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The Best Heavy Duty Packaging Tape

Last updated on February 21, 2022

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Adhesive tape was invented in 1845 by a surgeon named Dr. Horace Day, who applied a rubber adhesive to fabric strips to make a surgical tape. Packing tape has been around for a long time, as well, of course.

With so many more people shopping online these days, manufacturers compete to create stronger and more reliable products than ever. The best ones out there are quick-sticking, long-lasting and durable and make it easy to protect shipping labels and seal up packages.

You can buy a packing tape dispenser that holds the tape on a roll. You then pull out the tape, stretch it over the box and cut off the end of the tape with the dispenser’s sharp edge. You can buy rolls of tape in bulk and replace them on the dispenser as needed. Some brands have built-in disposable dispensers, which are more manageable, but these can be more expensive.

For the most part, packing tape is about 2.7 to 2.8 mil thick, from 1.8 inches and 2 inches wide, and is sold in 60-yard rolls. During the holidays, you might want to opt for themed packing tapes like green or red ones that say “Merry Christmas” and so forth. You can probably find different-sized rolls if you need to as well. Most will fit standard tape dispensers that have 3-inch core diameters.

The good thing about using these thicker packing tapes is that you don’t have to use as much tape as you did in the old days. Just make sure the edges of the package are touching, but don’t try to squeeze it closed if there is too much inside. Even though packing tape is strong, there might still be gaps in the package, and you won’t want that if you plan to ship something.

Our Picks For The Top Heavy Duty Packaging Tape

View All Recommendations
Product Overview
Our Take
 Top Pick

Davik Polypropylene Heavy Duty Packaging Tape, 6-Pack

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

Davik

Polypropylene Heavy Duty Packaging Tape, 6-Pack

Each of the six rolls of heavy-duty, clear packing tape included in this set is 216 feet (72 yards) long and 1.88 inches wide. It is made from bio-oriented polypropylene (BOP), an extra-thick plastic material that sticks to almost any surface and can withstand a wide range of temperatures. It's also easy to use, and you can quickly cut through it w...

Overall Take

Premium QualityThe 2.6 mil-thick tape sticks like strong glue and comes in different colors and patterns!

 Runner Up

Blue Summit Supplies Wrinkle Free Heavy Duty Packaging Tape, 12-Pack

Blue Summit Supplies

Wrinkle Free Heavy Duty Packaging Tape, 12-Pack

Blue Summit's sturdy, reliable packing tape is an excellent deal for the price! At one affordable price, you get a dozen rolls that are each 60 yards long, 2.7-mil thick and 1.8-inches wide.

Overall Take

What the Professionals UseSave money by buying this tape in bulk, and rest assured that it will not rip or tear when in transit.

 We Also Like

Scotch Clear Split Resistant Heavy Duty Packaging Tape, 4-Pack

Scotch

Clear Split Resistant Heavy Duty Packaging Tape, 4-Pack

The 3M company is known for its quality Scotch tape brand, and this 4-pack of heavy-duty shipping tape does not disappoint. Each roll is made with industrial-strength adhesive and comes with its own easy-to-use dispenser.

Overall Take

A Trusted NameYou won't have to worry about your boxes opening up when you use this tape.

 Strong Contender

HERKKA Moisture Resistant Heavy Duty Packaging Tape, 18-Pack

HERKKA

Moisture Resistant Heavy Duty Packaging Tape, 18-Pack

If you need even more rolls of shipping tape, Herkka offers this pack of 18 clear, thick and robust tape rolls. Each is 1.8 inches wide and 65 yards long, giving you 1170 yards in total at a price that will fit your budget.

Overall Take

Economical OptionThis tape is a great choice when you need to ship many boxes out during the holidays and is perfect for small and mid-size companies.

What to Look For

  • If you’re using high-quality packing tape, don’t skimp on the boxes you use for shipping.
  • After you tear off a piece of shipping tape, fold down the edge on the roll to make it easier to pull up next time.
  • When reusing shipping boxes, remove or cover up the old shipping labels, or there could be problems.
  • Do not completely cover your shipping label with packing tape; just seal the edges.
  • Packing tape can remove dust, lint and pet hair from clothing and furniture.

More to Explore

The 1970 Apollo 13 lunar mission is known for its survival in the face of disaster, and filmmakers turned it into a movie starring Tom Hanks as astronaut/commander Jim Lovell.

Although packing tape is not part of the story, duct tape is! The main ship was severely damaged in an explosion, and NASA needed to keep the crew members alive. The astronauts made lifesaving air filters out of cardboard, spacesuit parts, plastic bags and duct tape. They made a CO2 scrubber and attached it to the module’s filtration system using these and other materials.