Are All Packing Tapes Created Equal?

Packing Tape

So what makes one style of
packing tape better than the next? There are a few factors that play into this mix.

One factor is the strength of the tape. This is controlled by the clear film (or backing as it’s referred to in the industry) which is made from polypropylene film or sometimes PVC film. Most tapes are made from polypropylene film and vary in thickness from 1.7 mil (light duty) to 3.0 mil (extra heavy duty). Obviously the the thicker the mil thickness of the film, the stronger the tape is going to perform. For economic reasons, most companies order the 1.7 mil or the 2.0 mil since it also works with most packaging applications.

The next factor that makes packing tapes different is the type of adhesive used on the tape. The most popular type is called hot-melt adhesive which works well with most packaging applications and temperatures. Acrylic adhesive is used creating ultra-clear appearance and offers the longest shelf-life of all packing tapes. Finally there is natural rubber adhesive, which is the most aggressive adhesive for applications where ultra stickiness is needed. Usually companies with dust issues or low temperatures find the natural rubber carton sealing tape the most effective.

Use Teflon Shrink Wrap Tape to Secure Water Pipes

Do you need Teflon shrink wrap tape? Not sure if you do or not? Not even sure what Teflon shrink wrap tape is?

In brief, Teflon shrink wrap tape is a very thin shrink wrap tape that’s used to seal bags or wrap the ends of pipes. They’re usually applied to the threaded ends of those pipes so that the watertightness of the joints is improved.

So how do you use it on pipes?

To ensure secure joints on any pipes you may be working on, you should start wrapping the threads of the Teflon shrink wrap tape at the pipe’s end. Making sure not to cover any part of the end, which may cause problems with water flow, like reduced water pressure and even clogs.

Then make a couple of loops around the end. Wrap all the threads by overlapping by about half of the width of shrink wrap tape on each end. You’ll want to wrap in the direction of the threads, starting from one end and going down the length of the pipe. If you wrap the wrong way, the shrink wrap tape may come undone as you tighten it onto the pipe.

If you need to loosen or disconnect an already wrapped fitting, you will have to rewrap the pipe area with a fresh piece of Teflon shrink wrap tape. 

Craft Gifts out of Packaging Tape this Christmas

You may have heard of the packaging tape wallet, a great idea if you have teens on your list. But duct tape fashion doesn’t stop there.            

What about making a packaging tape handbag? And kids will love packaging tape rockets. For the movie fans on your list, let them live out their Indiana Jones fantasies with a packaging tape bullwhip, or give ‘em a shot at emulating the Caped Crusader with a packaging tape Batman mask.

However, if none of these fit your gift list this year and all you really need is packaging tape for all your holiday boxes and packages, then we have what you need at Packaging Supplies!

Shrink Film Rolls are a Cost-Effective Packaging Solution

Whether you need to secure large bundled items on a shipping pallet, or you need to bunch smaller items like boxes, you’ll find the shrink film rolls you need and other great packaging solutions at PackagingSupplies.com.

 

If you need to secure small groups, our narrow shrink film rolls can replace other, messier packing supplies and packaging products like tape and twine. Narrow shrink film rolls are a great investment as they’re not only easier to use than tape, twine or traditional strapping, but shrink film rolls are also cheaper. Plus, shrink film rolls can be recycled at most state and local recycling centers.

 

With our stretch film, there’s no residue and no fraying. Your packages will stay encased and secure. And when you order smaller shrink film rolls in sizes of either 3” or 5”, you’ll get a free plastic handle that makes binding and enclosing cases easier and faster. All dispensers are able to hold both 3” and 5” shrink film rolls.

 

Narrow shrink film rolls will stretch more than wider width shrink film rolls. But if you need the large shrink film rolls, then PackagingSupplies.com has you covered. Check out our larger shrink film rolls that range from 12” to 18”. Like the narrower shrink film rolls, these larger shrink film rolls offer a softer and quieter solution to traditional wrapping and securing materials.