Gaffer’s tape is fantastic stuff!
It’s not quite the hybrid child of duct tape and clean-release masking tape, but perhaps that gives you good idea of what you’re dealing with.
It’s grippy, but doesn’t leave residue, at least not from most of the surfaces I’ve tried it with.
I resisted buying gaffer’s tape for a while, despite hearing great things about it, for one reason – it’s pricey. I bought my first roll a couple of years ago, and recently ordered a couple more rolls from Amazon.
Gaffer’s tape is usually available in 1″, 2″, 3″, and 4″ sizes. If you start with a larger piece than you need, that’s okay, it tears easily.
Don’t let the name or film and theater industry focus throw you off, this is great tape that can be used in all kinds of holding tasks and applications.
I like Pro Gaff tape, which features:
- Coated cloth backing
- Synthetic rubber adhesive
- 50 lbs per inch tensile strength
- 11 mil thickness
A 1″ x 55 yard roll is priced at ~$12, and a 2″ x 55 yard roll is priced at ~$22. Some colors seem to be priced a little higher, and others a little lower.
This particular brand is made in the USA.
Buy Now via Amazon: 1″
Buy Now via Amazon: 2″
The only thing I regret about these tapes so far is waiting so long to buy it. I tend to use duct tape for general purpose stuff, and gaffer’s tape when I need a little more texture and residue-free removal.
The residue-free removal works on most surfaces, and so far I’ve only tested it on hard solid surfaces. I wouldn’t recommend putting it on painted surfaces or other such surfaces where removal will cause damage. Although yes it could be considered a temporary tape, it’s also very strong and tacky. You have been warned.
