Need something Grippy and Sticky

**Osulagh** · 05-13-2015, 11:10

This isn't entirely related to hammocking, but I trust the minds here to help me out.

I've got an Alphasmart Neo, let's think of it as a small desktop keyboard, that I'd like to prop up against my legs while I'm in my hammock.

The problem is: The bottom of the device is slick and tends to slide down my legs. I need something to add to the back that will provide grip on cloth or bare skin. Some thin, rubbery material that is either applied to the bottom or added with double-sided tape would be good. I just can't think of anything that fits the bill. The "stuff" would have to be light and thin because I'm backpacking with it, and also available in-store as I'm leaving in a week (I live in Vegas, so there's a lot of stores around).

Thanks in advance!

**Envikin** · 05-13-2015, 11:19

Will grip shelf liner work? I imagine a couple stripes attached diagonally with hot glue might work.

**Dochartaigh** · 05-13-2015, 11:22

Single sided foam tape sounds like it might work. Home Depot, Lowes, Staples, Office Max, etc. may carry it.

Basically any grippy thin foam that you can glue to the back would be ideal.

**octagone** · 05-13-2015, 11:23

It doesn't look pretty, and smells like solvent for a day, but my first thought was liquid electrical tape.
I've used it to make a reflectix sit pad that won't slip from under me - just paint a line or two on it and let it dry somewhere well ventilated

**Russtang** · 05-13-2015, 11:35

Originally Posted by Envikin

Will grip shelf liner work? I imagine a couple stripes attached diagonally with hot glue might work.

+1 This stuff is great. Attach with double sided tape, spray adhesive, etc.

http://www.amazon.com/Duck-1100731-N...ds=shelf+liner

**Osulagh** · 05-13-2015, 15:14

Originally Posted by Dochartaigh

Single sided foam tape sounds like it might work. Home Depot, Lowes, Staples, Office Max, etc. may carry it.

Basically any grippy thin foam that you can glue to the back would be ideal.

Most of my experienced with this stuff is that it's pretty flimsy--both the foam and tape used. I don't think it'll hold up to being pushed and pulled from a backpack. Maybe I'll take a good look at the variety of foam tape at Home Depot later to see if there's something stronger, thanks!

Originally Posted by octagone

It doesn't look pretty, and smells like solvent for a day, but my first thought was liquid electrical tape.
I've used it to make a reflectix sit pad that won't slip from under me - just paint a line or two on it and let it dry somewhere well ventilated

Never had experience with this, though I was thinking of something like it called Plasti dip. Which both might turn out a bit too sticky. I'll keep this in mind, thanks!

Originally Posted by Envikin

Will grip shelf liner work? I imagine a couple stripes attached diagonally with hot glue might work.

Originally Posted by Russtang

+1 This stuff is great. Attach with double sided tape, spray adhesive, etc.

http://www.amazon.com/Duck-1100731-N...ds=shelf+liner

I kept myself from bringing this stuff up, but I currently use this for my desktop keyboard (for the same purpose) and it was going to be my default. The only problem I have with this stuff is the exposed double-sided table in the holes and the liner material can be a bit flimsy. I'll have to search around to find some more rugged stuff. Thanks you both!

Still open for ideas! I'll try to experiment a bit with a few different things before I set myself on one.

**Envikin** · 05-13-2015, 15:31

How about a strip from a yoga mat? No holes like the shelf liner and I think the mats are durable.

Or cut up an old bike tire inner tube. That's thinner than the other ideas, durable and grippy. When I was a kid, I made my own pair of juggling/devil sticks using a bike tire inner tube.

**gmcttr** · 05-13-2015, 15:35

Originally Posted by Osulagh

...Never had experience with this, though I was thinking of something like it called Plasti dip. Which both might turn out a bit too sticky. I'll keep this in mind, thanks! ...

Plasti Dip and liquid electrical tape are more like the coatings on some tools handles. I wouldn't think of them as being "too sticky". Pealing off of a flat surface may be a bigger problem.