Topic: Where to buy gaff tape?

[Belexes]

I may need some gaff tape this weekend to secure my stand.  I went into a Menard's and all they had was duct tape.  Where should I be looking for gaff tape?

TIA.

[bluegrass_brad]

If you dont have time to buy online, go to a place locally that rents PA and Lighting equipment.  They often have rolls for sale at those places.

[dean]

Do a search here.  I don't have time at the moment but there's a thread with a great website that sells gaffe tape CHEAP, like $5 a roll.  It can cost up to $30 at a storefront retailer...

[bhtoque]

Do a search here.  I don't have time at the moment but there's a thread with a great website that sells gaffe tape CHEAP, like $5 a roll.  It can cost up to $30 at a storefront retailer...

Findtape.com

The 30yd white rolls are the best deal, and lighter to carry than the 60yd which is a big bonus.

JAson

[bhtoque]

http://www.findtape.com/product163/JVCC-GAFF30YD-Premium-Grade-30-Yard-Gaffers-Tape.aspx?cid=22&idx=4&tid=1&info=Sale%252fClearance

This is the link to the tape I was talking about.

They also have a new trial pack listed on the main page that seems cool.

JAson

[Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B)]

I saw gaffer tape at Guitar Center a few weeks back. Didn't look at the price.

[drewski1986]

Another stupid newbie question here but why gaffers tape (instead of duct tape)? 

[Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B)]

Another stupid newbie question here but why gaffers tape (instead of duct tape)? 

It doesn't leave a sticky residue.

[bhtoque]

Another stupid newbie question here but why gaffers tape (instead of duct tape)? 

It is also stronger and holds better in cold temperatures.

JAson

[aaronji]

If you need it in a hurry (don't have time for ordering from the web), try the local guitar shop...The one near my house stocks it, but, like deanlambrecht said, it ain't cheap (about 20 euros).

[vanark]

for those of you in the New England area, I found mine at the local Ocean State Job Lot store.  I think it was only $4 a roll.

[rokpunk]

tecnec or markertec will have it.
should run you about $20 for a roll.

[Nick's Picks]

partsexpress.com
1" and 2" rolls.  doesn't matter what it costs.  I"m still using my 2" roll from over a year ago, and I've over used it plenty of times.  my next roll will last 3 years.

[dean]

Do a search here.  I don't have time at the moment but there's a thread with a great website that sells gaffe tape CHEAP, like $5 a roll.  It can cost up to $30 at a storefront retailer...

Findtape.com

The 30yd white rolls are the best deal, and lighter to carry than the 60yd which is a big bonus.

JAson

+T - that's the one I was referencing.  I bought so much I'll never need to purchase it again!!  

Thanks JAson!

[Belexes]

I saw gaffer tape at Guitar Center a few weeks back. Didn't look at the price.

I procrastinated too long, so this may be my best option as I have a GC in town, but their prices are never friendly.  I think I am going to keep it in the packaging and if I don't use it, will return it and buy it online later on from one of the links provided. +T everyone.

[wbrisette]

I usually buy mine here: http://www.filmtools.com/

I like them a lot. They have a bunch of other useful things as well.

Wayne

[illconditioned]

Getting harder and harder to find in my experience.

Try a place that rents or sells PA equipment.  Not sure what your store is.

  Richard

[anodyne33]

You just need to get a job for a company that buys 4" rolls of Pro-Gaff by the case. 

[Patrick]

Seems like I always have some laying around, they just kind of appear in my car, gear bag, etc.  Last year when I was promoting shows on campus there would always be 2-3 rolls laying around that the band/sound people left on stage, so I am stocked up for at least a year or two.

I have bought a roll from findtape.com a while ago. Reasonable prices and very fast shipping.  Highly recommended!

[bhtoque]

I saw gaffer tape at Guitar Center a few weeks back. Didn't look at the price.

I procrastinated too long, so this may be my best option as I have a GC in town, but their prices are never friendly.  I think I am going to keep it in the packaging and if I don't use it, will return it and buy it online later on from one of the links provided. +T everyone.

As a last resort just buy a roll of duct tape and a bottle of goo-gone!

JAson

[Brian Skalinder]

As a last resort just buy a roll of duct tape and a bottle of goo-gone!

I assume you're kidding, but for those who don't "get it" - this is a terrible idea!  Not only is duct tape more destructive, but goo-gone may damage the surface to which you're applying it.

[wbrisette]

I assume you're kidding, but for those who don't "get it" - this is a terrible idea! 

I have in a pinch used duct tape to hold some cables in place and I can tell you first hand it's probably the worst idea ever! I ended up using mineral spirits to get off the adhesive, and even using that, it took me forever. I would have been better off simply tossing the cables and buying new ones. Gaffer's tape is really the only way to hold stuff and not leave a sticky residue. It might be expensive, but it's well worth it.

Wayne

[Belexes]

Duct Tape wallet:

http://www.rpi-polymath.com/ducttape/duct_tape_wallet.html#one

Wonder if gaff would work as well?

[bhtoque]

As a last resort just buy a roll of duct tape and a bottle of goo-gone!

I assume you're kidding, but for those who don't "get it" - this is a terrible idea!  Not only is duct tape more destructive, but goo-gone may damage the surface to which you're applying it.

Yeah. Guess I should have used more than 1 
Goo-Gone doubles a paint-gone. But on the plus side it makes everything smell orangy.

JAson

[Belexes]

Guitar Center had roll after roll (1" variety) of gaff set up at a display and grabbed one for about $12.

An employee there asked if it was the same as duct tape. I educated him.

I'm taping a rock concert in a chuch on Friday with a stand and without any clamps, so I need some gaff tape in case I have to secure to a pew and will probably secure the legs.

[Gutbucket]

In addition to the advantages already mentioned, gaff tape has a fabric base and tears nicely in both directions, both off the roll and lenthwize so you can split a long piece down the middle if needed.  The black variety is a flat non-reflective black that nearly dissappears if that's what you want.  You can remove and re-stick it. I've blacked out a stand with the wider stuff. It's just so much nicer in every way than duct.

Like Moke mentioned the 2" blue tape works fine for cables, it's low tack painter tape so it doesn't leave goo and is easier to tape long sections and is usually less $$ which is good for that app since taping down cables uses up alot of tape.  It's more available too but not nearly as strong.

[it-goes-to-eleven]

Permacel has worked well for me so that's what I get (and I frequently save and re-use it)..  I had a good experience ordering from The Tapeworks.  Since I often split the 2" tape into 1", I bought 1" tape this time (still have some 2" left).

I re-wind the tape on a small diameter aluminum tube so I don't have to carry as much weight/bulk in the field and can pocket it.

http://www.thetapeworks.com

[Gutbucket]

The fluorescent yellow is Guaranteed to catch roaches too.

Wasn't Permacel bought by Suretape and discontinued?

[JD]

I then tape a length of yellow caution tape over the cable run, and tape it down. The yellow caution tape catches peoples eye better than anything else that I've tried (save for floormats).
I've seen people stop their pace, to readjust their steps, so as to step clear of the cables.
Works great!

People probably think its some kind of crazy high voltage line run across the floor.   

[illconditioned]

Gaff tape is great for building gear too.

Apply hot melt glue to surface, then cover (while glue is hot) with gaff tape.  This type of fastening is called "glue-tape", used as a verb.  Borrowed this from my brother who builds even more crazy electronic contraptions than I do.

  Richard

[Brian Skalinder]

Black works great for a lot of situations.  But for taping my stand, or securing a cable run, to the floor, I love the fluorescent yellow.  Really catches peoples eyes.  And if it's a crowded situation, shining my little pocket flashlight to help people navigate around, rather than through, the gear / stand makes the fluorescent yellow jump out even more.

[Gutbucket]

..I love the fluorescent yellow.  Really catches peoples eyes. 

and apparently catches roaches! 

Richard, what's the purpose of the hot glue under the tape? Do you do that to stiffen stuff up or to 'pot' the wires and make a tape enclosure?

Mike, I spy no syrafoam wig head there.  Guess she never got the Korg recharged?  You could fashion her some nice gaff tape suspenders ala the duct tape wallet, Lancelot.

[Belexes]

The Wiki page:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaffer_tape

Sounds like it was written by TS'ers:

"Gaffer tape should not be compared to duct tape, a far cheaper product which does not tear cleanly and leaves a residue when removed."

 

[illconditioned]

..I love the fluorescent yellow.  Really catches peoples eyes.

Richard, what's the purpose of the hot glue under the tape? Do you do that to stiffen stuff up or to 'pot' the wires and make a tape enclosure?

Makes a strong bond.  The strength of the tape plus the "permanance" of the glue.  Works great!

  Richard

[Tapeholio]

A friend swears by the white cloth tape.  He says he likes it better than gaffer tape.  I haven't tried it..  Though some artists are very sensitive to visible rigging on stage so white tape would not be a good choice.

[heath]

hockey tape

[Tapeholio]

I put hockey tape on a pull up bar and some free weights and it stains my hands black.  Not sure what the white stuff would do. I ended up putting a bunch of talc on the black tape.

Maybe the adhesive tape for taping ankles, etc would be better?