Frugal, thrifty and alternative uses for
GAFFER TAPE
Using products you have around the home for other jobs
Also known as 'Duct Tape', it's a must for every household to have a roll and even keep one in the car as well. Usually they're in black, but a look around the Stores may bring about you finding a red or green roll.1. Plastic Curtain Eyelet Repair
Isn't it just so annoying when one of your Shower Curtain pr other plastic curtain eyelits tear leaving you with one part hanging down like a sore thumb! Simply cut a little bit of tape, even half the width and stick it over the top of the curtain covering up the tear and cut a new eyelet. Cl;ever DIYers will paint it to match!
2. Fastening a Photo Frame
Use Gaffer Tape rather than Sellotape to hold the cardboard back of a picture frame in place. It'll last for years, so if you change the picture on a regular basic, use less and just spot stick the tape.
3. Repairing a Dustbin
Most of us use a Plastic Dustbin nowadays adn through either wear or a very cold Winters night, they tend to crack or split. Putting some tape along the crack will see it out until you want to buy a new one.
4. Repairing Book Covers .
If you have an old hardback book and the ends are fraying or falling apart, cut some tape and stick along it. You won't see the book title again of course, but at least you can still read it because all the pages are still there!
5. Floor Markers
Mark out areas where you don't want people to go. In the Cricket Dressing Room we have stuck Gaffer Tape on the floor around the Physio Bench in an attempt to stop the Cricketers bags being in the way (doesn't work though!), but it can be used as markers for lines such as a Darts 'Ocky' or other.
6. Temporary Plastic Clothing fix
Being virtually waterproof and if you have an emergency after splitting a Plastic Cape or Mac, Gaffer Tape will give you the instant repair.
7. Decorative use
I've used it to put along the edges of shelving where they been sawn etc. It will also help with any sharp edges. If done neatly it can look quite effective and will last for years.
8. Repair Vacuum Cleaner Hose
Got a hole in the hose and can't afford a new Cleaner just yet? Wrapping some tape firmly around the hole will keep you going for a long time.
Outdoors
1. Fix a burst Car Water Hose
Gaffer Tape is invaluable in the Car for many things. If you have a burst water pipe, wait for it to cool and wrap it around tightly. It'll get you home and maybe further!
2. Hiding a Spare Car Key
Wrap your key in some Gaffer tape, then tape it around something in a spot where you can get to it. I've done this by sticking it around a rod under the car and have actually experienced locking my key inside the car and falling back on this great little tip!
3. Repair Roof Tiles
Use the tape to 're-design' a broken slate roof tile. Same colour, water resistant - job done!
4. Plastic Swimming Pool
Sticking Gaffer Tape along a split in a water pool will keep it going for a while until proper repairs can take place. How many times has your kid decided to poke something in the side of theirs!
5. Emergency Canoe Repair
If you have a Fibre Glass Canoe or Plastic Dinghy, it will hold waterfast for you.
6. Emergency Rope substitute
If you twine the tape around as you pull it from the roll, it will form an extremely strong temprorary rope, try folding some up then tearing it - impossible!
There isn't much Gaffer tape can't do, make sure you have a roll at work, rest and play!
