Elastic bands (UK)

[billdennis747]

OK I'm going for the Most Boring Thread award.
I have a real problem getting hold of good elastic bands in different sizes. Flitehook do a range, very cheaply, but they decompose within months. Shops have either one size, or those horrible multicoloured ones. Does anyone know of a good supplier in the UK?
Bill

[RalphS]

You could try Staples or other office suppliers.  I am still using DT bands from the box I bought before I retired 20 years ago - a big box.

[billdennis747]

Hello Ralph
No, Staple hereabouts just do giant bags of one size I don't want. I wonder why yours haven't turned into sticky goo?

[Mefot]

You could try these Bill;

http://www.rubberbandsuk.com/Rubber-Bands

I haven't used them myself but they look to have a good range of sizes 

[Hepcat]

Bill,
It was only yesterday that I looked on the Internet to see if anyone sold thin rubber bands.  I didn't find any thinner that 1/16" but I did find the Alliance Rubber Company (founded 1923) which had a range of 26 sizes and each in three different grades, soft, medium and high tensile.  However what did surprise me was that they gave figures for: Elongation, Permanent set, specific gravity and Durometer (hardness) reading. I was even more surprized to find that their softest grade had an elongation of 7.75 which compares well with around 10 for our Super Sport. I guess I shall continue using thin stuff stripped off SS. I usually just tie a knot to make a loop although it s easier to get the loop size you want by joining the ends with cyano.
John
 

[john thompson]

Bill . I buy big boxes from Staples or similar suppliers . I usually use 1/16 square of varying lengths for my power models, stretched to almost breaking point .I have always found them satisfactory BUT you must store them in the dark even on the field.  Do not let sunlight get at them , on a hot  sunny summers day I have had them deteriorate within hours. I would not do a full days flying with out changing the bands , they are disposable items . I never understand why some people actually want or try  to reuse them , a false economy in my book . john

[rodders67]

Here in the UK the Post Office use excellent rubber bands, so speak to your local postman.  He throws away lots  and  I have used them for mounting the wing on my Lulu.
Rodney

[DavidJP]

I understand that posties are instructed not to throw away bands because hedgehogs think they are worms and try and eat them.  Only know because I asked as the source dried up!!  By chance I bought a bag of assorted (which) I have had for about three years in an office e supply shop in Ripon.  It seems you just have to forage or buy in bulk.  One Staples varies from another

too.

[billdennis747]

Thanks John,
Sounds like my problem is one of correct storage, not availability

[mick66]

Hi

I find flitehook band are fine.  I buy a shed load each year at the Nats ... they're cheap as chips compared to the overall cost of attending.  I always throw them away after every flight though ... and never put a oily hand in the main packet per se.  I fact I have to cut them off my power models.  I did buy a box of really thin ones off eBay for about 5 quid ... like 1000 or something.  From a proper supplier so to speak.  Ideal for small sport models and tails.

Cheers

Mike

[martynk]

I follow the postman and pick up the discarded bands. They are meant to decompose but I collect them faster than I break them so have a day off occasionally. I get larger ones from partners.

[Crabby]

Kids dental bands seem to be made out of something indestructible.

[Starduster]

I don't know if it does you chaps over there any good, but I am very happy with these:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007893VM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

They are "Universal" brand bands. Very fresh and fairly priced. Yes, you have to buy them by the pound, but you'll have enough to last a long time and share with all your friends (assuming you have friends)

[tctele]

Hi Bill

https://www.officestationery.co.uk/product/q-connect-rubber-bands-500g-number-33-kf10538-KF10538/

Try this make, you don't have to use this web site of course and they're cheap, I've still got several boxes from 4 years ago and they haven't deteriorated. I store them the same as I store my super sport ie sealed each time and placed in the cupboard

Tony