Bicycle inner tube as a slip on grip

chrisp51 · September 20, 2012, 10:13 AM

I have read a few threads where someone mentions that they used a bicycle tire inner tube to make a slip on grip. Does anyone know whatsize inner tube to use? Thanks.

Don H · September 20, 2012, 01:13 PM

Wouldn't that depend a lot on the size of the grip? A CZ-97 would likely require a different size tube than a Seecamp .32.

federali · September 20, 2012, 02:23 PM

Bicycle tubes make excellent handgun grips. Visit you local bike dealer as they discard used tubes and they're free for the asking. Just find the right size tubes to fit your needs.

Cut the tube slightly longer than you think you need as stretching it over the grip will cause it to shorten a bit.

drail · September 20, 2012, 06:47 PM

But you do realize that using a rubber just isn't the same, right?

The best mod I have found for a poor grip on any handgun is to buy a roll of friction tape (black fabric tape that is slightly tacky) Looks funky - works REAL well. Bicycle handlebar tape is great too. Use your imagination. Inner tube grips are so - ghetto. I have only one gun that has lousy grips and no one makes a decent replacement for - A Charter Bulldog Pug revolver. Friction tape made it my favorite CCW gun. As soon as your hand comes into contact with the grip you are in control. Some people will laugh - who cares if it allows you to drill a target cleanly? All credit for this goes to Jim Cirillo of the NYPD, may he rest in peace. That guy could shoot.

Dan-O · September 21, 2012, 08:05 AM

I guess I'm ghetto. I put it (bicycle inner tubing) on just about all of my polymer framed bottom feeders.

BRE346 · September 21, 2012, 09:16 AM

I bought the cheapest bicycle inner tube at Walmart and cut that up for my compact pistol. It helped a lot. Later I stretched it onto a 1911. That wasn't so good. My carry is wrapped with a thick tape to increase it's diameter and cushion the recoil. The other carry wears a wrap for a baseball bat. Some day I'll buy a real grip - maybe.

K1500 · September 21, 2012, 02:53 PM

Inner tube = "ghetto" but friction tape is not?

jmr40 · September 21, 2012, 04:39 PM

They work great. Most of my handguns have them as well as my AR's. They work better than the Hogue Hand-All's because they are thinner, but still provide a little grip. One Bicycle tube will do many, many guns.

Quote:

Wouldn't that depend a lot on the size of the grip? A CZ-97 would likely require a different size tube than a Seecamp .32.

So far I haven't had a problem. I used the same tube for a G-21 and a Kel-Tec P3AT.

Gerry · September 21, 2012, 07:58 PM

Why not just keep your elastic band collection around the handle of your firearm? Kill two birds with one stone... better grip and you always know where to find an elastic band when you need one.

markallen · September 21, 2012, 09:51 PM

Size wise a 12 1/2 x 2 1/4 size tube will fit a Keltec PF9 perfectly.
for a larger handgun you might try a 14x3 tube.

The best place to find these size of tubes is a wheelchair or DME retailer.

Amsdorf · September 21, 2012, 09:56 PM

Good grief, so much hassle.

Just buy a Hogue grip or Talon grips.

KyJim · September 21, 2012, 10:09 PM

Or maybe some skateboard tape if you just need more traction.

Rob228 · September 21, 2012, 10:27 PM

My SW 1911Sc didn't come with a checkered frontstrap so I bought some skateboard grip tape (Comes in a 3'X10" piece for about $7) cut out a very small section, enough to cover the front strap and go under the grips. Works amazingly. I have enough left over for about 200 more applications.

shortwave · September 21, 2012, 11:28 PM

GHETTO GUN RAP:

(music) Ba -boom -boom- ba- ba- ba -boom)...

Got inner tube on my gat...

...some say you shouldn't do dat...

... got it on there for the feel...

...grip is slippery..just be'n real.

Guess I'm ghetto too.

Inner tube on my Gen2 G22.
Works very well. Sure grip on hot or rainy days and I don't have to walk around with tacky/sticky hands.

Almost forgot, inner tube on a couple P 64's as well.

Man, I'm more ghetto then I realized.

May have to start saggin, wearin my hat with a lean and start shootin with pistol tilted sideways.

thedudeabides · September 22, 2012, 05:50 AM

I'll bite.

Use a mountain tube, they are thicker and bigger around; get one that's at least 2'' around (it'll be printed on the tube). A DH tube that's 2.5'' may be the most ideal but good luck finding one in some areas.

Turn it inside out, too, it tends to be smoother inside.

If you overlap them, they can give a positive hump on the front or back of the grip, if you have big hands.

Dragline45 · September 22, 2012, 05:58 AM

Spend a few dollars more and get a Hogue Handall or Hogue Handall Jr grip sleeve.

Hal · September 22, 2012, 06:58 AM

Quote:

Inner tube = "ghetto" but friction tape is not?

Correct...
Friction tape would be "redneck".

YARDDOG(1) · September 22, 2012, 07:15 AM

Correct...
Friction tape would be "redneck".

^^^^^^^

So True

Have a few myself ;Y/D

drail · September 22, 2012, 10:05 AM

Friction tape doesn't slide around on the grip like most of the ones I have seen. But, OK, maybe friction tape is "ghetto" also. I am just amused that a manufacturer would put a gun on the market with a grip that is so lousy that people need to stretch and inner tube over it.

Gaston started all of this stuff.

shortwave · September 22, 2012, 10:05 AM

If a person would use a combination of friction tape and inner tube, that would make them a "ghetto redneck".

Hawg · September 22, 2012, 02:51 PM

What, nobody mentioned duct tape?

**Aguila Blanca** · September 22, 2012, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by K1500

Inner tube = "ghetto" but friction tape is not?

My thought exactly.

10-96 · September 23, 2012, 02:36 AM

If innertube is ghetto and friction tape is redneck, what the heck do ya'll call Coban tape? That's the stretchy non-stickum tape they wrap around your arm when you give blood. I pick up a roll every once in a while at an apothacary for my range time. i can even roll myself a bit of palm swell into the picture.

Gerry · September 23, 2012, 03:19 AM

An alternative idea is to wrap several layers of double-sized carpet tape around your grip. When it stops being sticky or begins to look dirty, just peel off a layer and your as good as new.

Plus it serves another function. Everyone likes to look their best at the range, but I'm sure there are folks here that have forgotten to put the lint remover in their range bag. Well problem solved, because now you can just use your gun grip as a lint remover. When your finished, just again peel off the lint covered layer, and your ready to shoot again.

Don't have carpet tape? Well no problem! Try the strip fly paper as a substituent. Plus you'll be helping by controlling the fly population on your outdoor range. Who here has thought they shot bad when in reality it was a darn fly sitting on the target?

I have a ton of other ideas if anyone wants to hear them...

wpsdlrg · September 23, 2012, 07:29 AM

"Inner tube = "ghetto" but friction tape is not?"

Exactly !

"If "inner tube" is GHETTO......then friction tape is REDNECK !"

(Even better !)

Actually, you WANT ghetto ? I'll GIVE you ghetto....... (see pics below)

"Homemade" stippling on the standard plastic grips of my Stoeger Cougar, using black adhesive silicone. I set out only to cover (and waterproof) the grip screws, which kept rusting from sweat.....and ended up doing the whole grip panels. How's THAT for Ghetto gunsmithing ???

September 20, 2012, 10:13 AM	#1
chrisp51 Senior Member Join Date: April 25, 2012 Location: NC Posts: 148	Bicycle inner tube as a slip on grip I have read a few threads where someone mentions that they used a bicycle tire inner tube to make a slip on grip. Does anyone know whatsize inner tube to use? Thanks.

September 20, 2012, 01:13 PM	#2
Don H Senior Member Join Date: May 8, 2000 Location: SLC,Utah Posts: 2,704	Wouldn't that depend a lot on the size of the grip? A CZ-97 would likely require a different size tube than a Seecamp .32. __________________ Don http://www.utahconcealedcarry.com/forum/

September 20, 2012, 02:23 PM	#3
federali Senior Member Join Date: August 1, 2011 Location: Nassau County NY Posts: 378	Tubes Bicycle tubes make excellent handgun grips. Visit you local bike dealer as they discard used tubes and they're free for the asking. Just find the right size tubes to fit your needs. Cut the tube slightly longer than you think you need as stretching it over the grip will cause it to shorten a bit. __________________ Int'l Assoc. of Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors

September 20, 2012, 06:47 PM	#4
drail Junior member Join Date: February 2, 2008 Posts: 3,150	But you do realize that using a rubber just isn't the same, right? The best mod I have found for a poor grip on any handgun is to buy a roll of friction tape (black fabric tape that is slightly tacky) Looks funky - works REAL well. Bicycle handlebar tape is great too. Use your imagination. Inner tube grips are so - ghetto. I have only one gun that has lousy grips and no one makes a decent replacement for - A Charter Bulldog Pug revolver. Friction tape made it my favorite CCW gun. As soon as your hand comes into contact with the grip you are in control. Some people will laugh - who cares if it allows you to drill a target cleanly? All credit for this goes to Jim Cirillo of the NYPD, may he rest in peace. That guy could shoot. Last edited by drail; September 20, 2012 at 06:55 PM.

September 21, 2012, 08:05 AM	#5
Dan-O Senior Member Join Date: August 3, 2011 Location: Northern Colorado Posts: 969	I guess I'm ghetto. I put it (bicycle inner tubing) on just about all of my polymer framed bottom feeders. Last edited by Dan-O; September 22, 2012 at 10:37 AM.

September 21, 2012, 09:16 AM	#6
BRE346 Senior Member Join Date: February 11, 2011 Location: Victoria, TX Posts: 158	I bought the cheapest bicycle inner tube at Walmart and cut that up for my compact pistol. It helped a lot. Later I stretched it onto a 1911. That wasn't so good. My carry is wrapped with a thick tape to increase it's diameter and cushion the recoil. The other carry wears a wrap for a baseball bat. Some day I'll buy a real grip - maybe. __________________ Ancient Airman

September 21, 2012, 02:53 PM	#7
K1500 Senior Member Join Date: December 24, 2011 Posts: 163	Inner tube = "ghetto" but friction tape is not?

September 21, 2012, 07:58 PM	#9
Gerry Senior Member Join Date: December 24, 2010 Location: Canada Posts: 382	Why not just keep your elastic band collection around the handle of your firearm? Kill two birds with one stone... better grip and you always know where to find an elastic band when you need one.

September 21, 2012, 09:51 PM	#10
markallen Senior Member Join Date: October 4, 2008 Location: N E Ohio Posts: 221	Size wise a 12 1/2 x 2 1/4 size tube will fit a Keltec PF9 perfectly. for a larger handgun you might try a 14x3 tube. The best place to find these size of tubes is a wheelchair or DME retailer. __________________ Don't do anything Stupid. And don't let Stupid do anything to you.

September 21, 2012, 09:56 PM	#11
Amsdorf Junior member Join Date: July 24, 2011 Location: Saint Louis, Missouri Posts: 849	Good grief, so much hassle. Just buy a Hogue grip or Talon grips.

September 21, 2012, 10:09 PM	#12
KyJim Senior Member Join Date: July 26, 2005 Location: The Bluegrass Posts: 9,142	Or maybe some skateboard tape if you just need more traction.

September 21, 2012, 10:27 PM	#13
Rob228 Senior Member Join Date: May 29, 2010 Location: Hampstead NC Posts: 1,450	My SW 1911Sc didn't come with a checkered frontstrap so I bought some skateboard grip tape (Comes in a 3'X10" piece for about $7) cut out a very small section, enough to cover the front strap and go under the grips. Works amazingly. I have enough left over for about 200 more applications.

September 21, 2012, 11:28 PM	#14
shortwave Senior Member Join Date: December 17, 2007 Location: SOUTHEAST, OHIO Posts: 5,970	GHETTO GUN RAP: (music) Ba -boom -boom- ba- ba- ba -boom)... Got inner tube on my gat... ...some say you shouldn't do dat... ... got it on there for the feel... ...grip is slippery..just be'n real. Guess I'm ghetto too. Inner tube on my Gen2 G22. Works very well. Sure grip on hot or rainy days and I don't have to walk around with tacky/sticky hands. Almost forgot, inner tube on a couple P 64's as well. Man, I'm more ghetto then I realized. May have to start saggin, wearin my hat with a lean and start shootin with pistol tilted sideways. Last edited by shortwave; September 22, 2012 at 01:25 AM.

September 22, 2012, 05:50 AM	#15
thedudeabides Senior Member Join Date: August 22, 2012 Posts: 1,031	I'll bite. Use a mountain tube, they are thicker and bigger around; get one that's at least 2'' around (it'll be printed on the tube). A DH tube that's 2.5'' may be the most ideal but good luck finding one in some areas. Turn it inside out, too, it tends to be smoother inside. If you overlap them, they can give a positive hump on the front or back of the grip, if you have big hands.

September 22, 2012, 05:58 AM	#16
Dragline45 Senior Member Join Date: November 30, 2010 Posts: 3,513	Spend a few dollars more and get a Hogue Handall or Hogue Handall Jr grip sleeve.

September 22, 2012, 07:15 AM	#18
YARDDOG(1) Senior Member Join Date: October 24, 2008 Location: GATOR COUNTRY HA HA HA! Posts: 721	Correct... Friction tape would be "redneck". ^^^^^^^ So True Have a few myself ;Y/D __________________ There's a GATOR in the bushes & She's Callin my name >Molly Hatchett<

September 22, 2012, 10:05 AM	#19
drail Junior member Join Date: February 2, 2008 Posts: 3,150	Friction tape doesn't slide around on the grip like most of the ones I have seen. But, OK, maybe friction tape is "ghetto" also. I am just amused that a manufacturer would put a gun on the market with a grip that is so lousy that people need to stretch and inner tube over it. Gaston started all of this stuff.

September 22, 2012, 02:51 PM	#21
Hawg Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 16,189	What, nobody mentioned duct tape?

September 23, 2012, 02:36 AM	#23
10-96 Senior Member Join Date: October 19, 2005 Location: Tx Panhandle Territory Posts: 4,159	If innertube is ghetto and friction tape is redneck, what the heck do ya'll call Coban tape? That's the stretchy non-stickum tape they wrap around your arm when you give blood. I pick up a roll every once in a while at an apothacary for my range time. i can even roll myself a bit of palm swell into the picture. __________________ Rednecks... Keeping the woods critter-free since March 2, 1836. (TX Independence Day) I suspect a thing or two... because I've seen a thing or two.

September 23, 2012, 03:19 AM	#24
Gerry Senior Member Join Date: December 24, 2010 Location: Canada Posts: 382	An alternative idea is to wrap several layers of double-sized carpet tape around your grip. When it stops being sticky or begins to look dirty, just peel off a layer and your as good as new. Plus it serves another function. Everyone likes to look their best at the range, but I'm sure there are folks here that have forgotten to put the lint remover in their range bag. Well problem solved, because now you can just use your gun grip as a lint remover. When your finished, just again peel off the lint covered layer, and your ready to shoot again. Don't have carpet tape? Well no problem! Try the strip fly paper as a substituent. Plus you'll be helping by controlling the fly population on your outdoor range. Who here has thought they shot bad when in reality it was a darn fly sitting on the target? I have a ton of other ideas if anyone wants to hear them...