Upon discovering my ADHD diagnosis, I was advised to acquire a fidget device to aid in managing this condition. Shortly after its arrival from Amazon, my curiosity led me to swiftly dissect the fidget to explore its inner workings. Predictably, I found nothing particularly intriguing. Nevertheless, this incident marked the beginning of my venture into the realm of high-quality fidget devices.
Upon connecting with like-minded communities on Facebook, I discerned that sliders piqued my greatest interest. However, a notable issue arose: the slider plates tended to become somewhat sticky, necessitating sanding to restore their smoothness. From my perspective, viewing these objects not merely as "fidgets" but rather as functional pieces of art and tools for managing my ADHD, the discussion expanded to include the application of tape. The deliberation encompassed weighing the pros and cons, considering the balance between preserving the original magnetic strength and conserving the object.
While some advocated for bypassing tape and opting for purchasing replacement plates, my persistent nature led me to seek alternative solutions. Over time, I invested in stronger magnets to counteract the potential weakening caused by the tape. Yet, I noticed that using premium narrow tapes like the 3M 5480 in a 2" width could eventually surpass the cost of the fidget itself.
Being someone driven by obsession and a commitment to follow things through to completion, I conceived EDC Tape—a thinner, enhanced version of PTFE. The .08mm variant was designed to strike a balance between providing protection and reducing friction, while the .04mm variant was catered to those who aimed to maintain the original sliding experience without altering the magnets.
I hold no bias towards either approach, but I strongly advocate for preservation. Picture this scenario: If a slider's plate develops a crack or loses a piece, resulting in an unpleasant scratching and crunching sensation, you know it's time to replace them. Acquiring a new one would typically cost around $75 USD, and there's a waiting period unless you're willing to endure the discomfort. My argument is that using tape not only saves money but also safeguards the longevity of your slider plates. Numerous times, I've intercepted magnetic fragments caught in the tape during use.
Lastly, asserting that an object should be used a certain way by its creator doesn't preclude customization or preservation according to one's preferences.
This encapsulates my perspective on the tape-versus-no-tape debate. Given the availability of superior alternatives, there's no necessity to sand down your plates. Emphasizing preservation not only offers financial benefits but also maintains the fidget's value when considering a future sale.
Here are just a few examples broken, beaten, scratched, damaged plates:
Can't happen to Compoform? They are scratch resistant not scratch proof!
This is the beginnings of wear and tear down of the plates of a V3. Being a rarity now discontinued and welded together, there is no way to switch plates. Any further damage can be avoided.
