GAFFER TAPE Type A, black, 50mm (reel of 50m)

ADHESIVE TAPES

Gaffer tape

Never, in the history of the Canford catalogue, has one single product raised such passions! Users have strong preferences about the Gaffer tape they want – and they don’t all agree with each other! To cater for this, we have extended the range of Gaffer tapes we stock to no less than five types! The differences between some types are extremely subtle, and the choice of which one to use is entirely personal preference, and budget. Some history is included for those baffled as to why we stock so many. All rolls are 50 metres in length, width as shown in the price line.

Type A	A shiny surface tape, medium density cotton fabric weave, easy to tear both crosswise and lengthwise. Comes off reel fairly easily, albeit noisily. This has been Canford’s standard type since 1984.
Type B	A shiny surface tape, medium density rayon fabric weave, almost as easy to tear both crosswise and lengthwise as type A. Comes off reel fairly easily, albeit noisily. Very slightly stronger adhesive than type A. In practice, this tape is virtually identical to type A, but from a different manufacturer. In the early 1990’s, this was the BBC’s standard type issued by their Central Stores.
Type C	A non-reflective, glare-free surface, fine weave fabric, very easy to tear cleanly and accurately both crosswise and lengthwise. Comes off reel very easily, and quietly. This type is what Canford, and many, but not all users, have previously called Camera tape.
Type D	A non-reflective, glare-free surface, slightly more matt than type C. Accepts ballpoint and even felt tip pen marking well. Tears crosswise and lengthwise very accurately, even very thin strips. Very malleable, lacquered cloth construction conforms to curves and angles well. Comes off reel very easily, and quietly. Virtually identical to type C, but from an American manufacturer, the “original Hollywood Gaffer Tape”. This type is also what Canford, and many, but not all users, have previously called Camera tape.
Type E	An eggshell matt surface, fine weave fabric, very easy to tear cleanly and accurately both crosswise and lengthwise. Quite hard to pull off reel, but comes off quietly. Marketed by the manufacturer as “Gaffa” tape.

Linen masking tape

Soft white linen tape with medium strength adhesive. Very easy to write on with ballpoint, felt tip pens and even pencil. Yet another type of tape that some users call camera tape! This is the tape often used to seal film canisters. 25mm ×50 metre rolls.

Double sided gaffer tape

50mm ×50 metre rolls. Self-adhesive on both side, useful for neat laying and securing of carpet or rubber matting.

PVC insulating tape

PVC electrical insulating tape, to BS3924. 33 metre rolls. Available in 12mm, 19mm and 25mm widths.

Self-amalgamating tape

Used frequently for making watertight external joints. When the tape is stretched, a chemical change is activated, and the tape then ‘amalgamates’ into itself, achieving a watertight joint. Material is polyisobutylene, which offers voltage insulation up to 40kV and temperature range –40°C to +90°C. Tape thickness 0.5mm, 10 metre rolls.

Ordering note: All tapes are priced and sold in rolls, unless otherwise indicated.