Fiberglass Drywall Tape

I've been accused of never using the same construction technique twice. That's a pretty fair assessment. But when I find something that works, I stick with it. This works.

Loose centering rings? I've heard a lot of suggestions for holding them in place while applying epoxy, but my brother Rick had an idea that is by far the best solution I know of...

Get yourself some Fiberglass Drywall Tape. It comes on a roll and is a mesh with adhesive on one side. The mesh is 2" wide so you may want to trim it down the about double the thickness of the centering ring you're working with.

Wrap the mesh around the tube until you have built up enough material for a snug fit for your centering ring. The adhesive holds the tape in place. This will work for either inside or outside diameters.

Apply your epoxy right through the mesh and slide the ring into place. The mesh actually holds your epoxy in place and minimizes runs!

Incidentally, I have used this method to attach Aeropac and Slimline motor retainers to LOC Precision tubes (these retainers are made for PML tube outside diameters, which are slightly larger). Slimline retainers come with some rather complex instructions for using masking tape to hold the retainer in place on LOC Precision tubes, but once you try this you'll throw those instructions away.

Keep the Drywall Tape in your range box along with some 5 minute epoxy -- it also works for range repairs of zippers and broken fins if you're in a real pinch.

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