Which Type is Right for You?
Toolboxes contain tools and often, tape. Whether you need a temporary or a permanent fix for something in the house, it is possible that something as simple as tape is a quick and easy fix. However, not all types are equal. There is a wide variety, and some are very specific as to their uses.
Duct (or is it Duck?)
Is it duct or Duck? Duct refers to the silver, super sticky tape a few inches wide originally used to repair heating and cooling ducts, whil Duck refers to the name brand. Whether you need a temporary fix for something in the house or even to make clothing – duct tape has an unlimited amount uses. It can buy you time until a professional makes permanent repairs.
Since the uses are too many to list here, check out Reader’s Digest for some great ideas.
Plumber’s
Made obvious by the name, plumber’s tape is used to repair plumbing issues. One example of why to keep it in your toolbox: changing a showerhead. You install your new shower head and it’s leaking. Take the showerhead off and tightly wrap the tape around the threads of the part that extends from the wall where the showerhead is screwed. Screw on the showerhead and the leak is gone.
Electrical
This type is also known as insulated and plastic. It is important to note that electrical tape is approved by the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) for specific electrical applications. If you have a frayed electric cord you can unplug the item, splice and reconnect the cord and wrap it until you can replace it.
Electrical tape is also handy in other ways. If you have a percussionist in a school’s band you may know that he/she wraps the drumsticks in order to have a better grip and helps the sticks last longer. Sabers and rifles are often wrapped by color guard for the same reasons.
Masking
This is a general household item, and you need to keep a roll in the toolbox. It’sis useful for “masking” areas you don’t want painted while painting. You can write on it, and label your tool box and tools . Make sure to check the tape when you purchase it so that you know it will work for painting.
Masking tape can be used for painting or buy the “blue” painters tape which is made by 3M. Both masking tape and painters tape come in many sizes from very narrow to very wide.
For information on what other tools to put in your toolbox, be sure to check out our tool list.
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