Tape! Would you like to know more?

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Starship Troopers reference! Hahaha, I crack myself up…

There are lots and LOTS of different kinds of tape. If all you use is duct tape or scotch tape, you may be robbing yourself of really, really geeky opportunities to try out different kinds of tape!

What do you need tape for? Securing objects? Silencing objects? Reducing glare? Marking and visibility?

Duct tape: 
“Duct tape is like the Force. It has a light side, a dark side, and it holds the universe together.” This is a pretty versatile tape, but it’s not without it’s drawbacks. And it’s not used on ducts. http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/myths/duct_tape.html Duct tape dries out and is pretty disgusting, not to mention it gets residue everywhere.

Scotch tape: 
Fine around the office, but not for much else. This clear, ubiquitous tape doesn’t have great adhesiv or holding qualities. That’s fine for papers and documents, but not for EDC. It’s small size also limits its versatility. If you have to use it, get the crystal clear versions. It’s much more beautiful and more versatile. There’s just something better about the crystal versions, ok?

Electrical tape: 
Great for insulating electronics! Pretty tough and sticky. Leaves goo EVERYWHERE if it’s left on too long or it sits in the heat. Difficult to tear, pretty much needs to be cut.

So what can use you use instead of duct or scotch tape?

Gorilla Tape! 
First choice to a new world of tape. Yes, it’s more expensive. That’s because you’re getting more for your money. Gorilla Tape is extra strong and extra adhesive and is worth its weight in myrrh. It’s thicker than duct tape as well, but I hardly think that’s a bad thing. If you need to use it as padding, it’ll work even better. I keep some (about 2 ft) wrapped around a credit card in an altoids tin. Beware, this leaves heavy residue. Use it when you need something to stick and not go anywhere. You can usually pick this up anywhere you buy plain ol’ duct tape.

Gaffer’s Tape! 
One of my personal favorites. This is extremely versatile tape. Sticks as well if not better than duct tape (in my experience), but so much prettier. It’s usually matte black which makes it excellent for anything you want to make matte black. It also leaves very little, if any, residue on whatever you put it on. That makes it better. I use it the way everyone uses duct tape. And since it has a cloth back, it also works to provide a little grip if you need to use it that way. Buy it in any other color than black and it works infinitely better than duct tape for marking because Sharpie markers do REALLY well on this stuff. Beats duct tape in everything… except price. This is a little pricey, sorry L If you’re not buying it online, you can usually find it in music stores, like Guitar Center.

Glow Tape! 
It glows. Do you need to know more? GLOW IN THE DARK TAPE!!!! OMG!!!  It’s usually a little thick too and isn’t as pliable as you’re probably used to tape being. But it GLOWS!!! Doesn’t stick real well, so you might have to work around that.

Spike Tape! 
I use this stuff for marking. It’s high visibility tape. Think of it as highlighter for the outside world. Very much like Gaffer’s Tape, but typically pretty narrow, only ½”. Little residue.

Reflective Tape! 
Exactly what it sounds like. Works like reflective pieces on some bikes, vests, and bags. Put it on everything you want to be reflective. It’s pretty pricey, but if you want high, HIGH visibility, use this stuff. Since you usually want it to stay on, if you’re using this on an non-hard surface, like a bag, I’d staple, safety pin, or stitch the edges down.

Sport Wrap! 
Self-adhering bandage, self-cling camouflage wrap, this stuff goes by lots of names. It’s an interesting piece. One of my employers gave me some and I’ve been using it on everything. Since it clings to itself, it leaves ZERO residue. It stays on in the wet. It’s GREAT cushioning! It’s tacky and adds grip, even when wet! Reduces glare! I use it to secure additional webbing on backpacks, to silence bits of my keychain and other gear, and to add grip to my hatchet and twisty flashlights.

Double Sided Tape: 
Exactly what it’s named. But if you want the craziest, most awesome version of this, go with Loctite’s Power Grab. This stuff WILL NOT LET GO. It’s kind of insane. I don’t know if it leaves residue or not since I’ve never had it come off.

Medical Tape: 
Doesn’t hurt NEARLY as badly as duct tape! You still don’t want to leave this on exposed skin too long as it’ll contribute to skin breakdown, but it’s miles better than duct tape or electrical tape on your skin since it’s breathable. It doesn’t stick real well to stuff, but it’s great for temporary applications.

Clear Packing Tape: 
(From ac7ss): Besides the obvious (closing boxes) it is perfect for ‘Laminating’ wallet sized paper items. The standard width is the same width as a credit card, it is clear and will protect the first surface of the paper it is applied to against water and wear. I use it currently on my CWP (Washington expects a little piece of paper to last years), Ham license (to last 10 years), Medical Certification (only 2 years at a shot), First Aid/CPR (same 2 years)… I think you get the idea. It remains flexible and will not de-laminate in your wallet. I have also used it to reinforce the RF shield sleeve for my enhanced Driver’s License.

(defuse kit): Use the clear, CLEAR stuff! It’s the best clear tape out there 

Painter’s Tape:
No residue, extremely thin. Use it in its original purpose and it’s amazing. I don’t usually use this because it doesn’t hold well and it’s not extremely versatile.

Hockey tape and/or Tennis tape:
I love this stuff for additional grip on sport equipment, like tennis racquets and hockey sticks, but I’m leaning towards Sport Wrap for this application now. Use it if you have it laying around, but try out Sport Wraps if you don’t already have Hockey/Tennis tape.

Grip Tape:
Yes, the stuff that goes on skateboards. You can put it on other stuff too! People put it on knives, but I’d limit it to small portions under pocket clips for additional retention if you’re iffy on your clip. But otherwise I’d stick to Sport Wrap.

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