Scotch Transparent Duct Tape, 2 Inches x 20 Yards, Clear (2120-A)

by Scotch

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

It's not often the word revolutionary can be associated with duct tape, that old, sticky standby used in plumbing repairs, hockey stick augmentation, and homeland security protection. By getting the gray out--and avoiding the "sore thumb" look of typical duct tape repairs--3M's Scotch Transparent Duct Tape can indeed lay claim to a revolution of the toolbox. But seeing through it is just the start. This duct tape can be easily torn by hand, is UV resistant, and, through accelerated weathering tests, has been shown to last six times longer than its old-school namesake.

Duct tape has been around since 1942 when the military needed a waterproof tape for sealing ammunition boxes. Originally colored green, it was referred to as "duck tape" due to its moisture resistance as well as its cotton duck construction--the same ribbed cloth used in bandages. After the war, it was adopted by contractors working in the booming housing industry, where it got its "duct" name for easily connecting heating and air conditioning ducts.

History's fine, but what can 3M's new, clear duct tape do for us? Virtually anything. First, we noticed its powerful stickiness--the roll itself adheres to just about any surface when laid on its side. As advertised, the tape was easily torn from the roll by hand with minimal force. 3M also seems to have ironed out one of the biggest complaints about duct tape: wrinkles. In our testing, we applied it repeatedly and evenly without the tape sticking to itself and without creating odd bumps and creases. And while the tape is rather sticky, it doesn't go overboard, easily lifting off surfaces when we needed it to and not leaving the tacky, viscous residue often found with other duct tapes.

As for its transparency, the tape blended well into just about any surface we applied it to. It was never "invisible" but did have the chameleon-like quality of reflecting the surface beneath it and only calling attention to itself when caught in direct light. Also, we placed bands of the tape over our computer monitor before writing this review (don't try this at home, kids). Peering through the fabric ribs was a nuisance, but we were able to compose the description you're now reading. How's that for transparency?

Our only complaint is that, as with most transparent tapes, finding where to start peeling the roll can be difficult. While this certainly isn't a showstopper, we did find a solution: mounting the roll onto a tape gun.

Tape, by its nature, is not a terribly exciting product (or topic). But 3M's Scotch Transparent Duct Tape is truly a tipping-point entrant, one that may someday become ubiquitous and banish gray duct tape to the nether reaches of our tool sheds, and memories. --Agen G.N. Schmitz

Pros:

• Transparent, easily blends into the surface background
• Easily torn from the roll with minimal force
• Sticky, but not too sticky
• Adheres smoothly without wrinkles or creases

Cons:

• So transparent that finding where to start peeling the roll can be difficult

Product Description

This clear duct tape makes repairs less obvious, yet still withstands extreme temperatures and harsh UV rays. Even though the tape is heavy-duty, it still tears easily by hand, both lengthwise and crosswise. The durable design lasts six-times longer than other heavy-duty duct tapes. Plus, it can be used on a variety of surfaces, including plastic, wood, glass, metal, vinyl and rubber. Global Product Type: Tapes, Tape Type: Duct, Adhesive Material: N/A, Tape Special Feature: Removable.

See all Product Description

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 4.1 x 4.1 x 1.9 inches ; 6.4 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B0000DH8I8
• California residents: Click here for Proposition 65 warning.
• Item model number: 2120-A
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #609 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)
  • #1 in Home Improvement > Hardware > Adhesives & Sealers > Tape
  • #2 in Home Improvement > Hardware > Adhesives & Sealers > Duct Tape
  • #4 in Home Improvement > Painting Supplies & Wall Treatments > Prep Materials

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

61 of 62 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Let's clear up how clear this really is, September 21, 2010

By 

Robert S. Tobias (Arlington, VA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 10 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Scotch Transparent Duct Tape, 2 Inches x 20 Yards, Clear (2120-A) (Tools & Home Improvement)

Length:: 0:26 Mins

This is really great stuff! It's thinner and more flexible than regular duct tape. The adhesion is at least as good as Testa tape (decent quality duct tape). Finally, while not transparent it's clear enough to read even very small text through it, as the accompanying video shows.

BTW, I feel that honest, effective reviews, accompanied by detailed videos, can take the place of first-hand experiences that are often lacking in online shopping. I've always appreciated the help I've received from other reviewers and try to return the favor as best as I can. I hope you found this review helpful and the video at least entertaining. If there was anything you thought was lacking or unclear leave a comment and I'll do what I can to fix it.

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best things ever, made better, August 12, 2007

By 

Snap, Crackle and Pop (United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Scotch Transparent Duct Tape, 2 Inches x 20 Yards, Clear (2120-A) (Tools & Home Improvement)

Everyone knows how useful a roll of duct tape is. But did you ever think how much more useful it would be if it didn't look so lousy? (I wish I had! Doh!)

They've had different color duct tape for a while - the white was handy for a lot of things. But that doesn't quite do it, and they don't make every color, and I'm not going to buy every color!

But the clear tape is almost like having a roll of every color - since it (somewhat) blends into whatever you use it for. So go ahead and use it on your running shoes, your childrens' books (to repair the spine or stick down the popups again), and so many other new uses.

I can't vouch that it lasts as long outside as they claim it does (6x longer). And it is expensive - this is just 20 yards. So as mentioned, when you're taping up ducts in the basement, you're still probably going to want to use silver duct tape.

The Amazon description above is pretty accurate and useful, if you want more info. By the way, to find the end ... just run your fingernail around the roll, you can feel the end. The tape is thick enough that works well enough.

For a few bucks, everyone should have a roll of this at home, you'll find a hundred ways to use it. Maybe not on ducts. Or ducks. But you'll use it.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Latex/natural rubber free tape for those with allergies. Works great, transparent., July 4, 2009

By 

D. Rohrbach "dr" (usa) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

Latex free/Natural rubber free-great for those with latex allergies. Works great, even wet. Very strong.