3M 897 Scotch Filament Strapping Tape: 1 in x 60 yds. (Clear)

> Thick and very strong. Excellent strapping tape.USE -- Strapping tape (also called "reinforcing tape") is almost exclusively designed for, and used for, reinforcing cardboard boxes for shipment -- like rope or steel bands. Wrap a single length of strapping tape around all 4 sides) of your cardboard box perpendicular to the flap openings, with at least 6" of overlap. Rub the tape down along the entire length (and especially the overlapped section). If your box is large or particularly heavy, use several "bands", or use 1 or more bands of 2" wide strapping tape.> The overlapping mentioned above is IMPORTANT. The tape sticks to itself better than to cardboard --- although that's true of any tape. Some cardboard is so weak that ANY tape will easily peel off. So, you need to use a single length of tape (per band), and overlap by at least 6", and rub it down.DON'T USE IT FOR -- Strapping tape is NOT suitable for most other uses. Strapping tape is, for all practical purposes, not removable. For example, you might use strapping tape to strap several poles together, but you'd have to cut them apart to remove the tape, and that might leave a residue which would be difficult or impossible to remove. Hypothetically, strapping tape would be very effective to reinforce glass windows before a storm --- but you'd probably never get the tape off the windows afterward.> Strapping tape is strong lengthwise, but is NOT strong sideways. If you want to seal the seams of a box, use 2" wide clear shipping tape.BUY A DISPENSER -- I STRONGLY recommend purchasing a tape dispenser for 3" diameter core, 1" wide tape. These are as are available as hand-held or desk-top models, as inexpensive as $10 each. You'll thank me for the advice.> If you see strapping tape with a "free" dispenser -- don't buy it, the plastic teeth are not strong and/or sharp enough to dependably cut the strapping tape.CHOOSING SIZES> Why choose 1" (=24mm) wide tape? For small boxes, 1/2" or 3/4" wide tape would be more appropriate. However, dispensers for those sizes are hard or impossible to find. Moreover, 1" wide is the standard size, so 1" wide tape is often the cheapest size. Practically speaking, the next size up is 2" wide.> Why choose 3" (diameter) core tape? A roll of 2" diameter core tape would be more compact. However, 2" diameter core dispensers are rare and very expensive if you can find one. 3" diameter core is the standard industrial size for all kinds of tape.STARTING -- All standard strapping tape is difficult to "start" if you let the loose end tape itself back down on the roll (which is perhaps the best reason to purchase a dispenser). Scrape up the end along it's entire width for about 1'' with a dull knife, then carefully pull a few inches off the roll.> There is a "bidirectional" variety of strapping tape which is more versatile and easier to start -- but it is more expensive, and not really stronger for the basic purpose. My advice is to buy a dispenser, and invest the effort to learn how to use standard strapping tape.

When it comes to moving, my go to tape is a strapping tape for durability and ease of use as you don’t need scissors to cut. This tape is not what it used to be years ago. The tape becomes loose and I need scissors to cut. The formula is different.

I have been using this tape for many years. I have never received a complaint that the box was broken open due to the failure of the tape. It does have a fiber that is embedded in the plastic so that it is not clear. it is not advisable to use this over any printing or address.

in my work (shipping/receiving)I have used many cases of this tape. I was responsible for some very valuable shipments . This tape will supply the security you want and when used in conjunction with shrink-wrap you can achieve a virtual waterproof situation-----M

I had to apply several pieces before it would keep the box closed, and the seem was not under any sort of load. The cardboard was clean and smooth,