If your job involves securing electrical cables to the floor, perhaps for a theatrical company or movie production company, or to prepare a podium or stage for an audio-visual presentation, then gaffers tape is the single most important tool you need to have on hand. From thin electrical wires to thick, industrial cables, gaffers tape can handle it all.

Made from a soft cloth and synthetic rubber adhesive that conforms to anything that requires securing, gaffers tape is strong, waterproof, temperature-resistant and is preferred in most settings due to its non-reflective nature. Gaffers tape also leaves no residue when removed and is even preferred over duct tape is some situations. When gathering gaffers tape information, consider the following:

1. Decide between common width or wider gaffers tape, depending on your needs.

2. Choose usual black, white or gray gaffers tape or pick from a variety of colors.

3. Save money and buy gaffers tape in bulk.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Secure it all with narrow or wide gaffers tape

Most commonly, gaffers tape comes in widths of two and three inches. There may be times, however, when you'll need to tape down several bundles of wires, or maybe thicker cables. In those cases, you'll find wider gaffers tape works best.

I recommend: Visit GoodBuyGuys.com for gaffers tape in typical black, white and gray, from one-inch to four-inches wide manufactured by Permacel,the leading name in the gaffers tape business. Choose The Tape Depot for gaffers tape ranging from 1/2-inch to 12 inches wide and enjoy free shipping on qualifying orders.

Brighten your world with gaffers tape in a variety of colors

For most theatrical purposes, black, non-reflective gaffers tape is best to conceal the wiring as much as possible. However, in some instances you might want colored tape, such as when you want to warn people of a potential tripping hazard posed by taped down wires. Some retailers allow you to pick from a wide variety of colored gaffers tape.

I recommend: Select from a gaffers tape list of 16 colors and save on all orders over $250 at TheTapeWorks.com. Get a wide variety of premium-, professional-, economy- and industrial-grade gaffers tape in many different colors, including flourescent hues, at FindTape.com.

Find a gaffers tape provider offering discounts on bulk shipments

You can often save money buying gaffers tape by the case rather than by the roll. Some gaffers tape providers offer shipping discounts on large orders, or let you save a few dollars per roll when buying in bulk. If you use a large amount of the same type of gaffers tape, such as black, on a regular basis, buying in bulk is for you.

I recommend: Save at least two dollars per roll when buying gaffers tape in quantities of 50 rolls or more from TapeStockOnline.com. Buy two- or three-inch gaffers tape in cases of 16 or 24 and save several dollars per roll when you shop online at School Stationers Corporation.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  For easy carrying and two-handed application, find gaffers tape lanyards, which can clip to your belt and hold a roll or more, depending on the tape's width.