Originally designed for sealing heating and cooling ducts, this heavy-duty tape relies on a thick, soft adhesive layer that wets out rough surfaces easily. The cloth scrim provides high tensile strength in the machine direction while allowing it to be torn by hand across the roll. It is notorious for leaving a heavy, gummy residue when removed after long periods.
Grab a roll of duct tape and temporarily secure that loose cowling until we can rivet it.
Despite its name, standard duct tape is rarely used on actual HVAC ducts in professional settings, as the adhesive degrades and fails under thermal cycling.
Also heard as
- Duck tape
- Cloth tape
Related terms
PSA
Pressure-sensitive adhesive, the always-tacky layer on tapes and labels that bonds under finger pressure with no cure step.
Aggressive
Describing a tape or adhesive with high tack and strong immediate grab that is hard to reposition.
Wet-out
How fully a tape's adhesive has flowed into contact with a surface, often visible through clear parts.