Best Overall
Lockport Heavy-Duty Duct Tape
Best Bang For The Buck
3M Contractor Grade Multi-Use Duct Tape
Best For Heavy-Duty Jobs
Gorilla Black Gorilla Tape
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If you ’ve heard the aspect “ like water supply off a duck ’s back , ” you may be surprised to learn that some hoi polloi believe the idiom to be the original aspiration for canal tapeline . This long-wearing textile - back tape , originally fuck asduck tape , was excogitate during World War II to help soldier waterproof their ammo case . Over time , the Johnson & Johnson troupe developed a ash gray - colored version specially design to seal heating and air canal — hence , canal tape .
Today , channel tape is the go - to product for quick fixes and sturdy repair , both inside and outside the home . It can also be used for crafting , organizing , and DIY task . Since it comes in a range of strengths and color option , it ’s easygoing to wonder which is good for your project — and if there ’s really any remainder between epithelial duct tapes at all . To do these questions , we tested five top product , assessing their strength , water and weather resistance , informality of utilisation , and versatility . This guide also reviews an additional four products we have n’t examine yet but are looking forward to .
Sometimes , our tests oftools and materialsyield pretty straightforward results , but in this case , we sound back and away ( and back again ) about which of two mathematical product deserved the top laurels . In the remnant , we prefer theLockport Heavy - Duty Duct Tapeas our succeeder for its unbeatable versatility and remarkable value . register on to find out which of the other options almost took the deed and to see the residue of our psychometric test results for the unspoilt duct tape measure .
Our Top Picks
Duct taping must stick to a variety of surface , resist H2O and weather , and be long lasting . While most manufacturers claim their tape can do all these things , our test proved they do n’t all do them equally well . See the outcome of our examination and refer to theHow We Chose and prove the Best Duct Tapesection below for more information on the tests we note .
Our rating : Strength4/5;Durability5/5 ; repose of Use5/5 ; Value5/5
Lockport ’s grave - duty channel tape perform mightily in our test to clear its place as the effective canal tape on our list . It adhered well to alloy , cementum , woodwind instrument , and plastic , and it did n’t leave any residue behind when we removed it . It was also one of the few Cartesian product that worked to temporarily fix a opus of industrial rug over our kitty ’s catio door .
At just 7.5 milliliter , it ’s only about 40 percent as thick as our most heavy - duty tapeline , yet it expose almost 60 per centum of its strong point . We appreciated its thinness in our tear and common - use test , as it tore systematically and evenly and was very easy to wrap tightly around thin metal fencing . It ’s also waterproof , making it suited for outside uses where it may be exposed to water .
When it descend to an all - around duct taping , the only downside of this one from Lockport is that it ’s sold as a multipack . If you ’re looking to carry up by purchasing 5 , 6 , 10 , 12 , or 24 coil , however , this wo n’t be an emergence at all . In fact , it might be skillful to keep some in your kitchen , garage , shed , car , and tent bag so that you ’re always ready for a quick muddle .
What our tester says:“This no - frills duct tape does n’t make bountiful title or come in fancy packaging — it just play . I retrieve myself contact for it every metre I involve duct tapeline I can count on but that wo n’t leave a sticky mess behind . ”—Michelle Larson , Product Reviews tester and author
Get the Lockport duct tape atAmazon .
Runner Up
Our Ratings : Strength4/5;Durability4/5 ; Ease of Use3.5/5 ; Value5/5
Like our top pick , we ’re guessing this silver gray 3 M ware is precisely what come to mind when you picture a axial rotation of channel tape . It ’s also just as impregnable as our secure overall , but it ’s water - resistant rather than waterproof and , therefore , better for temporary rather than long - last repairs . Though it bust quite well , it did sometimes rupture horizontally if our former upright roue was n’t totally even .
This 180 - invertebrate foot roll leave mess of tape recording for well-nigh any indoor project , such as bundling cords , patch holes , reinforcing tears , or wadding box . Since it can maintain adherence for up to 30 minutes at temperatures of 200 degrees Fahrenheit , it ’s also great for out-of-door uses where it wo n’t be exposed to too much moisture . Still , it held up quite well despite repeated sprays of water from our sprinkler . When we expose the adhesive side directly to water , however , it start to misplace its stick .
Photo: Michelle Larson for Bob Vila
Get the 3 M Multi - Use canal magnetic tape atAmazon .
Our Ratings : Strength5/5;Durability4.3/5 ; simpleness of Use5/5 ; Value4.8/5
This is it — the merchandise wealmostgave our top honor to . It did n’t make headway because it ’s unnecessarily thick for certain rough-cut uses , and it is water - tolerant rather than waterproof . Depending on the task , however , those aspects may be assets rather than financial obligation .
Photo: Michelle Larson for Bob Vila
Gorilla claims its black Gorilla tape uses three clip the adhesive of stock duct tapeline . At 17 mile , it ’s also over two time as fatheaded . Both those matter create an incredibly unassailable product , and though it did n’t leave a residuum after being attached to plastic in the hot sun for 6 days , it ’s not quite as easy to remove it from fabric .
Gorilla duct tape recording also sticks easily to rough , scratchy surfaces like wood , stone , stucco , plaster , and brick . It ’s surprisingly easy to tear for how bulky it is , make it a exploiter - friendly selection for a huge variety of dense - obligation repairs .
What our tester says:“Any time I need a fix I know will last , this is the mag tape I select . It beat in my strength tests , so I know I can count on it for overweight - duty chore . ”—Michelle Larson , Product Reviews writer and examiner
Photo: Amazon
Get the Gorilla Black epithelial duct tape measure atAmazon(35 yards),Lowe’s(30 yards),Ace Hardware(30 yards),The Home Depot(30 yards ) , orWalmart(35 grand ) .
Most Flexible
Duck Max Strength Duct Tape
Our evaluation : Strength3.5/5;Durability4/5 ; relaxation of Use4/5 ; Value4.3/5
Marketing is knock-down , but so is hands - on testing . As our tests revealed , Duck ’s Max Strength duct tape recording is n’t as solid as other alternative thatdon’thave such claims embedded in their name . Still , not every labor take strength ; some require flexibility , and for those times , this duct tape is ideal .
For its mid - range heaviness of 11.5 mils , this product is incredibly flexible and gentle to expend . We were able to wrap it tightly around thin alloy fencing , and it remained fully adhered to an out-of-door cushion and grill cover even after we repeatedly turn and folded them .
Photo: Amazon
Though the manufacturer says it ’s compatible with wood , we line up it rather leisurely to peel off a weathered display board that sat in the hot Sunday for almost a week . It also is n’t great on brick , and it allow residuum on our charge plate mesa after extend ultraviolet illumination ( UV ) vulnerability . But if you ’re looking for a midweight tape for undertaking like down jacket repair , a vacuum hosepipe , or a bike rump , we consider you ’ll be well-chosen as a duck’s egg in water with this pick .
What our tester says:“I expected to love this product in unlike ways than I did . I saw several on-line guides that give it large revue , but it just did n’t be up to its ‘ grievous bodily harm lastingness ’ name in my tests . ”—Michelle Larson , Product Reviews examiner and writer
Get the Duck channel tape atAmazon , Tractor Supply Co. ,Walmart , orTarget .
Photo: Amazon
Best Waterproof
Gorilla Permanent All-Weather Gorilla Tape
Our rating : Strength4.5/5;Durability5/5 ; repose of Use5/5 ; Value4.5/5
When it comes to outdoor fixes , such as patch a blabbermouthed hose or fixing vinyl radical sidetrack , Gorilla ’s lasting all - weather tape will be hard to trounce . It ’s compatible with most Earth’s surface , has a waterproofed backing , and is immune to ultraviolet radiation and both gamey and low temperature . In fact , it adhere to brave out wood better than all the other tape measure we test , and it did n’t let even a drop of water outflow in our pail test .
Like our other Gorilla pick , it ’s quite loggerheaded at 17 mils . But thanks to this thickness and its permanent butyl rubber adhesive , it ’s also strong — 2d only to the Gorilla Black tape . Since it ’s think of for out-of-door repairs on plastic , alloy , wood , brick , and more , it might be a minute much for promiscuous - obligation applications . For those looking to ensure their haunt last through bad atmospheric condition , changing seasons , and intense heating system , though , it ’s worth it . It ’s also a expert choice for an parking brake wayside kit in a car or RV .
Photo: Amazon
Get the Gorilla permanent channel tape atAmazon , Lowe’s , Ace Hardware , The Home Depot , orWalmart .
More Great Options
Though we have n’t done it yet , we ’re looking ahead to testing more big duct tape options . For now , we ’re including the following products for their drug user - friendly features and positive reviews .
Best For Cars
3M All Weather Duct Tape
3 M ’s all - weather duct tape is project to withstand fluctuating temperature , high winds , and rain , making it another great choice for an emergency wayside kit . It has a strong adhesive that can hold fast to most surfaces , making it handy for repairing cracked seats or steering cycle , reattaching a hanging muffler in a arrest , and temporarily seal a unkept windowpane .
As a heat- , UV- , and wet - repellent Cartesian product , it ’s also great for repairing outside items and reinforcing tools . Its powerful adhesive creates a lasting bond to insure enduringness over time . As with many grey-haired duct taping , it ’s also greatpacking tapefor waterproofing and labeling boxes for storehouse or a move .
Get the 3 M all - weather duct tape recording atAmazon , Lowe’s , Ace Hardware , The Home Depot , orTarget .
Photo: Amazon
Best For Bricks
T-Rex Ferociously Strong Tape
If you need to repair brick or other Freemasonry surface , you ’ll want an especially strong product like this one from T - Rex . In addition to brick and concrete , its three-fold - thick adhesive bonds to most surface , including shake , raw and paint forest , and vinyl radical sidetrack .
This T - Rex tape is available in white , grey , and opprobrious , and each choice is made with ponderous - obligation knit material with high - tensile construction for long - live repairs . It also boast a waterproof support and is ultraviolet illumination - tolerant to ensure it hold up under harsh conditions both indoors and out .
Get the T - Rex duct tape atAmazonorWalmart(3 - multitude ) .
Photo: Amazon
Best Clear
Gaffer Power Clear Duct Tape
With its absolved mount and diaphanous adhesive agent , the Gaffer Power epithelial duct tape is useful for making quick and easy repairs without being obvious about it . It also has high tensile strength , allowing users to stretch it to create a strong sealing wax between the adhesive material and the surface being repaired .
This military - grade duct tape employ an impressive glue compatible with a sort of materials , including glass , plastic , wood , stucco , rubber , metallic element , and vinyl . As a water- and ultraviolet - resistant mag tape , it ’s great for indoor and outdoor kettle of fish on everything from vinyl railroad siding to rubber hosiery . Since it wo n’t yellow in the Lord’s Day , it ’s also an idealistic alternative for reinforcing a cracked window while you hold off for a substitution .
Get the Gaffer Power epithelial duct tape atAmazon , Walmart , orGaffer Power .
Photo: Amazon
Best Patterned
Simply Genius Patterned Colored Duct Tape
This just Genius pattern duct taping follow in unanimous colour and decorative design to suit a host of interesting project . Since the manufacturer does n’t expose its heaviness , it ’s reasonable to assume it ’s not as broken as all - weather duct tape . Still , it ’s compatible with charge card , alloy , leather , and some framework for utilization as a light - duty adhesive or craft tool .
Whether you ’re grace school day supplying and game systems , make tape wallets and jewelry , or append a minuscule zing to menage hangout , this ornamental canal taping from Simply Genius will likely have an alternative utterly paired to your project . Not only does it come in solids like light green and purple , but the stigma also offers fun , colorful duct tape recording convention such as peacock butterfly feathers , cosmic unicorn , and neon stars .
Get the Simply Genius channel tape recording atAmazon(single roll),Walmart(single roll),Target(single roster ) , orMichaels(12 - pack ) .
Photo: Amazon
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Chose and Tested the Best Duct Tape
There ’s no shortage of epithelial duct tape in storage or online , so we turn over dozens of options when putting together our guidebook . When it fare to examination , however , we narrowed our natural selection down to five , aiming for variety regarding brand , thickness , and intended utilization . Since we wanted to outrank them establish on specialty , durability , rest of enjoyment , and value , we did n’t worry much about colors or normal when select what to test , though we did let in clear and colored options in the untried component of our guide .
For our first test , we wrapped one end of tape around a cement block and the other around the hook of a crane graduated table connect to a deal winch . We ill-treat on the block and crank the winch to stretch the taping until it broke , measure out the force it could withstand . We evaluate water resistance by drilling maw in a credit card bucket , using tape to cover each gob , and fill the bucket with body of water to see how long it took for the tape to turn a loss adhesion ( if it did so at all ) .
For conditions opposition , we attached the tape to plastic and wood exposed to verbatim sun ( the plastic reach over 140 degrees Fahrenheit one red-hot afternoon ) , cold-blooded overnight temporary ( just above freeze ) , and a few rounds of body of water spray from our sprinklers . We removed the tapeline after 6 days , observe how well it had stay stick to and whether it left any residue behind . We also attached each magnetic tape to a metal animal barrier , outdoor furniture fabric , and a grill cover to see how it contain up to common household uses .
Photo: Amazon
Finally , we rip each canal mag tape both vertically and horizontally 10 times to see how light it was to tear and if it tore in a straight line . The Cartesian product lost points if they tore in strips rather than all the means across .
What to Consider When Choosing Duct Tape
All duct magnetic tape is made of three layers ; this blueprint consequence in a flexible , secure , and often waterproof magnetic tape . The top layer is polyethylene plastic , the halfway level is cotton wool material , and the bottom bed is rubber- or polymer - based glue . All epithelial duct tape measure must also encounter a serial of standard tests designed byASTM International , formerly recognise as the American Society for Testing and Materials .
Duct tape is classified into different grades : military , industrial , premium , and commercial . This usher focuses on commercial-grade and premium epithelial duct tape measure , which are most useful for house and outside repair and criminal maintenance , crafting , and DIY . When select a general - intent tape , keep the take after factor and features in judgement .
Adhesive and Tensile Strength
The two properties that make channel magnetic tape so unique and useful are its stickiness ( adhesive long suit ) and stretchiness ( tensile forte ) . Adhesive persuasiveness depend on the character of mucilage used . canal tape adhesive agent is either rubber eraser - base ( for unassailable bonds ) or polymer - based ( which is less binding ) . This contrasts withpainter ’s tape , which typically uses less rich solvent - based caoutchouc or acrylic paint adhesive agent .
Tensile strong point reckon on the weave and thread counting of the cotton mesh fabric layer , which forms the flexible mediate portion of the tape and gives it its distinctive stretch . A higher thread enumeration results in a stronger tensile forcefulness and a outstanding power to stomach weight and hold up stress .
We recommend you free-base your choice of duct tapeline on the level of tensile and adhesive strength best suited to your undertaking . For rest home repairs , you ’ll need a magnetic tape that will not leak , peel off , or tear . This often involve a higher thread count and the use of strong , synthetic rubber - based glue . For craft projection , broken - forcefulness tape — with a polymer - based adhesive agent and thinner cotton layer — may be best , as it can be rip , removed , and manipulated as take .
Photo: Michelle Larson for Bob Vila
To determine what strength of channel taping to corrupt , read the recording label . For heavy - responsibility mag tape , look for phrases like “ bivalent - thick adhesive ” and “ reinforced backing . ” Some production descriptions posit the character of glue used , such as “ synthetic rubber adhesive agent , ” which will bind to a wide-cut range of surfaces . Also check for description of the kinds of projects and surfaces each tape is design for and whether it is suited for outdoor as well as indoor use .
Water Resistance
Most duct tape measure sport some degree of weather electrical resistance , which can be especially helpful for repairs that require a tight yet flexible adhesion to repel urine . All commercial - grade tape have a clear plastic coating over the fabric layer that ’s oftenwaterproofor weather - immune , but make certain the label states this outright .
Be cognisant that some waterproof duct tape recording can still fail in sealed office . utmost temperature and spare humidity can affect both the adhesive alliance and its body of water - repelling ability , possibly make the duct tapeline to peel untimely or melt onto the surface .
Ease of Use
Duct mag tape ’s stickiness and stretchability are its dandy strengths . The conjuring trick is find a product with just the right blending of those qualities to beseem your needs and projects . Their adhesive should stick firmly to whatever open is being solicit but not stick to itself as you unclothe it off the roll . Even heavy - duty duct taping should peel and rip easily and cleanly off the roll .
Though many duct tapes will lift and slay cleanly after they are placed and pressed down , time , heating system , and other surface factor can cause the adhesive to meld , making it harder and messier toremove the duct tape remainder .
Most epithelial duct tapes will rip both vertically and horizontally for maximum ease and kitchen range of use . Many options are around 2 inch wide , so it may be easier to seek out extra - wide duct taping if you need to make a peculiarly large repair .
Photo: Michelle Larson for Bob Vila
Color Options
Due to its military origins , duct ( or duck’s egg ) tape measure was originally light-green . The most rough-cut colors now are silver , ignominious , lily-white , and clear . Silver canal mag tape is think to oppose the metal sheeting of air ducts , but it can be used for many other residential and industrial purposes . Silver channel tape is different from aluminum epithelial duct tape , which combine aluminum foil with an adhesive support to serve as a mellow - hotness epithelial duct tapeline . It ’s also not the same as reflective duct magnetic tape , which reflects luminousness to distinguish unsafe areas or call attention to route signs .
smuggled , white , and vindicated duct tape are designed to fuse in with the task at hired hand , whether a torn cycle rear end or a leaky garden hose . But duct tape is n’t throttle to repair and sustainment . This fabric tape recording is gravid for crafting , kids ’ schoolhouse projects , and DIY home excogitation and organization . It ’s available in a large spectrum of vividness and a wide regalia of design suited for all theweird ways to habituate duct tape recording .
The Advantages of Owning Duct Tape
Duct tape is democratic due to its high durability , malleable strength , adhesive persuasiveness , and water supply opposition . It can stretch while being applied to form a warm seal and , once in property , refuse shifting , sagging , cracking , and breaking . Its strong adhesive helps to bond the long-lived backing to almost any Earth’s surface , include brick , Harlan Fisk Stone , metal , woods , plastic , cardboard , and more . Generally , it is highly weather - tolerant and sometimes waterproofed , making it swell for out-of-door repairs .
FAQs
Read on to find oneself answer to some of the most usually asked questions about the best duct tapes and how to use them in care and repair projects .
There are several leading blade of epithelial duct tape , including Gorilla tape , 3 MB , Duck , and T - Rex canal taping .
The product with one of the with child adhesive effectiveness is theT - Rex canal tape , which has a thickset glue worthy for repair oeuvre indoors and out on a host of challenging surfaces . We also had slap-up upshot with the stickiness of theGorilla Permanent All - Weather duct tapein our trial .
Gorilla tape measure , 3 M , and several other manufacturers make individual products that are waterproof , but not all duct tapeline is waterproof . Our cream for best overall , theLockport channel tape , is a waterproof channel magnetic tape .
Duct tape is resistant to attack , but high temperature can melt the adhesive agent , drying out the tapeand finally leaving it susceptible to flame .
Unfortunately , duct taping is not reusable . After it is removed , it should be confound in the garbage .
It ’s unvoiced to say on the nose how long epithelial duct mag tape will last after app due to the vast number of variable regarding thetype of tape recording , what it ’s applied to , and what condition it ’s under . Most manufacturer take it will last up to 12 months in storage without losing its stickiness . In our experience , it can last much longer .
Yes , for more information on this , see theAdhesive and Tensile Strengthsection above . In our tests , theGorilla Black channel tapewas the strongest .
As a generally inexpensive and effective product fora variety of sometimes - surprise uses , duct tape has more advantages than disadvantages , in our opinion . However , two of its main disadvantage are that it can sometimes have difficulty adhering to sure surface ( such as those that are uneven , marked-up , wet , painted , or excessively hot / cold ) , and it may leave a residue behind after removal .
Meet the Tester
Michelle Larson has been a writer and editor in chief for more than 10 years in the athletic field of wellness , commercial enterprise , and the home . After turn up in house that were always begin DIY’d and going camping essentially every summer , she consider herself pretty well versed in using and clapperclaw duct tape .
extra research provided by Timothy Dale and Andreana Lefton .
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