Javelins and protecting flying wires

[Dana]

Without getting into the discussion of how to attach the javelins (zipties, koroseal, rib lacing cord), what about protecting the wire? Tape or shrink tube, seems tape is more common... but what's the best tape?

Standard vinyl electrical tape seems the most often used and it's what's on my Parrakeet's wires, but is it the best? Vinyl tape wasn't invented until the mid 1940s, so what were they using on biplanes before that? Electrical tape back in the day would have been the older style cotton "friction tape", which is still available, and is thicker with better abrasion protection... but might also absorb moisture?

 

[Larry Lyons]

 

[race38]

 

[Larry Lyons]

 

[taildraggerpilot]

 

[asport22]

 

[Dana]

 

[barchiola]

 

[crusty old aviator]

 

[dldihs]