Best Duct Tapes

Even if you’re not exactly a handyman and don’t spend your free time fixing up cars and mending broken things, a roll of the stickiest tape available will do you good. For example, something like the Gaffer Power GPDUCT2X25 can be used to keep a bike tire from deflating or cover up a hole that needs some water resistant protection.

What makes this particular type great for tires and other uses where the tape has to withstand wear and tear is the high elongation range of 14%. You can stretch it hard without worrying about the tape losing its grip on the object. Now, admittedly, this comes at the expense of storage convenience as the Gaffer Power type is one of the stickiest out there. This means that if you leave the tape lying on its side, it might stick to the tool box or whichever surface it’s lying on. And it’s not a no residue duct tape either so you might have to clean off some traces to keep the surfaces looking clean.

In addition to being quite stretchy, this roll is pretty long as is with 25 yards. Besides, it has weather-resistant backing so you can use it for fixing stuff outside of your home. The tape will hold in all weather and even the strongest wind won’t tear it off as this product is pretty thick at 17 mils. This is the kind of tape you could plausibly use to plug up a water-carrying pipe.

All in all, if you’re ready to pay just a tad more and get an all-purpose and extra reliable product, the Gaffer Power GPDUCT2X25 tape is a wonderful choice. It might just be the best duct tape you could find as long as you don’t mind the stickiness.

Need the stickiest tape that won’t be stumped even by an uneven and coarse surface? Try the Gorilla TV205982, a product which earned its name by gripping any surface you apply it to as hard as a gorilla would.

The adhesive here is one of the strongest formulas we’ve seen and it’s applied in dual layers. This way even as time goes on and one might weaken, the other will keep its grip and extend the service life of the tape. And though it’s 15 mils thick, you can easily tear off a piece of tape using only your hands.

Admittedly, the double-thick layer of adhesive might be good for plastic, metal, and all other surfaces but it’s a double-edged sword. If or when you decide to peel the tape off, you’ll be left with some noticeable residue so don’t stick it to any objects that you want to keep looking good as new.

The roll itself is 35 yards long with 1.88” of width, not the highest we’ve seen but pretty much the average. We’d estimate that one roll should be enough for many months of use, especially thanks to the reliable weather-resistant backing and the sticky adhesive on it.

So purchasing the Gorilla TV205982 nets you 35 yards of pretty wide adhesive tape that will hold on any surface for years. Its strengths are apparent and the fact that it’s fit for both indoor and outdoor use makes it a versatile tool for any arsenal.

Not all cases call for the use of extra-thick duct tape, especially ones where you need to cover up a tear or a hole but still keep the surface relatively smooth. For these types of issues, we recommend the Duck 394468, a roll of thin yet sturdy adhesive tape.

Yes, even though this product has a thickness of just 8 mils, it’s strong and won’t tear or get peeled off that easily. Well, that is unless you’re talking about tearing off a piece from the roll, which can be done by hand without applying too much force. Plus, the backing here isn’t just weather-resistant but grooved so it’s easier to grip as you try to get a piece of the right length. This doesn’t affect stickiness as the Duck tape clings steadily to any surface you might apply it to.

Now, admittedly, the tape does tend to lose its color after a few weeks of exposure to sunlight but we hope you’re not buying adhesive rolls for their looks. This is a very minor con considering that no weather will actually affect the stickiness of the Duck 394468. Besides, there are 45 yards of it in one roll so you can slap a new piece on after the old one fades.

Considering that it’s also one of the most budget-friendly options, we’re willing to forgive the small design flaws of the Duck 394468, especially since it’s great at sticking and that’s what matters most. This is an affordable and smart option if you need a thinner type of tape.

When you’re working on a big project or building something that needs to last for years, even something as simple as duct tape has to be of the highest quality possible. If you’re concerned with tearing and durability, choose the T-Rex 240998.

The tape has a special high tensile woven scrim that’s placed between the backing and the adhesive layer. This prevents the tape from coming apart even under tension or pressure, extending its service life. That also ups the thickness of the tape to 17 mils, making it more viable for uses where it will have to support high weight.

If you’re worried not about the tape getting torn (which, by the way, is a bit tough to do by hand) but about the adhesive wearing off, don’t be. This product has a double layer of the sticky formula so it holds on for longer than most. And the backing is weather-resistant so you know that no water will seep through and dilute the adhesive. In fact, the tape is tested and proven to withstand up to 200°F so you can use it both indoors and outdoors in any weather.

With all that said, you’ve probably already seen enough and can tell whether you need an industrial-grade roll like the T-Rex 240998. It may be overkill for basic home use but craftsmen and those that need additional protection on their repairs shouldn’t hesitate to get this roll of tape.

Though this might surprise you, even mundane products such as duct tapes have famous brands associated with them. And that means that even if you know little about the tape and what you might have to use it for, you can rely on the brand name to make your choice. In this case, we have to mention the excellent 3M 2929 Utility.

Now, don’t get us wrong, the brand name isn’t what makes this roll great. For one, you get 50 yards of tape at once, enough for a year or more of regular use. And it’s extra-thin at 5.8 mils so you can use it for fixing up tires and other surfaces that need to be kept smooth. Besides, it’s pretty discreet with no shine on its backing.

Speaking of the backing, we do have to admit that it’s not the best in terms of weather resistance. For once, it’s not waterproof so you won’t be able to use the 3M 2929 to plug up pipes and similar objects. But we’d say it’s remedied somewhat by the fact that the tape itself has great adhesive that sticks to any surface. Plus, what’s great is this is a no residue duct tape so you can put it on surfaces without worrying about having to clean them off later.

In the end, while it might not be the top pick for outdoor use, the 3M 2929 Utility proves that a renowned brand brings some considerable quality with it. This is a great mid-range tape with excellent adhesive properties and it’s a fine choice for home use.