UKC

I’ve got a couple of mountaineering axes with smooth metal shafts. These are a little slippery and I would like to add some rubber to the base to make them easier to hold.

I have tried self amalgamating tape, but that doesn’t last very long.

Has anyone got any suggestions for durable solutions, other than sell them and buy a Grivel Airtech instead? 

Old mountain bike inner tubes...?

Old bike inner tube + cable ties/ glue/ tape/ preferred way of attaching.

I haven't tried it but I've seen something called plasti dip which looks like a fun way to make a mess.  

Haven't tried it, but heat shrink sleeve might do the trick.  

It ain't pretty but sticksall or silicone sealant. 

Alternatively, put double sided tape on the shaft before the sa tape, stops a nick becoming a tear. 

Anti-slip spray paint?

Not a great fan of taping up axes so have never really gotten around to doing anything much on mine.

I haven't tried it but have previously considered whether high friction paint might be useful compromise option. Use on tool handles is specifically mentioned in the blurb for a couple of versions I've seen online. 

Heat shrink isn't very grippy, though. At least the versions we use in electronics.

Sugru? 

Just remembered skateboard grip tape, there was a trend for this a while ago, gloves don't last long though. 

That would be completely slick.

My (untried) suggestion is the 'roll-on' sleeving which is used to provide the the grip on handles of cricket bats.

Spirally cut the MTB inner into 1" wide tape ( a lot easier than it sounds) and wrap the shaft like a bike handlebar. No glue needed, the ends can be stretched and tucked under. You can add a simple 3/4" loop cut from the tube for extra security if you want.

I use it on my Apexes. 3 seasons (well, 2 and a half...)so far and no loosening. Gives an excellent wet grip and really reduces heat loss. Easy, cheap and warm. Just ask a bike shop for old inners from their bin if you don't have any.

The stuff we use in work has a texture to it which should provide grip.
Not sure what make it is, but assume that it comes from RS.

The heat shrink with texture mentioned above is perfect.  Use a spray glue on the shaft before applying.   Get some that is wide enough to clear any local fat bits around the spike area of the axe (common in tech axes)

Standard heat shrink also works if you use a sanding machine with coarse grit, lightly applied, after fitting. This texture can be refreshed a number of times.

Choose a colour to match your eyes. Or whatever 

I got this kit online:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Clone-Willy-Realistic-Vibrator-Silicone/dp/B010CYX...
 

Chopped off the tip and pushed the shaft of my axes inside after coating them in epoxy. Seems to fit my right hand well and give good grip but a bit weird with the left.

I’ll get me coat.

Plasti Dip or similar rubber tool coating