Trains.com

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Kapton tape for decoders

1875 views
6 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    August 2013
  • 131 posts
Kapton tape for decoders
Posted by chipset35 on Monday, January 9, 2023 9:42 AM

I went to buy some Kapton tape to try and install some decoders I had issues with and used up the tape that came with them.

I went to Amazon and the selection was mind boggling. Any suggestion on which one to buy?

Thanks

  • Member since
    March 2011
  • 1,950 posts
Posted by NVSRR on Monday, January 9, 2023 9:55 AM

I just got a roll of 1/4 wide by 1mil.   Didn't see the need for anything else

 

shane

A pessimist sees a dark tunnel

An optimist sees the light at the end of the tunnel

A realist sees a frieght train

An engineer sees three idiots standing on the tracks stairing blankly in space

  • Member since
    September 2004
  • From: Dearborn Station
  • 24,281 posts
Posted by richhotrain on Monday, January 9, 2023 10:12 AM

I use 1/2 inch, but I also keep 1 inch on hand as well. Great not only for insulating decoders from metal frames but also for taping down wires before replacing the shell.

Rich

Alton Junction

Moderator
  • Member since
    June 2003
  • From: Northeast OH
  • 17,249 posts
Posted by tstage on Monday, January 9, 2023 12:55 PM

I have and use 1/4" & 3/8".  And, like Rich, it's handy for both decoders and for wire control.  I purchased mine from Litchfield Station.  I'd rather support them than Amazon.

Tom

https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling

Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.

  • Member since
    September 2014
  • From: 10,430’ (3,179 m)
  • 2,311 posts
Posted by jjdamnit on Monday, January 9, 2023 1:10 PM

Hello All,

For no particular reason I use 3/4-inch wide Kapton tape. 

To adhere a decoder I sometimes use 3M Double-Sided Foam Tape #4032 and then use Kapton tape to hold the wires in place.

If there is not room for the thickness of the double-sided foam tape I will use the Kapton tape alone.

I have also used Kapton tape to isolate a motor from the frame. In this situation I will use several layers so the tape is not breached through wear.

Kapton tape is not as tacky as other materials I use.

Another double-sided solution I use is 3M Transfer tape #924.

This is an extremely thin material and doesn't work in every situation, with no insulation properties like Kapton tape.

It is great for adhering smooth-backed cladding on structures.

It is attached to a backing paper. Peel it off the roll, with the backing paper, and press onto the surface you want bonded. Remove the backing paper and press in place.

Amazon sells an assortment pack of four (4) different sizes of Kapton tape for $12.98 + S/H.

Kapton Tape Assortment

Hope this helps.

"Uhh...I didn’t know it was 'impossible' I just made it work...sorry"

  • Member since
    September 2004
  • From: Dearborn Station
  • 24,281 posts
Posted by richhotrain on Monday, January 9, 2023 3:14 PM

As you can see, everyone uses Kapton tape, but different widths are preferred. If you go on Amazon, you can get an assortment of 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, and 1 inch for $12 98 plus free shipping. That 4-pack should last you a life time.

Rich

Alton Junction

  • Member since
    August 2003
  • From: Collinwood, Ohio, USA
  • 16,367 posts
Posted by gmpullman on Monday, January 9, 2023 7:21 PM

A few days ago I was replacing/upgrading some turnouts in a yard area on my layout.

Generally I place some kind so "slippery" plastic under the switch point, usually some mylar found as the backing to some adhesive products.

Then the Idea went off. I went to the shop and grabbed the roughly 3/8" width Kapton tape and stuck a length under the throw bar area.

Works just fine. Something to keep in mind if you are in the process of installing turnouts Cool

Good Luck, Ed

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Users Online

There are no community member online

Search the Community

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Model Railroader Newsletter See all
Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!