Why Cant You Use Duct Tape on Packages?
Duct tape is strong and versatile, perfect for many purposes; however, its use for packaging could present issues during shipping.
World War II soldiers first created this waterproof tape to keep moisture out of ammunition cases. Later, it would also be used to seal off ducts – hence its current usage and eventual name.
It Doesn’t Stick Well to Cardboard
People love duct tape for many reasons: its adhesiveness, waterproof properties and affordability all combine to make it popular among users. Plus, its durable construction makes it long-term use viable; not to mention its wide array of colors! Unfortunately, though, cardboard is one of the few surfaces duct tape won’t adhere well to, thus leading to many packages and boxes packed with the tape coming unglued during transport.
Duct tape has difficulty adhering to cardboard for one simple reason–its surface doesn’t offer enough grip for it. Cardboard is made of paper material that’s rough and porous, which is harder for it to grasp onto than smooth surfaces like plastic or metal. Duct tape’s rubber adhesive wasn’t designed to stick well against such rough textures; therefore it works better on smoother materials like plastic or metal.
Duct tape fails in high temperatures or humidity conditions because its adhesive doesn’t perform as effectively in these environments; for this reason, packaging or shipping tape are often better suited in these cases.
Duct tape is an affordable, multipurpose solution to seal, patch, and fix things around the home or workplace. Constructed of three layers – polythene film, fabric layer, and rubber adhesive – duct tape has become the go-to fixer in a pinch; sometimes known as “redneck repair kit”. Due to its multifaceted uses duct tape has gained the nickname of being “the ultimate redneck tool”. You can use it for patch holes, making splints or any number of tasks!
Duck tape got its moniker during World War II from its use in sealing ammunition cases – so named by US military as it mimicked water flowing off a duck’s back – and later became widely popular for joining heating and air conditioning duct work.
There are various kinds of duct tape available on the market, such as double-sided and glow in the dark varieties, in black and silver colors. When applying any variety of duct tape, there are some general guidelines you should abide by when using it; these include using it only on dry and clean surfaces, testing its adhesion in an inconspicuous area first before proceeding with application to larger surfaces.
It Doesn’t Meet USPS Requirements
Duct tape can come in handy for many tasks around the home. From holding things together and sealing ducts, to temporarily fixing objects that break. But one task duct tape doesn’t do well with is shipping packages; due to not adhering well with cardboard (most boxes), which is what most shipping boxes are made out of. As USPS wants to ensure your packages arrive undamaged at their destinations, they have banned using duct tape on packages.
Shipping tape and duct tape may seem similar, but each is designed for its own specific use. Tape designed specifically for packaging should adhere securely in hot, humid or cold environments for extended use while emergency sealing tape such as duct tape serves more practical purposes in emergencies situations.
World War II saw the creation of duct tape as an anti-moisture solution for ammunition cases, with soldiers quickly adopting its use for various other tasks and applications – from bandaging wounds and creating slings, to sealing metal air ducts (hence its name), among many other uses. Today duct tape still finds wide use around homes but also has many industrial and professional uses.
Duct tape can be found everywhere from electrical construction sites to warehouses; from holding wires in place and protecting items from fire or water damage to insulating electrical wires from touching other wires that could cause short circuiting and spark an electrical fire. In manufacturing processes such as creating and repairing tarps.
The United States Postal Service offers several options for shipping tape, such as standard packaging tape, foil tape and washi tape (made of thin paper). Standard packing tape works best with cardboard boxes as it adheres securely without leaving behind sticky residue when removed; additionally it’s not as adhesive or rubber-based like duct tape so will peel off more easily when needed.
Apart from its advantages listed above, shipping tape offers additional advantages over duct tape such as being easy to tear by hand or cut with scissors, being waterproof and providing more secure seal for your box. In comparison to duct tape it may provide additional durability in harsher environments as well as offering better security measures than its thin cousin.
It’s Fragile
While we all recognize duct tape’s many practical uses, its creative applications are also numerous. From fixing bikes to crafting wallets, its uses are diverse.
Duct tape is an adhesive tape composed of three layers: rubber-based adhesive at its core, durable web fabric that adds durability, and soft, waterproof plastic on top. Duct tape’s strength comes from its unique construction as well as the combination of materials it is composed of.
Although duct tape may appear sturdy, its strength should not be taken for granted; in reality it can easily be torn or pulled apart with your hands – hence why so many refer to it as duck or gaffer tape; also this factor explains why duct tape should not be used when shipping items.
When packing up your shipment, it’s essential that you use tape that is both strong and protective of the products during transit. While duct tape may come in handy at times, using it for shipping could damage merchandise as well as cause delays in deliveries.
Duct tape may not be the ideal packaging solution because its adhesive doesn’t adhere well to porous surfaces like cardboard. Although you could temporarily use duct tape on cardboard surfaces, it wouldn’t provide optimal performance or protection from moisture or humidity.
Packed tape is the ideal solution for sealing boxes, packages and palletized cargo for shipping. This type of tape provides more permanent adhesion to surfaces while having higher temperature tolerance than duct tape – plus, it can be torn by hand making it easier for movers and handlers. Plus it seals boxes of different sizes more efficiently – not to mention costing significantly less per roll!
It’s Not Made for Shipping
At home, duct tape can serve many functions – but not for shipping! Due to its weak adhesive strength, it won’t keep your package secure enough during transit – which could result in it arriving damaged or incomplete if used for shipping purposes. Therefore, the US Postal Service has strict rules regarding what kind of tape may be used on packages for shipment.
Duct tape’s substandard adhesion to cardboard can lead to it coming undone during packaging and shipping processes, potentially spilling its contents out or becoming lost during transportation. Furthermore, any subsequent mess-ups during transit could prove costly for both you and the shipping company involved.
Therefore, always choose strong and clear tape when sealing boxes or parcels. Although duct tape might last longer, strong clear tape will help your package arrive undamaged and ensure its contents arrive undamaged.
There is an extensive variety of tape available on the market, each tailored specifically for a certain task or surface. Misuse can lead to serious safety hazards and leave behind unsightly residue on surfaces like floors and window frames.
To avoid these issues, it’s best to use packaging-grade clear tape designed specifically for parcel delivery. Also consider choosing a strong box large enough to accommodate your item – this will both protect it and make USPS scanning and processing much simpler.
Duct tape can serve a multitude of domestic uses, but for shipping purposes it should be left out of the supply closet. Due to its insufficient strength and clarity, it won’t meet USPS requirements while keeping goods secure on their journey. Instead, choose stronger tape that adheres better.
