Tapes

Used in everything from domestic household tasks to large-scale industrial projects, tape offers a powerful, flexible yet easy-to-use method of fixing components together.

Whether you're looking for multi-purpose hardware tape or something more specialist such as rubber electrical tape, we're sure to have what you're looking for. As North America's leading supplier, we only stock tried and tested brands such as 3M, TapeCase and Brady.

Browse our range of hardware tape to find that which is best suited to your requirements. Read on for more information about the diverse products we stock and how they can be used.

What is hardware tape?

From competent DIY enthusiasts to seasoned professionals, everyone needs the right hardware tape in their toolbox. As one of the most versatile materials, tape is well-suited to a wide range of uses- from simple household jobs such as packing parcels to electrical projects.

With the ability to simplify complex manufacturing processes and hold together objects that may otherwise be incompatible, tape is the versatile and mess-free way to work. Although there are many distinct types on the market, hardware tape is often made from aluminium, foil, copper or cloth.

At RS, we stock different lengths, strengths, widths, materials, and colors of tape to suit your needs.

What is tape used for?

Tape is useful in a range of different professional and DIY applications. Making light work of everyday tasks such as packing parcels, it can be used for small day-to-day tasks or huge industrial projects.

Tape is most often used for electrical insulation but it can also be utilized for hazard signaling, lane marking and even mending or fixing upholstery or clothing.

What are the different types of tape?

It's important not to have a 'one-size-fits-all' approach to tape. From duct and gaffer to more specialist reflective or scotch tape- read on to find out about the diverse types and their uses.

• Single or double-sided tape can be used from everything from securing parcels to hanging pictures on the wall. Most tape is available as either single or double-sided, so you can choose the level of adhesion. For more serious jobs, double-sided tape such as 3M scotch tape proves the superior choice.
• Gaffer tape (otherwise known as 'Gaffa' or 'Gaffer's' tape) is a heavy-duty tape made from cotton, offering pressure-sensitive qualities and superior adhesion. It's also easily removable- making it widely used in theaters, films and productions.
• Duct tape is similar to gaffer tape. The key difference is that duct tape is made from rubber and coated in polyethene, rather than cotton. Whilst it's excellent for fixing objects together, it isn't completely waterproof.
• Reflective tape, as the name suggests, is ideal for use where lighting is limited. As a durable, robust adhesive option, it's used to mark areas or objects to ensure they are safe and visible. The likes of TapeCase's reflective tape are pressure-sensitive and recognized as engineering-grade. These durable properties mean it is suitable for use in adverse weather conditions and can withstand moisture and heat.
• Self-amalgamating tape (otherwise known as rubber electrical tape) does not contain any adhesive. Instead, this non-tacky silicone tape bonds when stretched. Because of its easy workability and insulating properties, rubber electrical tapes like the 3M electrical tape are frequently used to insulate wires or mend cables- even if working with high voltages.

What are the benefits of using hardware tape?

Not sure whether tape is the right solution for your project? Although it's not the only method of bonding two objects or surfaces together, some of the benefits of using tape include:

• It's quick, easy, and strong- You'll get plenty of structural strength while it also reduces damage to any conjoining materials.
• It's light- As tape is lightweight and thin, it won't weigh down your build.
• It works on virtually anything- Adhesive tape like that from 3M can be used to bond materials that might typically struggle with adhesion, eliminating incompatibility concerns.
• It's flexible- As you don't need to bond both surfaces, using tape ensures optimal flexibility.

Order industry-leading tapes from RS

As one of North America's leading tape stocker, you'll find our online shop full of durable, industry-standard tapes.

Make adhesion jobs simple with our range of hardware tape. To narrow down your options, apply the handy search filters and select by brand or function.

Browse our online collection and once you've found what you're looking for we'll pick, pack and ship your order right to your front door. If you're not sure which tape is likely to be most suited to the task at hand, get in touch with our team of product specialists. For more advice, guidance and support, visit our expert hub.