11 Surprisingly Useful Types of Tape You Probably Don’t Own, But Should

Whether you're prepping for a move, planning to paint, doing some plumbing, or even handling electrical work, there's a tape perfect for your needs. Tapes come in a wide range of sizes and have varied adhesive strengths, durability, resistances, and purposes, making them essential for DIY projects, moving, and various professional industries.

We consulted with experts to break down the most common types of tape every homeowner and renter should know about.

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• 01 of 11

  Painter's Tape

  

  Common application: Protecting unpainted surfaces from paint or stain.

  Painter's tape is a top choice for DIY enthusiasts looking to paint the inside or outside of their home. This tape can be applied to various surfaces and doesn't leave behind sticky residue when removed. However, because it doesn't have a strong adhesive, it can be affected by temperature changes and moisture.

  "Painter's tape is a fantastic option for protecting surfaces without causing damage. We use it for labeling boxes, bundling light items, or holding appliance doors or drawers shut during moves," says Charles Chica, Co-Owner of CT Best Movers.
  

• 02 of 11

  Duct Tape

  

  Common application: Sealing ducts and general purpose repairs.

  Almost everyone is familiar with duct tape and has used it for various purposes.

  Ashlyn Kreshel, Director of Operations at UniMovers, says duct tape is "versatile for quick fixes and temporary repairs, though not ideal for high heat or long-term storage." While it's often used to seal ducts, it can also handle basic repairs, but may leave sticky residue and can be tough to remove.
  

• 03 of 11

  Packing Tape

  

  Common application: Securing boxes and other containers.

  Packing tape is typically used to pack up boxes for storage or during a move. It is durable and strong yet can generally be removed without leaving residue.

  "We prefer high-quality packing tape for boxes because cheaper alternatives often fail in humid basements or freezing garages," Chica says.
  

• 04 of 11

  Masking Tape

  

  Common application: Masking areas, labeling, and light-duty packing.

  Masking tape can serve as a quick substitute for painter's tape to mask off walls, baseboards, and other areas you don’t want to accidentally paint.

  It can also be used for light-duty packing, though its adhesive isn’t very strong, so it’s best for creating a protective barrier rather than keeping containers closed.

  Kreshel says masking tape is "easy to use and write on, and often used for labeling, but it's too weak for sealing boxes."
  

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• 05 of 11

  Electrical Tape

  

  Common application: Wrapping, insulating, and securing electrical wires.

  Electrical projects around the house can be made much easier with electrical tape, which has an elastic backing made of rubber, vinyl, varnished cambric, or mastic, allowing it to act as an insulator for electrical currents.

  Jason Tharp, Master Plumber at Patriotic Plumbing, says electrical tape is "essential for minor wire repairs and insulating electrical work. It wraps exposed wire or connections to insulate safely."

  However, this type of tape doesn’t have the adhesive strength for sealing boxes or making repairs outside of electrical work.
  

• 06 of 11

  Carpet Tape

  

  Common application: Stopping rugs from moving on smooth surfaces.

  Carpet tape is used to prevent area rugs and carpets from sliding, so you don’t have to worry about them constantly slipping or shifting out of position.

  It’s a double-sided tape with medium-strength adhesion and won’t leave a sticky residue. However, it’s not suitable for repairs, packing boxes, or sealing.

• 07 of 11

  Drywall Tape

  

  Common application: Drywall repairs and sealing drywall joints.

  Apply drywall tape to the gaps between drywall or over small holes to create an effective seal when used with joint compound.

  This type of tape is designed to help hold the wet joint compound in place while it dries, though some manufacturers make drywall tape that can be used in place of joint compound.

  It’s a specialty tape mainly used for its intended purpose.

• 08 of 11

  Gaffer Tape

  

  Common application: Securing cables and equipment or making temporary fixes.

  Often referred to as "thick tape," gaffer tape is common in the entertainment industry but can also be useful at home.

  Use gaffer tape to secure wires, cables, and other electrical equipment, or for basic repairs.

  "Similar to duct tape but leaves less residue and is more flexible, gaffer tape is excellent for temporary fixes without the mess," Tharp says. However, note that it has limited water resistance and tends to be more expensive than duct tape.
  

  Continue to 9 of 11 below
• 09 of 11

  Mounting Tape

  

  Common application: Mounting lightweight objects.

  Driving nails and screws into walls to mount decorative items isn't always the best choice, especially in rental units where even small holes may not be allowed. Mounting tape lets you mount objects to a variety of materials, including plastic, metal, wood, drywall, or even glass and brick.

  Generally, mounting tape can hold up to 15 pounds, making it ideal for picture frames, mirrors, artwork, or small spice racks. This double-sided tape doesn’t offer high moisture resistance or durability, so avoid using it for repairs or in high-moisture areas like bathrooms.

• 10 of 11

  VHB Tape

  

  Common application: Replacing mechanical fasteners like screws and rivets.

  One of the strongest types of tape available, VHB stands for Very High Bond tape. It has incredibly powerful adhesive strength and durability, making it suitable for permanent bonds in place of mechanical fasteners like screws, rivets, and welds.

  Its strong adhesive makes it tough to remove, often requiring specialized tools or techniques, and it’s not ideal for temporary repairs. VHB tape also tends to be more expensive than traditional adhesives and fasteners.

• 11 of 11

  Plumber's Tape

  

  Common application: Improving plumbing joint seals.

  Also known by the brand name Teflon tape, plumber's tape is a staple in the plumbing industry.

  While it doesn’t have any adhesive, making it unsuitable for any use outside its designated purpose, plumber’s tape is excellent for improving plumbing joint seals and preventing leaks.

  Tharp says plumber’s tape is "crucial for sealing threaded pipe connections and preventing leaks. Many homeowners don’t realize how effective and necessary it is for even simple plumbing jobs."
  

• What is the difference between masking tape and duct tape?

  Masking tape is a paper-backed tape designed for temporary adhesion, allowing it to be removed without leaving residue. It is mainly used for masking areas for protection, creating clean lines, and packing boxes. Duct tape, on the other hand, is typically cloth-backed, offering high strength and tear-resistance. With its strong adhesive and durability, duct tape is ideal for more permanent or semi-permanent tasks like sealing air ducts or making lasting repairs.

• What type of tape holds the best?

  The best tape for holding depends on the specific situation. VHB tape has exceptional adhesive strength and durability, sometimes replacing traditional fasteners. Tharp also observes that "duct tape is typically the go-to for general use. However, mounting tape or industrial-strength double-sided tape often outperforms it for more permanent, high-load applications. For sealing and durability, foil tape and self-fusing silicone tape are hard to beat."

• What is the thick type of tape called?

  When someone mentions thick tape, they are usually referring to gaffer tape. This heavy fabric tape is commonly used in the entertainment industry to secure cables and other equipment, but it can also be useful at home. It's durability is similar to duct tape, but it leaves less residue and tends to be more flexible, making it good for temporary fixes.