TAPES AND CONTROL SEALS

Increased Performance Improved Handling
These are the same High Quality seals and tapes are
used by nearly all European sailplane manufacturers. 
Most tapes Imported from GERMANY

Typical application (example only)
1. Glass cloth Teflon-Fabric S-Seal (non-adhesive)
2. PVC Anti-peel safety tape
3. Pre-curved Mylar
4. Transfer Tapes (2 sided adhesive tapes)
5. Glass cloth Teflon-Fabric tape with single side adhesive
6. 3D Turbulator tapes (Zigzag or dimple tape)

PRE-CURVED MYLAR SEALS
quite literally, MILES of pre-curved Mylar seals in stock at all times!
More competition pilots and sailplane repair shops in the USA
buy their tape supplies from Wings & Wheels than any other source!

Best quality, always clean, consistent, smooth with defined curve

Rolls in lengths shown only
 22mm x 15 meter roll $58.95 - or -  22mm x 25 meter roll $98.25
 25mm x 15 meter roll $61.50 - or -  25mm x 25 meter roll $102.5
 30mm x 15 meter roll $75.00 - or - 30mm x 25 meter roll $125.00
 35mm x 15 meter roll  $85.00 - or -  35mm x 25 meter roll $141.75
 38mm x 15 meter  roll  $95.75
 43mm x 15 meter roll  $111.00
 78mm x 15 meter roll $209.00 *
* Inquire about shorter lengths in this size only as available

FYI: Removing old tape residue

I don't offer this since it is flammable and could be classified as "hazardous" for shipping (extra cost to you) you can almost always find it locally at most auto parts stores, hardware stores and paint suppliers for about ten bucks a quart. Some companies offer their own "brand" like NAPA Auto Suppliers. This is the BEST adhesive cleaner I have ever used for removing old tapes, tape residue and is completely safe for almost any painted or gel-coated finish.
Buy it locally.. always keep some on hand!


WHY DOESN'T W&W OFFER COMBI-MYLAR ZIG-ZAG SEAL
OR SEALS WITH PRE-INSTALLED ADHESIVE?

I've been asked, "WHY DOESN'T W&W OFFER COMBI-MYLAR ZIG-ZAG SEAL?", the answer is quite clear. These type seals 'look nifty" but there is no known performance improvement using this seal. Turbulators have specific locations to give the desired effect....simply placing these on the leading edge of the mylar seal allows you only one location, at the front of the seal...it "might" help...but also "might" actually be in a location that disturbs the flow. The second reason we don't offer these seals is the adhesive has to be installed before cutting the zig-zag on the leading edge. this means these seals should never be rolled or stored rolled up for extended periods or the protective backing on the adhesive becomes exposed and soon loses it's strength. The final reason is that in order for the turbulator to do any good, it cannot be covered with the PVC leading edge tape which is not only a smoothing for the seal, but also an addition protective strip to keep the mylar from becoming detached and creating a spoiler, right where it can do the most harm...in front of the control!

TRANSFER (Double Sided) ADHESIVE TAPES

TESA Transfer tapes as used for attaching Mylar strips
Tesa 4965 offers an excellent immediate adhesion performance to secure reliable bonding strength even to low energy substrates such as PP or PE - outstanding holding power, also at elevated temperatures, to support "life-long" permanent bonding performance - excellent balance of high shear resistance, very good initial tack and superior adhesion level
This is the transfer tape with salmon colored liner typically used for mylar installations.
Acrylic Adhesive, Thickness 8 mils, Adhesion 90 oz/in
12mm x 33 meter roll.....$18.00
12mm x 50 meter roll.....$22.00
NEW: Wider adhesive transfer tapes for larger seals
16mm x 33 meter roll.....$21.00
25mm x 33 meter roll.....$27.00
TESA 51970 Double sided film tape. Due to their high shear resistance, film  tapes are excellent for various bonding and laminating applications. 51970 has a rated adhesion of 100 oz per cubic inch, though not widely used in the past
 is offered due to a slightly higher strength rating than our PN 4965 transfer tape.
51970 is a double-sided polypropylene with an acrylic adhesive, used for bonding trims and profiles. Its excellent adhesion, excellent initial tack and outstanding age-resistance guarantee secure bonding. Acrylic Adhesive, Thickness 9 mils,  Adhesion 100 oz/in.
12mm x 50 meter rolls.....$24.00

Note: There have been discussions about mylar seals coming loose in flight, it is likely that this could happen if the seals are installed improperly. First off, follow the aircraft manufacturers instructions and advice and if there is no recommendation from the aircraft manufacturer, ask professional repairers or the aircraft manufacturers and understand you are always if making modifications, doing so AT YOUR OWN RISK. Properly cleaned and prepared surfaces prior to attaching tapes and seals can be very important, obviously oil and waxes can reduce holding strengths of adhesives and lower their rated values.
Some repair shops also suggest lightly sanding the surfaces to be attached with transfer tapes prior to application.
Another suggestion is to use a heat gun to warm both the surfaces and the seals during the applications of transfer tapes and/or any tapes. A good initial bonding of the adhesive will greatly affect the longevity of the tapes.
Always do a good pre-flight inspection of all of your tapes and seals along with all other normal pre-flight items, and should you find loose tapes have them replaced.
Most adhesives have operating strengths far stronger than necessary for seals, however, aged tapes and those exposed to extreme temperatures can also lose strength and in extreme cases become brittle and fail completely.

PVC ANTI-PEEL SAFETY TAPE

A very thin film tape with excellent adhesion, UV and chemical resistance,
for use over leading edge of mylar seals for additional security and smoothing airflow.
TESA Brand 66 Meter Rolls is the following widths:
(most commonly used widths for most sailplane applications are 12mm-25mm)
12mm........... $14.00
19mm........... $16.00
25mm............$18.00
30mm........... $19.00
38mm............$21.00
 

TEFLON ADHESIVE TAPE
Skived PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) film

A very smooth and slippery transparent light gray tape used on moving control surfaces
under mylar as a rubbing surface to improve seal, preserve finish and reduce friction.
1.00" x 36 yard roll.................$49.50
1.25" x 36 yard roll ................$59.50
1.50" x 36 yard roll.................$69.50

 

TEFLON FABRIC INTERNAL SEALING TAPE ("S" SEALS ) Teflon impregnated fabric (glass cloth) for internal "S" seals. Flexible and airtight tape with adhesive on one side. This tape is used as a positive air seal ("S" Seal) and also at the same time a rubbing surface for Mylar seal. Note these type tapes can easily be cut down to narrower width with straight edge and razor and can quite easily be spliced or over-lapped for longer lengths 25mm (1') wide.................$2.75/meter 30mm (1.25") wide...........$3.50/meter 38mm(1.50") wide............$4.15/meter 45mm(1.75") wide............$4.95 meter TEFLON FABRIC without adhesive A virtually air tight flexible fabric for use as an internal "S" Seal on moving control surfaces (attach with double stick tape or contact cement). Note these type tapes can easily be cut down to narrower width with straight edge and razor and can quite easily be spliced or over-lapped for longer lengths 45mm (1.75").................$2.70 meter 50mm(1.97") wide........$2.75/meter 60mm(2.50") wide........$3.00/meter

ADHESIVE FABRIC (TISSU) SEALING TAPE Useful for gap seals on control surfaces, sealing landing gear doors, for reinforcing tail skids and several other uses. These tapes resemble a ultra high quality Duct tape or fabric medical tape, however they have a far more aggressive adhesive and are more resistant to the effects of UV and moisture making them nearly ideal as a flexible positive air seal on control surfaces and areas like landing gear doors. Adhesive Fabric sealing tapes are very common and effective for sealing controls where mylar is impractical and on especially efficient for control surfaces on wood and metal sailplanes. TESA BRAND TISSU Tape An excellent quality tape with fine weave, very high adhesion, high UV and moisture resistance 30mm x 50 meter roll...$38.00 38mm x 50 meter roll...$46.00

ZIG-ZAG TURBULATOR Major performance increases are possible on several sailplane models (proven on some power aircraft as well) by the addition of turbulators placed ahead of separation bubble on wing. Turbulators are found on most current production sailplanes as delivered by the manufacturers.  88 Degree special ZIG-ZAG TURBULATOR with adhesive sold only in 15 meter rolls..... $65.00 60 Degree ZIG-ZAG TURBULATOR Please specify .04mm or .05mm film thickness 3D Turbulator  0.4 x 12mm x 14 Meters with adhesive 3D Turbulator 0 .5 x 12mm x 14 Meters with adhesive sold only in 14 meter rolls.....$78.00 60 Degree fine Turbulator 0.4mm thick x 8mm wide with adhesive 16.5 meter rolls $74.00 DIMPLE Turbulator Tapes Dimple turbulator tape is a simplier and lower cost turbulator on a clear film with adhesive back Still in use by some glider manufacturers. Dimple turbulator Tape 0,8mm thick x 10mm wide sold in 10 Meter rolls only.....$38.00 WHY DOESN'T W&W OFFER COMBI-MYLAR ZIG-ZAG SEAL OR SEALS WITH PRE-INSTALLED ADHESIVE? I've been asked, "WHY DOESN'T W&W OFFER COMBI-MYLAR ZIG-ZAG SEAL?", the answer is quite clear. These type seals 'look nifty" but there is no known performance improvement using this seal. Turbulators have specific locations to give the desired effect....simply placing these on the leading edge of the mylar seal allows you only one location, at the front of the seal...it "might" help...but also "might" actually be in a location that disturbs the flow. The second reason we don't offer these seals is the adhesive has to be installed before cutting the zig-zag on the leading edge. this means these seals should never be rolled or stored rolled up for extended periods or the protective backing on the adhesive becomes exposed and soon loses it's strength. The final reason is that in order for the turbulator to do any good, it cannot be covered with the PVC leading edge tape which is not only a smoothing for the seal, but also an addition protective strip to keep the mylar from becoming detached and creating a spoiler, right where it can do the most harm...in front of the control!

GAP SEALING TAPES Everyday tape for sealing gaps at wing/fuselage/tail junctions etc. Everyday tapes are available in bright white only with rubber adhesive for good sticking ability and easy clean-up. Vinyl tapes offer good stretching ability and low memory for easy forming around curves. U.S.A. vinyl tape (top left) A  good quality bright white Vinyl tape in 36 yard rolls with rubber adhesive. This tape sticks well, forms around curves and the tape residue cleans up easily after removal. 1" wide USA vinyl tape...............$4.50 each 4 rolls 1" wide .............................$15.00 pack 1 1/4" wide USA vinyl tape..........$5.00 each 1 1/2" wide USA vinyl tape..........$7.00 each 2" wide USA vinyl tape.................$8.00 each GERMAN Import vinyl Tape A Low cost but really excellent soft vinyl tape with rubber adhesive for everyday taping wing to fuselage gaps. available in 3 widths on 25 meter rolls 19mm wide $4.00 25mm wide $5.00 Premium 3M (483) Poly Tape PREMIUM "POLY" (Polyethylene) tape with rubber adhesive, white color and very thin with 200% stretch for forming around curved surfaces. 3M prices have continued to increase and the 483 tape is expensive but still a favorite by many sailplane owners for everyday sailplane gap sealing. 1" X 36 yard Rolls......$15.95 each save with a 4 pack $59.00 W&W White POLY Tape  1" wide 36 yard Polyethylene tape rolls at nearly 1/2 the price of 3M Poly tape! Bright white, extra flexible and stretchy with strong rubber adhesive is perfect sailplane gap sealing tape $8.95 SEE: ASW-20 sealing tape example Examples of sealing tapes on sailplanes How I do it PLEASE NOTE: NO RETURNS ACCEPTED ON CUT TO ORDER TAPES, WIRE AND CABLE, OR ON ANY CUSTOM ASSEMBLED ITEMS.