Taping Your Lugs...Best Solution?

[SemperFi]

So far I've swapped out my bracelets 5 or 6 times and always with my heart in my throat for fear of scratching the lugs. So far I've been lucky and haven't had any mishaps.
Whenever I do it I've been using electrical tape on the lugs which works well for protection because it's thicker than regular tape but leaves a sticky residue which is difficult to remove. It only comes off by constant rubbing and takes awhile to get it all off.
I've read where others are using the blue painters tape on the lugs but my recollection of this type of tape is that it's pretty thin and probably would not protect as well as the electrical tape, but probably doesn't leave a residue.
Would the painters tape protect the watch adequately or is the electrical tape the best solution? Or is there something better?

[~JJ]

I always use masking tape which is similar to painters tape. Works good, but masking tape does not offer the rubber type of protection that electrical tape will provide. I think masking tape is good enough once you get good at removing straps.

[Kingair]

Hockey tape perhaps ?

[subtona]

Do you have lug holes?

I use a plastic toothpick

[SemperFi]

Originally Posted by Kingair

Hockey tape perhaps ?

I didn't know that they used a special tape. What makes it different?

[SemperFi]

Originally Posted by subtona

Do you have lug holes?

I use a plastic toothpick

No lug holes. (Explorer 214270)

[Brenngun]

What part of the lugs are you worried about scratching??

[artschool]

live life and go bareback.

[toneafficianado]

Stay with the electrical tape and then use lighter fluid or Eucalyptus oil to readily dissolve the sticky residue. Also great for getting rid of the residue from old stickers on suitcases etc.
We have lots of gum trees here in Australia so Eucalyptus oil is readily available..not sure about worldwide availabilty.

[SemperFi]

Originally Posted by Brenngun

What part of the lugs are you worried about scratching??

The topside part in case the spring bar pops out on that side.

[Brenngun]

Kapton tape. You can get it at any electronics supply store or online. Available in many widths. Thin, tough, slick topside and won't leave any residue. Of course you could always just keep your finger under the end link to keep it from popping out in that direction.

[77T]

In time and with practice you won't need any tape. For the time being, the mastic on gaffers tape comes away cleaner.

But one tip for tape removal with less residue is to dip the watch in some pretty hot water (tap water at 130°-ish is OK, too). Once it's warmed up a bit, pull it out, wipe dry with a paper towel and pull off the tape before the case cools. Should help a lot. It also works when you're removing gummed labels from Ball Canning Jars.


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[SemperFi]

Originally Posted by Brenngun

Kapton tape. You can get it at any electronics supply store or online. Available in many widths. Thin, tough, slick topside and won't leave any residue. Of course you could always just keep your finger under the end link to keep it from popping out in that direction.

Thanks for the tip. I'll check it out.

[SemperFi]

Originally Posted by 77T

In time and with practice you won't need any tape. For the time being, the mastic on gaffers tape comes away cleaner.

But one tip for tape removal with less residue is to dip the watch in some pretty hot water (tap water at 130°-ish is OK, too). Once it's warmed up a bit, pull it out, wipe dry with a paper towel and pull off the tape before the case cools. Should help a lot. It also works when you're removing gummed labels from Ball Canning Jars.


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I don't think I'll ever get to the stage of using no tape.😄
Thanks for the tips on the gaffers tape and how to get the residue off. 👍

[Pix]

Maybe try the blue tape, then put on elec tape for added protection

[Matt C]

You don't need to use tape if you do it careful enough, but if you use the electric tape you can just wipe off the residue with a product like Opps off or something, just use a small amount on a rag and wipe it off.


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[SemperFi]

Originally Posted by Pix

Maybe try the blue tape, then put on elec tape for added protection

After having my Explorer on the bracelet for a few weeks to attend a wedding and my Grandson's first birthday party I decided to switch back to the RubberB today.
I sort of took your suggestion and used masking tape with the electrical tape on top to protect the lugs and it worked like a charm. There was absolutely no residue on the watch from the masking tape and the electrical tape offered that secondary layer of protection. Definitely a win, win.

[Abdullah71601]

Masking tape is painters tape (both are used to mask an area). Both are designed not to leave any residue. There are different grades of masking tape. Some a bit thicker than others.

If you're worried about painters tape being too thin, add a second layer.