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Gaffer's Tape

Submitted by andif

Type(s): Art Supply, Hand Tool, Household Product, Raw Material, Toy
Tags: tape

Tool photo.

Move over duct tape — Gaffer's tape is as versatile as its space-age cousin, but looks nicer and doesn't leave behind a sticky, messy residue when it's pulled up. Absolutely indispensable when you're attaching your inventions to something valuable, like a brass instrument or someone else's carpet, Gaffer's tape rips easily but secures firmly. The catch? It's pretty pricey, about $20 a roll.

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McMaster
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I was looking for Gaffer's Tape for the Make Blog weekend project tape wallet build and checked McMaster Carr because they are well known for carrying almost everything in the world. They list a tape called "Premium Duty Cloth Industrial Duct Tape" and give this description

"Premium Duty— For high-performance applications that require a low-gloss, nonreflective tape. Also known as gaffer's tape, this tape is vinyl coated, extra durable, and very flexible. Ideal for sealing equipment such as cases and canisters."

1" White, black and red all go for $9
2" White and black are $16 each

Seems like a good place to buy since McMaster ships from all over the country (USA) for pretty cheap.
Posted by naisho on July 14, 2006 at 17:44:58 Pacific Time

McMaster
Reply

Gaffer Tape is a particular kind of tape in its own right. I dont know who originally brought it out, but its purpose was designed for holding stuff on film sets together, like lights and such, the benefits of using it is that even under fairly extreme heat, the adhesive wont gum up or the tape it self wont ignite.
Other benefits include no residue even after prolonged use. I know that there are a few brands of it now, and some are alot better then others. If its a black roll, then it should be black on the adhesive side also -not white.
I know Samy's in LA, Glazers in Seattle and B&H in NY sell it. Its not cheap, but then again you ca re-use the bits over and over again. 1ft of gaffer tape binding will hold about 1/3 ton of non moving weight.
Posted by irq506 on July 16, 2006 at 12:37:05 Pacific Time