Duct Tape
(3 Products)Duct tape, commonly referred to as cloth tape, is a tough, easy-to-tear adhesive that stands up well to the elements. Its weather-resistant and water-repellent design makes it a practical choice for jobs indoors and out.
What Is Duct Tape?
Duct tape is one of those items people tend to keep close at hand, in toolboxes, kitchen drawers, glove compartments - just in case. It sticks to most surfaces, tears by hand, and holds up surprisingly well in wet or rough conditions.
It’s the sort of tape you grab when something needs sorting fast, whether it’s covering a split in a hose, sealing a loose vent cover, or just keeping cables out of the way.
What Is Duct Tape Made Of?
Duct tape is made from three main layers:
- Adhesive: A rubber-based glue that sticks to many surfaces, including wood, plastic, metal, stone, and fabric. It grabs quickly and holds up well over time.
- Fabric scrim: A cloth weave, usually cotton or polyester, that gives the tape its strength. This layer makes the tape tearable by hand while keeping it flexible enough to follow curves and corners.
- Outer film: A water-resistant plastic coating that helps protect the tape from rain, humidity, and abrasion. It also stops the adhesive from drying out too quickly when exposed to the elements.
Applications
- Sealing up gaps around pipes or vents
- Repairing a cracked hose
- Fixing rips in outdoor covers or tarps
- Holding carpet edges in place until they can be refitted
- Keeping broken parts together when nothing else will hold
Why It’s So Useful
- You can tear it without tools
- It holds up fine outside, even in the rain
- It doesn’t leave too much mess behind when removed
- It bends around corners and awkward shapes
- Sticks well to most materials - wood, metal, plastic, fabric, and more
Choosing the Right Tape for the Job
If you're not sure which duct tape to use, consider:
- Standard grade - for everyday fixes around the home
- Professional grade - for tradespeople and tougher environments
- Industrial grade - for outdoor, heavy-duty, or long-term use
Frequently Asked Duct Tapes Questions
What Widths and Colours Are Available?
While duct tape is typically available in widths ranging from 38mm to 100mm, we specialise in 50mm and 72mm rolls, which offer a balance between precision and coverage.
As for colours, we offer the most commonly requested shades:
- Silver - the classic look
- Black - discreet for stage or electrical work
Is Gaffer Tape And Duct Tape The Same Thing?
No, the difference between gaffer tape and duct tape lies in the materials they are made from.
Duct tape is usually composed of polyethylene (petroleum-or natural gas-derived plastic), while gaffer tape features a coated cloth backing and employs synthetic rubber-based adhesive.
The reflective quality on the backside of duct tape makes it excellent for industrial applications; conversely, matte gaffer tape won't reflect light and is non-reflective.
How Did Duct Tape Come Into Existence?
During World War II, the military was in need of strong and waterproof tape for fast fixes on equipment, as well as to seal ammunition cases. This is where duct tape had its inception.
Initially, silver-grey duct tape was employed to make heating joints or air conditioning ducts airtight. Nowadays though, it has evolved into a multi-purpose adhesive which can help secure two products together and even onto surfaces.
Is Gorilla Tape The Same As Duct Tape?
Gorilla tape is an advanced duct tape, boasting a reinforced double-strength adhesive and water resistant backing.
This reliable tool offers unparalleled strength in any environment to make your projects strong and long lasting.
What Is The Strongest Mounting Tape?
For the most reliable adhesive, Ultra High Bonding tape (or UHB as it is otherwise known) is your best bet. This type of tape provides exceptional adhesion on both sides and is perfect for affixing carpets to floors, hanging pictures up, and more.
In terms of the material it can affix, mounting tape can be used on wood, brick, plastic and glass - opening the door for many application uses.
Additionally, VHB or Very High Bonding Tape proves to be a strong contender in terms of quality when it comes double-sided tapes!
