Tape, 3M™ Polyethylene Film Tape 483 - White - 1 in

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Quantity Pricing:

• 1 roll: $28/roll
• 3+ rolls: Save $1/roll, $27/roll x 3 = $81

3M Tape Overview
3M makes very good gap-seal tape.  It is extremely stretchy which allows it to follow the complex curves around the leading edge of the wing root on my Ventus b (although no tape can form to every curve). Since it's a high quality 3M product, it leaves a minimal amount of residue when removed.  It is made of 5.3 mil (0.13 mm) thick polyethylene.  The only negative to this brand of tape is that the white tape is not as bright white as the Bowlus tape.

Note: I strongly prefer the Bowlus Maxi Gap Seal Tape because it is much less expensive, brighter white,  and works great.  It is also said to have greater U.V. protectors built-in.  3M makes great products, but when I buy it from the local distributor, it is already somewhat less bright white and telescoped.

Telescoping 

Telescoping is the unavoidable tendency for rolls of tape to become skewed over time.  It is caused by internal stresses that are built into the roll during the manufacturing process.  It can be made more extreme by subjecting the rolls to heat or dramatic temperature changes.  I do my best to insure that the rolls telescope as little as possible.  As soon as I receive the tape I put the box on a shelf in my basement where it is cool.  You would think that would keep the rolls from telescoping - but it doesn't.  Some additional telescoping can occur during shipment to the customer - especially when shipped during hot weather.  The good news is that although the telescoping makes the rolls look less attractive, it does not affect the performance of the tape. 

Important Safety Note: "Gap Seal Tape" is Not Designed for Use on Control Surfaces
This stretchy plastic tape is perfect for use sealing fixed gaps - such as the gap between the wing and fuselage.  I do not recommend using it on control surfaces such as the gap between the wing and aileron or the fin and rudder, or the horizontal stabilizer and elevator.  Plastic tape will shrink over time and especially when it gets hot in the sun.  If it is connected to a control surface it may contract over time and not allow full travel of the control surface.  Or as it gets tight it may pull off as it is stretched by the control surface - which could lead to high drag or reduced control of the aircraft as the tape flaps in the wind or changes the airflow over the control surface.  Using plastic tape secured on both sides of a control surface gap is unsafe and may be an illegal modification to the aircraft.