Duct tape is thicker and stronger than standard clear tape, making it more suitable for large or permanent repairs. To help you find the right roll for your needs, the This Old House review team has researched the best tapes available online. Here are our top recommendations.

 

Top 5 Plumbing Tapes

Best Traditional Tape: Gorilla Tape

Largest Wrap: Lockport Duct Tape

Best Color Choice: Duck Cloth Tape

Best Tear: 3M Duct Tape

Best Clear Tape: Gorilla Repair Tape

 

1. Best Traditional Tape: Gorilla Tape

 

This heavy-duty, double-thick duct tape is resistant to all weather conditions, including rain, sun and extreme temperatures. It is tightly woven to hold its shape on rough, uneven surfaces, including wood, stone, stucco, plaster and brick. You can use this tape indoors and outdoors.

 

Key Features

• Comes with a roll
• Measures 1.88 inches x 35 yards
• Silver color
• Additional quantities available 

 

2. Largest package: Lockport Pipe Tape

 

This duct tape has a natural adhesive that prevents residue from being left behind when you pull the tape off the surface. Despite the all-natural adhesive, the tape is sealed and waterproof. You'll receive 30 yards of tape per roll, allowing you to make multiple repairs with this five-pack.

 

Key Features

• Comes with five rolls
• Each roll is 2 inches x 90 feet
• Silver color
• Additional quantities available

 

3. Best color choice: Duck Cloth Tape

 

This tape is not heavy duty. It is best suited for light restoration work or artwork, and it works on most surfaces you encounter in these projects, including fabric, vinyl, leather, plastic, metal and laminate. For temporary floor markings, you can leave the tape in place for up to three weeks and then remove it without leaving a mark.

 

Key Features

• Comes with a roll
• Measures 1.88 inches x 20 yards
• Beige
• Other quantities and colors available

 

4. Best Tear: 3M Duct Tape

 

If you're working on a project that's not near an electrical outlet, having a reliable cordless sander may be a convenient alternative to connecting an extension cord. This product also comes with a one-handed locking dust collection bag to make cleaning a breeze.

 

Key Features

• Comes with a roll
• Measures 1.88 inches x 25 yards
• Silver color
• Available in other lengths and styles

 

5. Best Clear Tape: Gorilla Repair Tape

 

This pipe tape is perfect for outdoor use because it is waterproof, heat resistant and UV resistant. It will not lose its invisible qualities no matter what environment the tape is exposed to. It has a notched design that helps you find the right place to tear a piece off the roll.

 

Key Features

• Comes with a roll
• Measures 1.88 inches x 9 yards
• Clear color
• Additional quantities available

 

The best use for tape

 

There are few more versatile types of tape than duct tape. With its strong adhesion and easy tearability, duct tape can help you with major and minor repairs. While there are countless uses for duct tape, here are some ideas for using it around the house: 

• Repairing camping tents.
• Hanging lights.
• Hemming clothes.
• Opening stuck lids.
• Repairing garden hoses. 
• Protect the floor.
• Remove laundry lint.
• Remove debris.
• Remove sticker residue.
• Remove warts or blisters.
• Repair glasses.