I've always wanted to have a rant about the usage of sticky-tape. We all have pet peeves. Maybe this is one of yours too...
Firstly, when you're the one who buys the stationery, you start to care about what it costs, even though you're not the person who pays for it.
It really is quite crazy what people do with sticky tape. A couple of times I've seen people pack boxes up with several metres of Magic tape. What is with this? We have packing tape. It comes in clear or brown and its very wide, just ideal for packing up boxes. Whoever did this, you know who you are. Don't be a dill !
Here's a list of different types of sticky tapes, how much they cost and other interesting stuff:
Magic tape $9.20
ideal for page repairs of books and archives, as it is acid free thus will last a long time. It is removable and won't leave a sticky mess on surfaces. Use sparingly, i.e. not for wrapping reserves or packing boxes
General purpose sticky tape - $2.09
This can be used for just about anything. It goes yellow and the adhesive goes dry and brittle after a few years. It can leave an ugly residue on surfaces which has to be removed with eucalyptus oil
Packing tape - $2.14
This is very wide so it's ideal for sealing boxes. Comes in brown or clear. Also good for van run boxes.
Raeco book tape - $12.32
It's a lot like bookguard. It's ideal for repairing spines or putting over spine labels
Scotch book tape - $22.50
this is archival quality. It's ideal for repairing or reinforcing spines.
Hinge tape - $4.12
Collection control people use this. Wouldn't have a clue what it's for
Double-sided tape - $2.73
it's double sided. It's a bitch to get off your desk. Only use it for putting jackets on hardbacks.
Also useful as "Hollywood tape" for revealing a little decollete
Gaffer tape - $22.44
can be as wide as your hand span. It's very strong and its ideal for taping electrical cords to the carpet, as a safety measure. Much too expensive to use on van run boxes
