When your goal is cost-effective comfort, GripWorks smooth foam tubes are an ideal solution. These tubes or sleeves are manufactured on high-speed extrusion machines and ideal for all types of long-handled tools, fitness equipment and more.
Inside Diameters
We extrude foam or rubber tube sleeves in practically any inside diameter, but have standard tubes to fit 5/8", 3/4", 7/8" and 1" bars. We typically recommend using sleeves that are 0.125” smaller than the handle that they will be covering to account for tolerances and still provide a tight fit. Longer tubes may not require a full 0.125” downsizing to fit tightly. The charts on this page denote our stock and standard products, but foam tubes can be made in a wide variety of sizes with low to minimal tooling charges.
Wall Thicknesses
Generally speaking, the thicker the tube (sleeve), the more comfortable it will feel and the more it will cost. Our standard wall thickness is two tenths of an inch (0.200”). This thickness offers plenty of cushion while maintaining adequate durability for most applications. Thicker walls can be made for those wishing for more comfort or to use the foam tubes as pads.
Lengths
While there are no mechanical limitations that limit the length of an extruded foam tube or sleeve, some limitations exist in regards to packaging and shipping. For rubber tube sleeves with radiused ends, the maximum length is approximately 25”. Applying a radius to one or both ends of the tube sleeve yields a unique finished look.
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Density (Pounds per cubic foot) - NPVC 9 to 13 lb., EPDM 24 to 34 lb.
Consult your sales representative for specific product inquiries.
| Material Formulation | To Fit Outside Diameter | Inside Dimension "A" | Lengths Up To "B" | Nominal Wall Thickness "C" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| in | mm | in | mm | in | mm | in | mm | |
| NPVC | 0.625 | 15.88 | 0.500 | 12.70 | 26.000 | 660.00 | .200 & .250 | 5.08 & 6.35 |
| EPDM | 0.625 | 15.88 | 0.500 | 12.70 | 26.000 | 660.00 | .150 & .200 | 3.81 & 5.08 |
| NPVC | 0.750 | 19.05 | 0.625 | 15.88 | 26.000 | 660.00 | .200 & .250 | 5.08 & 6.35 |
| EPDM | 0.750 | 19.05 | 0.625 | 15.88 | 26.000 | 660.00 | .150 & .200 | 3.81 & 5.08 |
| NPVC | 0.875 | 22.23 | 0.750 | 19.05 | 26.000 | 660.00 | .200 & .250 | 5.08 & 6.35 |
| EPDM | 0.875 | 22.23 | 0.750 | 19.05 | 26.000 | 660.00 | .150 & .200 | 3.81 & 5.08 |
| NPVC | 1.000 | 25.40 | 0.875 | 22.23 | 26.000 | 660.00 | .200 & .250 | 5.08 & 6.35 |
| EPDM | 1.000 | 25.40 | 0.875 | 22.23 | 26.000 | 660.00 | .150 & .200 | 3.81 & 5.08 |
| Tolerances | ±.050 | ±1.27 | Varies on part length, +.250 or greater. | ±.040 | ±1.02 | |||
| Density (Pounds per cubic foot) - NPVC 13 lb., EPDM 24 lb. Consult your sales representative for specific product inquiries. |
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| Material Formulation | Product Type | Inside Dimension "A" | Length Range "B" | Nominal Wall Thickness "C" | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| From | To | From | To | From | To | ||
| NPVC | Smooth | 0.250 | 1.500 | 1.000 | 72.000 | 0.150 | 0.650 |
| Buffed | 0.500 | 1.500 | 1.000 | 25.250 | 0.150 | 0.570 | |
| EPDM | Smooth | 0.250 | 1.500 | 1.000 | 72.000 | 0.135 | 0.400 |
| Buffed | 0.500 | 1.500 | 1.000 | 25.250 | 0.110 | 0.335 | |
Materials
Foam tubes can be made in a number of densities in NPVC and EPDM.
NPVC - A popular foam rubber material chosen for its soft, comfortable feel along with its high durability and excellent vibration dampening qualities.
EPDM - An extremely durable material for grips and tube sleeves with excellent outdoor weathering properties.
