Hand rail covering/grip

rgranger · Mar 12, 2020

I remember a similar thread a while back but the OP was wanting to wrap his wheel. You might have some luck doing a search on wheel wraps.

Hunter216 · Mar 12, 2020

Justin_NSA said:
I'm adding a Taylor-made aluminum rail to the steps on our slip. I want to add some wrapping like you use in bicycle handlebars to the grip area. It will be exposed 24x7. Any thoughts on what material to use? Dark blue would be nice to match our canvas scheme.
Thanks all.

Just curious why you wouldn’t use bike tape?

dlochner · Mar 12, 2020

Practical Sailor had a recent piece wrapping SS handrails. I don't think it is behind the paywall.

Wrapping Stainless Steel for Better Grip - Practical Sailor

Since 1974, Practical Sailor’s independent testing has taken the guesswork out of boat and gear buying.

www.practical-sailor.com

And there was this video from Good Old Boat Magazine

All U Get · Mar 12, 2020

Mine were done with leather by the PO. We’ve cleaned them with Dawn.

dLj · Mar 12, 2020

I used to wrap with line as in the Practical sailor article posted above by @dlochner. It would be my preferred method if wrapping was needed/wanted. You can use different diameter lines in different locations depending upon what you want the final diameter to be.

dj

Hunter216 · Mar 12, 2020

Justin_NSA said:
I didn't think bike wrap would hold up.
I will search on wheel wrap and see what comes up. Mine is covered when not in use and under a bimini when it is.

You might look for windsurfing boom re-grip but the only time I used it was years ago and I had to spread contact cement so pretty messy.i think the bike tape is self adhesive, likely lots of colots and thicknesses to chose from.

capta · Mar 12, 2020

I'd think on a hot summer sunny day a dark color would become too hot to hold onto. If it was mine, I'd go for white and not worry about color coordinating a safety rail.

thinwater · Mar 13, 2020

dlochner said:
Practical Sailor had a recent piece wrapping SS handrails. I don't think it is behind the paywall.

Wrapping Stainless Steel for Better Grip - Practical Sailor

Since 1974, Practical Sailor’s independent testing has taken the guesswork out of boat and gear buying.

www.practical-sailor.com

That was me, and pics are my PDQ 32/34. I miss that boat. She was sweet.

I don't care for french hitching. I don't like the way it feels, but that's just personal taste; it looks sharp. As for a plain wrapping, the trick is simply to get it really tight by retensioning multiple times as you work. Rubber faced gloves really help. I've used a number of different line types over the years; they all worked fine. It's not a demanding application.

I don't think bike tape will hold up, because many, many years ago I tried it on hiking sticks.

All U Get · Mar 14, 2020

ComfortGrip Leather Wheel Rim Cover - Up to 20" Dia. (Gray)

Create your own luxury steering wheel with Edson’s exclusive “Comfort Grip” Leather Wheel Covering Kit. “Comfort Grip” cushions the wheel and has contoured finger grips on the inside of the wheel rim. Each kit includes a pre-punched leather cover, double sided sticky tape, thread, needle...

edsonmarine.com

jssailem · Mar 15, 2020

This is a helm on a boat, not a bicycle.

An excellent time, winter, to brush up on your seamanship skills. Try a few different knots and create a sailors piece of art.

You’ll have a helm the envy of the marina.

dLj · Apr 1, 2020

It's so well color coordinated, I almost couldn't see it in your photo! Glad the admiral approves!

dj

All U Get · Apr 1, 2020

How much cord did you use and about how long did you cover, 18 inches?

Joe · Apr 1, 2020

Bicycle handlebar tape would work well, also.

jssailem · Apr 1, 2020

Nice Justin.. Love to see Seamanlike work.

There is a pattern where you tie a knot that rotates around pipe to add a little texture for grip should you choose to replace in the future.