!

[@kwhite621]

The super 33 and super 88 are my go to. Someone here mentioned self fusing silicone tape. I think ill try some of that too

[@raybrown2023]

Thank God I'm learning something again

[@MatthewBekker]

Please keep doing little videos like this share your experiences and knowledge

[@DJDevine]

The thin double sided clear tape looks like it could solve my loose arm problem on my Bfight 210 just a thin layer on each arm and then tighten it up... Thank you for helping me see a solution. Cheers

[@friendlyfire01]

My personal opinion, VHB is stronger than the other you mentioned when used in a single layer. Balling it up introduces skin oil and the extra thickness only helps with vibration dampening.

[@TimTimNL]

I hold on vtx's and esc with the 3m outdoor double sided they never come loose untill you really yank on it good stuff

[@butzjr]

Ever considered using BluTack as a mounting tool? I just use it like play dough and squash my vtx or rx in it. It never dries up so it's easy to remove and change around. I mounted an fpv cam to an off road rc buggy and it never came off during lots of vibration and roll overs so I tried it on the quads.

[@robmacaroni3903]

I use the Gorrila brand clear sticky tape.. like the clear gooey stuff your using.. rated to hold 30lbs.. good stuff I also have every single color tape of the Scotch vinyl 35..

[@Politicallyhomeless957]

I have recommendations for a tape use that will save some new peeps from a little headache. Anyone using a UFL connector for their VTX (like a TrampHV)? Wrap your VTX tight with electrical tape on the top where the connector comes out the VTX. It will secure the crappy connector much better and reduce the chance of it coming off. A little trick that really helped me out. Hope someone else can use. 👍 Good content Josh. Take it easy man

[@cavman7]

Not sure what camera you are filming with, but either adjust settings to centre spot for focus and not centre average, or go to manual focus mode with a wide lens attached and use f/8 aperture or similar for a deep depth of field. Set your focal length and you are good to go. :)

[@JoshuaBardwell]

It's manual focus. I just set the focus wrong by accident.

[@VoodooTrance]

thank you ! this helps a lot for people like me thats new

[@jefflang6942]

Great video Joshua! I have spent a lot of time trying to find some of these types of tape ion the past. Very helpful video as usual!

[@JRHarres]

Me watching and loving a vid about tape. 😂 Thanks JB

[@lostjohnny9000]

Great info as usual. After watching you do two videos on soldering, I now own a roll of 63/37 and a block of sal ammoniac. Even the geekiest electronic channels haven't recommended those two items that I now use daily. I use Kaptan tape under my ESCs along with a foam tape 'cos I know how tough it is as an insulator. That's the same stuff you'll find in a pack seperating the lipo tags so it must be good.

[@nandakoryaaa]

Hi Joshua. This video is absolutely useful to me right now since I've isolated the pdb's metal casing with electric tape but I remember now that I have the kapton tape which I bought long ago for unknown reason. Time to use it!

[@clnfreakone8486]

Love these videos .. it's important part of building .. the right tape and quality of tape is important

[@ddegn]

In NASA requires all heat shrink tubing to be transparent of translucence. After finding some transparent heat shrink tubing I started using it and now I can't stand to use the normal stuff. It's really nice to be able to see the connection through the tubing. I highly recommend transparent heat shrink tubing.

[@aquadslifefpveee5892]

So simple yet informative! I'm going to "stick" this one in my playlist. ;)