Duct Tape

Keep duct tape handy for making quick and lasting repairs when fixing broken, cracked, and torn items. Also known as duck tape, this pressure-sensitive adhesive strip sticks firmly to a wide range of surfaces, including wood, plastic, metal, and glass. It’s an essential part of repair kits for homeowners and professionals. Browse the large inventory of fasteners and adhesives at Staples to find different rolls of such cloth-backed pressure-sensitive strips.

Choose from different types of duct tapes
The three defining qualities of duck tape are strong adhesion, high strength, and excellent flexibility. This adhesive strip has a top layer made of polyethylene backing, a cloth grid in the middle, and a rubber-based adhesive that sticks to surfaces. The outer polyethylene sheet is waterproof, while the cloth or scrim core gives the tape its strength and flexibility. It’s also the part that determines how easily the strip tears when ripped.

When classified by strength, there are two types of duck tape. These are general purpose and extra- or maximum-strength tapes. General-purpose rolls are ideal for most indoor repairs. Extra and maximum-strength rolls have stronger adhesives and thicker cloth and polyethylene layers. These heavy-duty adhesive strips are more durable and can stick to a wider range of surfaces. They’re also waterproof and UV-resistant.

Features to look for when comparing duct tape rolls
First, consider the length, width, and thickness of the strip. The length determines how long it’ll take before the roll runs out. Choose a small roll with less than 10 yards of tape if you occasionally need an adhesive strip. Big rolls with strips measuring up to 60 yards are best for professionals and avid DIYers. Measured in inches, the tape width determines the span of the adhesive roll. Pick a unit that’s wide enough to cover the tears or holes that need fixing.

Duct tape is available in thicknesses ranging from less an inch up to 15 inches. Generally, thicker strips are stronger than thinner ones. General-purpose units are usually 6- to 11-mil thick. Heavy-duty tapes are thicker and more durable. Shoppers may also consider material and adhesion strengths when shopping for duck tape. Material strength describes the amount of weight the strip can hold before ripping, while adhesion strength is the maximum weight held before the strip loses its hold and peels off.

What is the difference between gaffer and duct tapes?
While both use pressure-sensitive adhesives, gaffer tape is thinner and has an outer layer made of cotton cloth. It uses petroleum-based adhesive and peels off without leaving a residue. It’s also significantly more resistant to heat. These properties make it excellent for securing cables around hot, bright lights on movie sets and theater productions as well as TV studios. On the other hand, duck tape is more durable and has a higher adhesion strength.

Can you replace an electrical tape with duct tape?
No. Unlike electrical adhesive strips, it’s neither insulated nor fire-resistant. While it’s possible to secure power cables and seal frayed electrical wires with duck tape, there’s a significant risk of electrical shock and fire.

Why do duct tape rolls come in bright colors and patterns?
Brightly colored rolls are useful for color-coding items during repairs and installations. Most people use colored and patterned rolls in craft projects for their adhesive and decorative properties.