How many rolls of tape do you have in your home? I have one or more of each of the following and I use them all the time.
Scotch Tape
While people often say, “scotch tape” in a generic sense, Scotch Tape is actually the brand name, trademarked by 3-M for cellophane tape, the first and still the most popular of it’s kind in the U.S. Scotch tape is a great product and has many more uses than can be recounted here, but for example, it is perfect for taping up the grocery list, fixing torn homework papers, repairing everything from book jackets to dollar bills, and of course for wrapping presents. Cellophane tapes are also available in wider widths for packaging, etc.
Masking Tape
Many people use it to “mask” objects, or to protect one area by holding paper in place over it with tape, while a nearby area is being painted, but there are also many uses for masking tape. Since it’s a bit heavier, it can be used for repairs to items other than paper, such as fixing the box that your favorite board game came in.
Painter’s Tape
There are many more offerings today when it comes to painter’s tape. These tapes are available in different widths, colors, and recommended uses from simple taping off to prep for painting to creating interest with designs or clean, straight lines.
Duct Tape
A miraculous product, duct tape is often called “duck” tape and there is a Duck brand name available, which also offers other products such as insulation, packaging supplies, and school/office supplies. This tape was originally used to seal seams in duct work, but can be used for nearly anything you can imagine from actually using it in its intended purpose to applying it to plastic, rubber, vinyl, and an assortment of other materials to make medium to heavy patches and repairs.