What are the top uses of scotch tape?

Scotch tape is one of the most useful and widely used stationery products around. First developed in the early twentieth century, this type of tape has become an essential part of most people's home and office stationery stores. There are many ways in which this tape can be used – after all, there are many things which can be stuck to each other. Here are some of the most common:

                                                                                                                    

1) Wrapping presents.

Christmas and birthdays just wouldn't be the same without scotch tape. Before it was invented, wrapping up presents was a laborious task, involving string or ribbon and an ability to tie a good knot. When it came to opening them, scissors would often be required to cut through the string and get to the present. Alternatively, the string might not hold, meaning that presents might become accidentally unwrapped in transit, or at the hands of naughty children when under the Christmas tree. The invention of scotch tape changed all that, making wrapping presents into an easy task, which required no special skill, and meaning that presents could be wrapped securely.

 

2) Sticking envelopes

While envelopes generally come with self-adhesive already pasted on, it doesn't always work effectively. Cheaper or older envelopes are often difficult to stick down without help, and that's where tape comes in. No-one likes the idea of envelopes coming open accidentally in transit, so a little bit of tape to fasten it down can only be a good thing. Even if the envelope seems to be stuck securely on its own, adding a small amount of scotch tape to make sure doesn't hurt. Larger parcels and boxes can also be wrapped up with this type of tape.

 

3) Arts and crafts

There are many arts and craft projects which can be made much easier by using a little scotch tape. Although it can be unsightly, if it is covered with something else, tape can help children and adults put together a collage or model easily. It can be used to join different bits of a project together without needing to use messy glues – especially important when dealing with small children.

 

4) Notes and signs

Scotch tape can be used to attach paper signs and notes to any hard surface. For example, notes on shop doors and in windows can easily be attached with tape, and it usually leaves no mark when it is removed.

 

5) Covering books

Books of all kinds can often benefit from being covered at home to protect them from damage. Most hardback books come with a dust jacket which is designed to do this job, but they are loose and can easily get lost or damaged themselves. A little bit of scotch tape can help make sure they stay on, or it can be used to attach another type of home-made cover, such as one made of wrapping paper.

 

6) Removing fluff.

It might not be the most orthodox use of scotch tape, or one that its manufacturers ever intended, but it can be fantastic for removing bits of fluff and dirt from clothes and other fabrics, such as cushions and upholstery. Of course, ideally they should be washed, but if that is not convenient for some reason (such as when away from home), then tape can make a great quick-fix solution.

 

Scotch tape is a highly useful, usable way to stick things together. Although it is not suitable for every surface, there are so many things that it can be used for that it has become indispensable.

About the Author

Vincent Rogers is a finance writer who writes for a number of UK companies. For Scotch Tape, he recommends 3mselect.co.uk