What Tape To Use?

nwksremodeler

Is there on specific tape better to use with banjo's and taping tools versus another. I do mainly normal wall and ceiling joints, nothing fancy. I have been using just your normal run of the mill paper tape from the local lumber yard. I guess my biggest complaint when using the banjo was that the tape would tear sometimes inside, guessing from moisture absorbition. Maybe I just need to be more proficient in my work? It looks like to me that some of the brand name tapes can be up to about 10 times higher in price than what I am currently using. I just don't want to run out and purchase expensive tape that won't benifit me.

Muddauber

If you could buy a roll of tape for 10 times less than a name brand it would only cost about .30 cents a roll.

Toilet paper?

Al Taper

I know with USG paper tape it folds better. I like USG better then the other brands.

Classic Drywall

Sounds to me that maybe your running your mud to thick. But I feel USG has the best tape.

Joe...

nwksremodeler

Muddauber I guess what I was trying to say was that I am not used to paying $15-$35 a roll for Strait-Flex or NO Coat tape, generally about $3 buys me a roll of paper tape.

Does anyone use either of those brands of tape, if so what would be a good all purpose tape?

Tony M

So you use normal paper tape for your external corners?

Muddauber

Exactly, you don't want to use Straight- Flex or No-Coat for flats & 90s.
3 bucks should get you a quality paper tape.
I don't know what would cause tearing other than thick mud because I've never used a banjo. I thought that was a musical instrument.

Tony M

There's no strength in your corners then? I wouldn't dream of not using metal of some description on external corners.

Muddauber

Are you saying if you tape a house with 20,000 sq.ft. of board , all inside corners would be some sort of metal tape?

I'm talking about inside 90 angles here.

Tony M

Lost in translation somewhere! I'm on about externals. I only paper tape internals.

Muddauber

COOL!

Capt-Sheetrock

I prefer the NG , proform tape cause its thinner than usg, and I want all the advantage I can get for butt joints. But I'll usg if pro form's not available.

You are running your mud too thick if its breaking in the banjo, its that simple. Unless your not threading up the banjo right. Some banjo's have two pegs inside the mud compartment, do not thread the tape up over the upper peg, these pegs are for lid support and not meant for routing the tape.

nwksremodeler

I do use metal outside corners and paper on inside corners and flats. My mud consistence is so that when you pull your finger through it that it mostly closes behind you as you pass through. I have no pegs in my banjo so that eliminates that potential problem. Probably more so my technique I am guessing, just need more practice!