The 10 Best Gaffer Tape
This wiki has been updated 20 times since it was first published in October of 2016. Although gaffer tape is primarily used to secure electrical wiring on movie and TV sets, it is extremely helpful for a variety of professional and casual projects. It is strong, conforms to surfaces, and won't leave a sticky mess behind when removed like duct tape tends to. Our selection includes both plain matte-black options for theater use as well as bright choices for color-coding and more. When users buy our independently chosen editorial choices, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Gaffer Power Premium
2. Pro Tapes Pro Gaff
3. Lockport 2-Inch
Editor's Notes
March 15, 2021:
In this update, we removed Devek Professional's Choice Premium due to availability concerns and AmazonBasics Black due to issues with quality. We also removed Glow King and the GreyParrot 6-Pack because upon further inspection, we found that they may not truly be "gaffer tape," though they were a suitable alternative in some instances.
We filled in the gap left behind by these colorful options with two offerings from Gaffer Power: Gaffer Power Glow and Gaffer Power Multicolor. The former glows brightly in the dark after it has been charged, which makes it useful for a wide range of applications, from marking safety hazards to creating fun party games. The latter is a five-pack of brightly colored rolls that don't glow in the dark but do glow brightly under a black light. Since it comes with 5 different colors, it can be helpful for color-coding.
New to the list, 3M GT2 is a quality product from a trusted brand. It's pricier than other options, but it's easy to work with and can stand up to the elements.
We also added Welstik Heavy Duty. This one won't provide as strong of a hold as others, but it's very affordably priced and comes in a variety of options, including different widths, lengths, and colors.
May 13, 2019:
When it comes to heavy-duty, reliable options, most know the names Gaffer Power Premium and Pro Tapes Pro Gaff for a reason. They're strong but can still be torn by hand, come in an admirable array of colors, and are thick and reliable. Of course, this superior quality makes them slightly more expensive than some choices, but for those who demand reliability, the cost is worth it. For more casual uses, like bundling cables behind a desk or even painting, the Lockport 2-Inch or AmazonBasics Black might be a better option. They're both budget-friendly and arrive with a fair amount, so you aren't likely to run out too soon. If you're planning on doing some removable decorating, then we think a multipack from Glow King is still a top choice. The colors are eye-catching and allow for plenty of personalization, although it should be noted that they do not actually glow in the dark; you'll need a black light. Finally, one note about longevity. While we have looked for strong options that will work for a variety of scenarios, gaffer's tape is not the best choice in every single instance. Choose it for its temporary nature and lack of annoying residue.
4. Gaffer Power Multicolor
5. 3M GT2
6. Gaffer Power Glow
7. XFasten Professional Grade
8. Eden Products Multipurpose
9. Shurtape P-661
10. Welstik Heavy Duty
Sheila is a writer and editor living in sunny Southern California. She studied writing and film at State University of New York at Purchase, where she earned her bachelor of arts degree. After graduating, she worked as an assistant video editor at a small film company, then spent a few years doing freelance work, both as a writer and a video editor. During that time, she wrote screenplays and articles, and edited everything from short films to infomercials. An ardent lover of the English language, she can often be found listening to podcasts about etymology and correcting her friends’ grammar.