The problem with electrical tape [ I've used it ] is it gets gummy and lets loose. After a while it sticks to the tube. Pull a tire off a rim that had electrical tape used as a rim strip on it a few years and it can be aggravating, but in a pinch, I have used it, but I can't recommend it. When tossing out old rims, always save the rim strips. I've picked up junk curbside cruisers to salvage tubes, rim strips, rivets or screws from head badges, bearings and cups, and spokes. This fall I spotted a pile of junk while the wife and I were out walking. In an open box on the curb were 5 unopened boxes of brand new 1.75 x 26" tubes. Nice find. As far as the width of the strips, I've noticed some of the China bikes have narrower strips on their cruiser type bikes. I've used these on old ballooners. The width makes no difference, as long as the end of the spoke nipples are covered. Spoke ends sometimes protrude slightly thru the end of nipples on older bikes. The reason? Rims get humped or slightly out and the rider tightens them while on the bike. We've all done it. This drives the spokes past the end of the nipple, eventually cutting a neat little hole through the rim strip and into the tube. Always inspect the inside of the rim before changing the tire for sharp spoke ends protruding through. Use a spoke nipper or a abrasive wheel to knock them flat.