The Best Duct Tape

Your guide to this review today is by Cleaning expert Ben Murray
Published on
February 27th, 2019

Expert BioExpert Bio

Ben’s formal training and certifications in cleaning include the ASD (Advanced Structural Drying), AMRT (Applied Microbial Remediation Technician),
WRT (Water restoration technician), CCT (Carpet Cleaning technician), and bio hazard cleanup, as well as several other certifications from the IICRC. Ben has managed teams involved in cleaning projects around the United States. Ben’s passion for cleaning dates all the way back to keeping his rugby gear tidy while a young lad. Ben holds an undergraduate degree from Oxford, a Master’s degree from Oxford, and a mountain of hands on experience at the school of hard knocks.

The Cleaning Institute

When it comes to projects around the house or auto projects, duct tape can be a lifesaver. It can also just be a handy household item. There are so many uses for duct tape, including fixing a tent, patching a hose, fixing a hole in inflatable balls, catching flies, removing lint, quickly cleaning a surface, fixing leaks, mending, patching a bike tire, and more. Duct tape can also repair items like cans, bins, and containers, dustpans, and rakes. If you are in an area with heavy storms, you can reinforce your windows with duct tape to reduce the likelihood of them breaking and shattering. By doing this, if the window breaks and falls into the house, it will keep it from completely shattering into tiny pieces inside your home. The sticky multipurpose adhesive has helped people get out of all kinds of jams. It can also prove to be a great emergency or survival item to have on-hand. Originally, duct tape was created to keep ammunition dry. That shows the level of moisture it is able to repel and how it now has a multitude of different uses. When it comes to duct tape, they are not all the same. There are definitely differences across types and brands of duct tape. Many people have no idea what the differences are among duct tape types or brands. As it turns out, not all duct tape is created equal, and certain types of duct tape are better for some jobs than others. We decided to purchase a whole assortment of different duct tapes, put them to the test, and see what stuck to our list as the best.

Testing Categories

When it comes to duct tape, we wanted to understand the differences so that we could help you all choose the best options for your uses of the sticky magic tape. When analyzing and trying the different types of duct tape, there were a couple of major categories we tested. First, we wanted to know how well it adhered to a variety of surfaces. Would it stick to different types of surfaces? Would it stick to uneven surfaces? Would it even work on surfaces like brick that weren’t totally smooth? Second, we wanted to know whether it would withstand various temperatures and weather. Could it handle the hot heat of Texas or Arizona summers? Could it deal with very rainy seasons in Portland? Third, we put the duct tape to the test in regards to how much it could hold. Would it hold 4 pounds or 24 pounds? We tested the duct tape across the various categories and put together this list for you. We hope that you find the list to be very helpful, and do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about what was written here.

Top Pick

Gorilla Tape

Heavy duty, thick tape is like duct tape on steroids. Great for indoor or outdoor surfaces that are uneven like wood, bricks, and stone. The extra thick adhesive assures a smooth consistent grip.

Price Check

Most notable upside: Gorilla Tape is a top of the line duct tape. It is rugged and weather resistant with reinforced backing that withstands temperatures, moisture, and UV rays, which makes it perfect for both indoor and outdoor usage. Gorilla tape will last a lot longer after being exposed to moisture than most other brands. Even though the duct tape is extremely strong and well-made, it is still easy to use, with the ability to cut or tear by hand. The quality product easily allows for the smoothing out of air bubbles to create a smooth, pristine job.This tape also sticks to surfaces most other duct tapes do not like brick, stucco, wood, and stone. This tape has extreme strength and durability. The tight weave creates a strong, reinforced backing that still allows for tearing and cutting but holds up. This duct tape is extremely strong and durable. Gorilla tape has been tested and held products up to 28 pounds, whereas other tapes broke at 4 pounds. The quality and strength far surpasses traditional duct tape. With duct tape, there are endless uses. With Gorilla Tape, there are even more uses and capabilities, thanks to the strength and durability. The highly concentrated rubber based adhesive fills gaps and penetrates rough surfaces, which makes it a great option for holding pieces of projects together while working. This tape can easily patch a hose and withstand the water pressure running through the hose. If you are ready to remove the tape, it actually comes off quite well. Since it is such a strong, durable material, you can get under the edge and firmly pull it off without it falling apart like other brands. The adhesive lasts a very long time.

Biggest downsides: Gorilla Tape may not be ideal for curved surfaces due to its thickness and problem with getting it to curve. Not a good replacement for electrical tape on wires and such.

Honorable Mention

Duck Brand

Duck Brand duct tape is a great all-purpose product for everyday use around your house with better durability than everyday duct tape. Available in a variety of colors, strengths and technologies.

Price Check

Most notable upside: Duck Brand duct tape is a great duct tape option. The tape conforms to uneven surfaces really well, and it also tears easily without curling. It doesn’t stick and have spool issues like many other duct tape brands. A single roll has approximately 45 yards of sturdy, useful product, which makes it perfect for big or small projects. It is great for everyday household use, auto repairs, fixing a tear in a tent, and more. You can easily secure loose cards in place to keep them from becoming a tripping hazard. It is also great for cords on outside decor, like those for Halloween or Christmas. Many people have also used the sticky side as a fly trap. This product has a flexible, weather-proof bond, which makes it hold up in various weather situations. There is a thick, heavy-duty adhesive applied to a waterproof backing that creates extra durability for a very strong hold. It is ideal for securing and reinforcing the bottoms of heavy moving boxes or storage boxes to prevent items from falling through. The tape is easy to tear and seals tightly on the applied surface, with a very strong binding quality. The product repels moisture and maintains its seal through various temperature changes and moisture. The seal forms very tightly and securely.

Biggest downsides: Some users have reported a lack of stick and strength that may be because of storing issues.

Green Pick

BROADPACK Rubberized Waterproof Repair Tape

The BROADPACK Rubberized Waterproof Repair Tape offers excellent performance, is eco-friendly, and can be used on over 90 types of surfaces. It includes easy installation to patch and repair.

Price Check

Most notable upside: The BROADPACK Rubberized Waterproof Repair Tape can be used on almost every type of surface both indoors or outside, which includes wood, metal, stucco, plaster, cement, some plastics, vinyls, aluminum, copper, PVC, fiberglass, rubber, drywall, and concrete. It works immediately to seal under water to prevent leakage from occurring. The wide application of the duct tape makes it easy to use on gutters, downspouts, roofs, sprinkler systems, plumbing systems, walls, seams, doors, vents, DIY projects, air ducts, outdoor equipment, RVs and campers, personal watercraft, and canoes. It will remain intact and durable in -60 degrees Celsius to 50 degrees Celsius. The product is even UV resistant to ensure that it can withstand high temperatures, which makes it ideal to use outdoors. The application is also easy because the tape sticks easily onto clean surfaces. Different types of color shades are available to ensure that the duct tape blends in well on various surfaces. The tape measures four inches by five feet, which allows it to cover large surfaces. The adhesive is durable and strong to ensure that it sticks well.

Biggest downsides: The tape has a tendency to lift and can have difficulty sticking. The product does not flex the same compared to vinyl. The product is not as waterproof as it’s advertised to be, especially in showers where moisture is constantly present.

All Our Picks

Tips for Effective Duct Taping

One of the biggest problems with duct tape is peeling the tape from the end of the roll. Duct tape sticks firmly and is very sticky. You can avoid having to peel it off every time when you cut a piece and make a tab. Just fold a small end of the product over to create a tab. Use a knife or scissors for easier cutting. You can also tear off quickly by hand, but it will have a jagged edge. When you go to place the duct tape on a surface, place it on your hand and roll it off as you apply so that you create a smooth application. Make sure the surface is clear of dust and debris before applying it to ensure a better application and stick. It’s important to consider what you are applying the duct tape to and whether or not you need to remove it at a later date. You don’t want it to damage wood or paint upon removal. If you clean the surface first with rubbing alcohol before applying, you will have a much stronger and longer lasting stick.

A Note About Safety and Storage

Keep out of direct sunlight. Store the tape vertically rather than laying flat, preferably on a hook or on wax paper. Keep the rolls wrapped until ready to use. Always apply tape at room temperature. If the tape freezes, it will be okay to use, just wait until it reaches room temperature again.

The Best Duct Tape

Your guide to this review today is by Cleaning expert Ben Murray

The Cleaning Institute

Testing Categories

Gorilla Tape

Duck Brand

BROADPACK Rubberized Waterproof Repair Tape

All Our Picks

Gorilla Tape

Duck Brand

BROADPACK Rubberized Waterproof Repair Tape

Tips for Effective Duct Taping

A Note About Safety and Storage

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