8 Best Duct Tapes (Review) In 2021
Ever since he was a child, Jason has loved repairing, building and creating things. Growing up, he spent all his free time carving intricate woodcraft pieces that soon caught the eye of neighbours and friends. Before he knew it, Jason turned his hobby into a job, earning an income from being his hometowns handyman. Many years have passed since then but Jason’s enthusiasm for woodwork remains the same. He can usually be found in his workshop, crafting furniture or restoring old treasures.
1. 3M Black Duct Tape
Key Features
Equipped with a strong adhesive lining
Water-resistant backing
Can be used for automotive fixes
Great strength and durability
Tears both vertically and horizontally
Suitable for temporary repairs
We’re starting our list off with a roll of duct tape that is versatile, strong, and super sticky. 3M is a brand that is renowned for delivering products that perform well even when put to the most strenuous tests – and this 3M Black Duct Tape lives up to their promising reputation. It’s great for bundling, taping cords, patching, reinforcing and so much more. It also conveniently tears vertically and horizontally for a flexible application. Perfect for temporary repairs, we recommend this item for general home use.
Pros
You get a lot of tape for a low price
The adhesion is good enough for basic fixes
Its thin design allows it to lie almost flush with surfaces
Cons
Lacks stiffness which makes it harder to use for more intricate projects and repairs
2. Duck White Duct Tape
Key Features
The roll measures 1.88 inches x 20 Yards
Available in a wide assortment of decorative colors
Designed for multipurpose use
Conforms well to uneven surfaces
Tears easily by hand without curling
Weather-resistant and durable
Measuring a humble 20 yards, this roll of white duct tape should be a standard addition to any home. It’s been designed for multipurpose use and is great for quick fixes and for use in craft projects. It’s also available in an assortment of other decorative colors – although white is the most practical. If you are looking for a roll of duct tape that gets straight to the point and can quickly be torn by hand for temporary and hassle-free repairs, then Duck White Duct Tape is a viable option.
Pros
Does not leave any unsightly residue when removed from surfaces
Comes in a range of unique colours
Very durable
Excellent value for money
Cons
Does not work well for heavy-duty fixes
The corners tend to curl up after a while
3. Boboyou Pro Industrial Duct Tape
Key Features
Features a high-tack natural rubber adhesive system
Tear-by-hand duct tape
Designed for industrial and commercial use
Two rolls in a pack
UV, temperature, and water-resistant qualities
Adheres easily to uneven surfaces
If you’re looking for heavy-duty cloth duct tape, then this roll by BOBOYOU won’t let you down. Described as “duct tape on steroids”, or super glue among duct tapes, it will stick to most surfaces including wood, concrete, plaster, etc. The Boboyou Pro Industrial Duct Tape is also UV, temperature, and water-resistant making it an extremely durable option that can be used in an assortment of environments. As a bonus, you get two rolls in a pack, which will provide you with 120 yards of tape (making this an economic purchase for builders and handymen).
Pros
Does not damage items or leave a nasty a residue when removed
Superiorly strong with extra adhesion
Very useful when it comes to pipe repairs
Durable and has been made to last in any type of environment
Cons
Quite costly
There are a few complaints that it does not work well for sealing boxes
4. Gorilla Black Duct Tape
Key Features
Double-thick adhesive strength
Suitable for use on uneven surfaces
Rugged weather-resistant shell
Can be used in numerous different environments
One roll measure 12 yards
Tough, reinforced backing
Living up to its namesake, this roll of waterproof duct tape is as fierce and as mighty as a Gorilla. The Gorilla Black Duct Tape has a tough and tightly woven durable double-thick adhesive grip and can withstand extreme temperatures. Its superiorly strong adhesive nature allows it to stick to uneven and rough surfaces well and you can even apply it to more stubborn surfaces such as brick, plaster, cement, stone, and wood. And as tough as it is, it can be ripped by hand without much fuss – adding to the product’s overall convenience. This one may also pass as a good replacement for carpet tape, due to its’ various application options.
Pros
Very easy to tear strips off with your hands
The most versatile duct tape options
Good strength and water-resistance
Seals water leaks with no problem
Cons
There is not much duct tape on one roll
Costly option
5. Duck Max Strength Duct Tape
Key Features
Hand tear-able duct tape for quick application
Waterproof backing for long-term repairs
Great stretch and conformability
Ideal for heavy-duty and industrial applications
High tensile strength
Available in an assortment of colors
Duck Tape makes a second appearance on our list, this time with their Max Strength Duct Tape that’s been designed for industrial purposes. The roll features an aggressive rubber-based adhesive for excellent holding power, making it a great option for professional use. It sticks well to most surfaces including wood, masonry, plastic, and glass – it can also be used for sealing, bundling, and waterproofing. Suitable for indoor and outdoor use, Duck Max Strength works effectively in all sorts of temperatures and environments.
Pros
Made from premium-grade materials for professional use
Works well with many different surfaces
Affordable industrial duct tape option
Doesn’t leave any adhesive residue behind when removed
Cons
Can leave loose or bent edges
6. Sticky Ass Tape 35 Yards Tape
Key Features
Has three layers of super sticky adhesive
Roll is 1.81-Inch by 35 yards long
Web Tech Triple reinforced backing
Guaranteed to withstand the strongest win
Water and weather-proof outer shell
Hand-tears easily
Despite its humorous name, Sticky Ass Tape 35 Yards Tape means serious business. Made with three thick sticky adhesive layers, its selling point is that it can withstand 200 MPH winds while bonded to any surface-type (including metal, brick, concrete, stucco, rock, plastic, wood, and glass). As stubborn as an “ass”, this waterproof duct tape is reliable for all sorts of applications and it is suitable for industrial use too. You can also rip a piece off easily, but it’s not flimsy and doesn’t leave loose edges.
Pros
Strong but thin and lies conveniently flush with surfaces
Much stickier than many other duct tape brands
Suitable for industrial use and is often used by builders
Doesn’t leave bits of adhesive behind when removed from surfaces
Cons
Not 100% water-resistant
7. Gaffer Power Heavy Duty Duct Tape
Key Features
Manufactured under the strictest quality assurance guidelines
It’s easy to tear into strips
Waterproof duct tape
It’s tough, durable, and not prone to wear and tear
It has good resistance to extreme cold and heat
Ideal for commercial and industrial use
Designed from extra-thick cloth, this gaffer tape is extra thick, extra sticky, and ultra-reliable. It’s more suited to fixes and repairs than for arts and crafts – although it’s creative uses are seemingly endless. Sold as a safety tape, you’ll find that Gaffer Power Heavy Duty Duct Tape adheres to rough and uneven indoor and outdoor surfaces effortlessly. It can also keep moisture out of areas where it is used and can withstand wear and tear for long periods of time. While it’s certainly not the cheapest duct tape on our list, it’s also not the most expensive.
Pros
This duct tape adheres to just about anything
It seals punctures very well and lets hardly any air through
Completely waterproof
Cons
It’s one of the more expensive duct tapes
It’s difficult to pull the layers off from the roll
8. XFasten Super Strong Duct Tape
Key Features
Equipped with a polycarbonate backing
Can endure extreme hot and cold temperatures
Sticky enough to work well on wet surfaces
Supports a thick and aggressive adhesive
Roll provides 30 yards of duct tape
Can be torn by hand and is easy to install
This duct tape has been designed to take a beating! It can endure extreme temperatures without cracking or sweating and unraveling. It can be used on wood, tiles, concrete, tarp, card, and textiles – making it another versatile option for multipurpose home use. As a plus, this XFasten Super Strong Duct Tape also works well on wet surfaces such as boat seats and outdoor spaces.
Pros
More affordable than many other duct tapes and works just as well
Durable and extremely sticky
Tears neatly for a clean finish
Has reliable waterproofing properties
Cons
Might have a strong toxic smell
Features To Consider With Duct Tapes
For some, one roll of duct tape may be just as similar to the next. But for those who rely on the material often for repairs and crafts, the nuances are notable. When shopping for duct tape, we, therefore, encourage you to look out for the following features: color, durability, length, and strength.
Color
Duct tape has grown to become such a popular household commodity that companies now manufacture this product in almost any color and pattern imaginable. If you are looking for an industrial brand, however, then you will have fewer color options because the quality is a priority over aesthetics. But the inexpensive, decorative style duct tape varieties are great perfect for arts and crafts.
Durability
If you are looking for duct tape to help you with repairs, then you'll want something that's not going to be prone to wear and tear. As a rule of thumb, if you have a lot of trouble finding the edge of the tape on a roll, then the quality of the tape is probably not that great. Durable duct tape will be thick and finding the edge on the roll won't be a hassle.
Length
Rolls of duct tape vary in length. They typically measure anywhere from 12 yards to 60 yards. If you use duct tape often, then it may be more economical to invest in a longer length but if you use it infrequently, 12 yards can still give you plenty of tape to work with over the months or even years.
Strength
Duct tape varies in strength. Industrial types are generally your strongest options and will have two or sometimes even three adhesive layers that will help with more solid repairs. If you're looking for tape for general home use or for crafting with, then the thinner tapes will work just as well and will be easier on your pocket.