DIY Gaffers Tape

[Unsomnambulist]

The cost of gaffers tape is overwhelming, especially for the indie filmmaker, averaging about $18 for a 60 yard roll. As a result, theft of gaffers tape from other departments, productions, or even friends is commonplace (and, lets face it, gaffe tape theft is a gateway crime to more serious felonies and potential civil or criminal charges).

So, I've come up with a more reasonable alternative.

As a base, I start with a roll of household toilet paper:

http://www.bearfarmwoodcrafts.com/Patty/SittingBear.jpg

Minus the bear.

Its a little wide, but we'll cut this in half later.

Next, lay out the roll of your toilet paper in one long straight line. I suggest a nice stretch of suburban sidewalk on a windless school day.

Spray one side with an acrylic based spraypaint - depending on what color of gaffe tape you want (if you want to go for the fancier, camo colored gaffe tape this may take a little longer).

After this dries (about 30 minutes), simply flip the roll of toilet paper over and apply a spray adhesive along the entire length. You may go through a few cans, but it beats using Elmers glue.

Wait a couple minutes for the adhesive to settle, but not to completely try.

Next, use the toilet paper tube to roll your new gaffe tape onto the tube. Slice the tube in half, and you have TWO rolls of 2"gaffe tape.

http://www.duct-tape.com/GAFFER.JPG

I'd post some video of my tape in action, but I recently tried to remove the stock lense from my DVX, and now its not working.

[Kholi]

Wow thats great. Any plans to sell?

[mikkowilson]

Now *that* is a great post! :shocked: :cheesy:

[Norm Sanders]

This was a joke, right? :huh: You can find Gaffer Tape online for as little as $8-9 for a 2" 60 Yard roll. Even the premium stuff can be found for $12 or less. For all the headache & time this would be (can't imagine it working) it's a no brainer to pay a few bones for the good/pro stuff.

[dakotapod]

:grin: LOL - Very good!


...I'd post some video of my tape in action, but I recently tried to remove the stock lense from my DVX, and now its not working.

[j]

Don't be so quick to knock the DIY community, MAN!

How are we ever going to be break the gaffer-tape monopoly!

[J.R. Hudson]

Admittedly I have just been using painters tape.

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=43066-98-2090-2PP&lpage=none

http://images.lowes.com/product/051131/051131920828.jpg?wid=158&cvt=jpeg

[Norm Sanders]

Ugh, I tried painters tape, but it's no stronger than generic white masking tape. Gaffers tape has the strength of Duct Tape, without the insane sticking power (still sticks very well) and messy residue once removed.

This is where I get my Gaffers Tape. Great pricing, great service, and they even sent me a couple of retractable sharpies (w/their logo) for free with shipment: http://www.edgewise-media.com/gafferstape.html

Looks like Lowes has a good price on the three pack deal, but I know at Home Depot, when I tried that route several months ago, I paid about as much if not more for the Painter's tape as I would have for the Gaffers tape at the above link.

[lpcvideo1]

You should wipe up with that idea. I hope it all works out in the end for you. :thumbsup: :grin:

[Focus This!]

Hey, hasn't China come out with a cheaper/"better" gaffer's tape? I can imagine the instruction manual:

Please use prudence with this product. To miss reading all instructions of label and can follow in the danger. This product is a flame: use prudence flame very close to opened product on heat sources. This Laffer's tape is 2' through 60 metres.

[lpcvideo1]

LO stinkin' L!!

[Unsomnambulist]

This was a joke, right? :huh: You can find Gaffer Tape online for as little as $8-9 for a 2" 60 Yard roll. Even the premium stuff can be found for $12 or less. For all the headache & time this would be (can't imagine it working) it's a no brainer to pay a few bones for the good/pro stuff.

I take a roll of toilet paper from every public restroom I use, making this very cost effective.

It may not as convenient as paying even $8-$12, but thats money better spent on repairing my DVX lense.

[dakotapod]

Lol

[DarkForest]

The cost of gaffers tape is overwhelming, especially for the indie filmmaker, averaging about $18 for a 60 yard roll. As a result, theft of gaffers tape from other departments, productions, or even friends is commonplace (and, lets face it, gaffe tape theft is a gateway crime to more serious felonies and potential civil or criminal charges).



I take a roll of toilet paper from every public restroom I use, making this very cost effective.

It may not as convenient as paying even $8-$12, but thats money better spent on repairing my DVX lense.




So what your saying is that gaffe tape theft is punishable by law, but stealing rolls of toilet paper from restaurants isn't? Once a thief always a thief eh?


Sounds like you should get a job and start playing grownup and pay some bills you owe.

[ecking]

Hey, hasn't China come out with a cheaper/"better" gaffer's tape? I can imagine the instruction manual:

Please use prudence with this product. To miss reading all instructions of label and can follow in the danger. This product is a flame: use prudence flame very close to opened product on heat sources. This Laffer's tape is 2' through 60 metres.

El Oh Fucking El! You just killed me!

[ecking]

I take a roll of toilet paper from every public restroom I use, making this very cost effective.

It may not as convenient as paying even $8-$12, but thats money better spent on repairing my DVX lense.

You have to be the most creative individual....ever. :thumbsup:
I could not stop laughing after reading this thread, thank you.