What does “is safer grip tape stronger than glue?” Is a question many car owners and mechanics ask when they are considering the installation of new automotive grip tape. The first question most people ask is if there really is any difference between safe grip tape and standard automotive adhesive.
The truth is that there really is no difference at all. Both types of adhesive are intended to be used in the same applications. Gluing and secure grip tape are both applied with the same techniques. So, is safer grip tape really any better than standard adhesive?
There have been many studies comparing the strength of two different adhesives commonly used to install automotive parts. The conclusion? That there is no difference between a safer grip tape and standard adhesive. However, the researchers did note that in some circumstances, Safer Grip tape has a slight edge over standard adhesive.
Is safer grip tape any different than standard automotive glue for other applications such as mounting trim, painting, drilling and other fastening uses? The answer depends on the application. In general, glue was found to be stronger than adhesive for sticking fasteners such as nuts and bolts. It also was found to be more durable and resistant to abrasion. However, the researchers found that it was not as strong as VOC (volatile organic compound) or TCA (toluene-acetone).
Are there any situations where safer grip tape will be better? In terms of automotive applications, the answer is “yes.” In fact, the strongest adhesive is polyester powder that is typically used for bonding automotive parts. While polyester powder is definitely stronger than petroleum-based glue, it is not as durable and long lasting as VOC or TCA. The reason is that neither of these ingredients is capable of providing a sufficient chemical resistance to wear and tear. VOC and TCA are very chemically stable and can withstand hundreds of applications while polyester powder will degrade quickly.
Are there any circumstances where safer grip tape is not necessarily better than glue? This depends on the application. For example, if a company is painting a car’s interior, applying a coat of paint may require only a small amount of grip tape. Therefore, it is unlikely that VOC or TCA would provide the protection required for a car exterior application.
Another question is how can one tell if there are a safer type of tape versus a more traditional adhesive. In the past, you would need to use either glue or nail polish to create a stronger bond. Today, there are products on the market that can be applied with only a small amount of tape and yet provide the same bond of glue as traditional adhesives. This demonstrates the fact that it is possible to purchase a safer grip tape and yet get the same results as traditional adhesive bonding.
Is grip tape more effective than glue? While there may be some cases where it may be more effective, the majority of us will notice that application of either glue or tape is very quick and easy. Therefore, it is important to have the correct type of tools and equipment available to complete the task in question. This will ensure that the job is completed safely, and without issue.
If you do decide to use glue, you will also need some type of adhesive remover. Depending on the type of tape and the intended application, you may find that it is easiest to simply dip the tip of a standard clean cotton cloth into a product such as Adhesive Remover by Rustoleum. This product is designed specifically to dissolve most types of tape, and is generally safe for use even when using household items such as tape.
Some may ask is glue always safe? Yes, if it has been produced in an FDA approved manufacturing facility. However, this is not always the case. Glues may still pose a health risk, should they come into contact with skin, particularly if they contain toxic chemicals. Therefore, you should always ensure that any adhesive is properly secured and is guaranteed to not pose a health risk when it comes in contact with your skin.
So, in answer to the question, “Is safer grip tape stronger than glue?” The answer is not necessarily “yes”, but “no”. Using glue can help to create stronger bonds, but it is imperative that you use other means of securing the material, such as nails or tape. As long as you adhere to the instructions of the particular adhesive, you should find that it poses no health risk when it comes in contact with your skin.