A good duct tape for cold weather

duct-tapetape

I want to keep a roll of duct tape in my car for emergencies. I am in NY and some winter days are below freezing. I found an "all weather" duct tape that has a min hold temperature of 25F but min application temperature of 50F. I have been unable to find many other duct tapes min application temperatures. I wrote the 'Duck' company that makes duct tapes and they told me the tape with the lowest minimum application temperature is 50F and that adhesives just don't work well below that point.

Is there any duct tape that can be applied in cold weather? What tape do you guys use in cold weather?

Best Answer

Doing any kind of taping in cold weather is difficult. The specifics vary by brand as much as by type. I suggest you buy small rolls, stuff into your deep freeze, then attempt to use. This will allow you to reject types/brands that are impossible to get off the roll. By putting various sample surfaces in the freezer with them, you can test for adhesion to various surfaces.

Start with a google search for "cold weather tape" including the quotes for find tapes that are specifically meant for this use.

Problems associated with taping in cold weather:

  • The tape sticks too well to itself, and is difficult to get off the roll.
  • The tape doesn't stick to much of anything including itself, once peeled free.
  • Objects have frost on them, making adhesion difficult.
  • Fingers are cold and clumsy doing a job that can be tough enough with working fingers.

Tapes to try:

  • Common duct tape.
  • Gorilla tape. I think they use a different adhesive.
  • Gaffer's tape. Used in the movie/vid/audio industry. Doesn't leave a residue when removed.
  • Fiberglass reenforced clear tape. If it doesn't stick, tie it. Note: You cannot break this by hand. Requires a cutter.
  • Electrical (vinyl) tape

Alternative fastenings

  • zip ties. Note that the cold fingers problems can be acute with these.
  • double sided vecro tape. Has hooks on one side, loops on the other.
  • Small diameter rope -- paracord. Avoid the coarse weave poly propylene rope. Even at room temperature getting a knot to hold can be tricky.
  • Baling wire. (black iron wire about 1 mm diameter) easy to bend.
  • Snare wire. Finer, and stiffer than baling wire, usually galvanized or brass plated. Doesn't rust for a while.
  • shipping cling wrap.

Caution:

Duct tape loses something as it ages. Old duct tape seems to fall in love with itself, and the tape splits along the embedded fabric rather than peel free from the roll.

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