More Tapes for Your Toolbox

Tapes for the Toolbox, Part 2

 

In our last post, we discussed some of the most versatile tapes to have around the home. While it’s good to have multipurpose tools like that readily available, sometimes a more specific tape is the one for the job, as it will perform better than a repurposed alternative. Considering how little room a roll can take up, it’s not a bad idea to have some specialized types ready at hand.

 

Double sided tape, for instance, is a great one to have for crafts and light home improvement work alike as both a permanent or temporary solution. From mounting poster boards to DIY home studio projects, the tape is a great alternative to glue, especially where liquid glue might be messy. Outside of the home, it’s popularly used to affix foam sound insulation, securing carpets and rugs at events and secure construction work. Take it indoors and put it work on your next job.

 

The dual adhesive keeps it out of sight and allows for an even application. Many home crafters use it for scrapbooking, wallpapering and more. It’s even great in a pinch in place of fashion tape, helping hems stay up and keeping straps in place. Just be sure to test it first to make sure there’s no residue left on your delicate fabrics.

 

Magnetic tape may be more single purpose, but it does one job, and does it well. By replacing taping, tacks and pushpins, you can now mount anything with magnets easily. You can also use it to magnetize already-mounted items like whiteboards, without a fuss. As many surfaces around the house are likely already magnetic, like appliances and vehicles, you probably don’t need anything else to get full utility out of the tape.

 

It’s simple to use for crafts, do it yourself projects around the house, and more. Make sure the tape is applied to a clean, dry surface and is set firmly before hanging weight off of it. A little care goes a long way in making it an effective part of your toolbox.

 

Like the above, power patch tape is an effective, though more single-use oriented, tape to keep on hand. Also known as flex tape, this is for jobs for when substantial rips and tears need to be taken care of. It’s perfect for outdoor jobs, like window screens, tarps, home gutters and more. Look for tape made with butyl, ensuring that the surface is waterproof and resistant to cold and heat; you can be assured that the tape can stand up to days (and longer!) at a time, just in case a more permanent solution needs to be sourced.

 

When you’re in a pinch, it’s worth it to have tapes like these on hand. Being caught off guard can be one of the most stressful things as a property owner or renter. Having the right tools for the repair, whether for several hours or days, is critical for maintenance and emergency mitigation. Tape is compact, lightweight, and, thanks to its roll shape, can be stored in a stack or hanging by a hook. So, the next time you’re cleaning out the garage, maybe hang on to that roll of tape -- it could come in handy!