Is there any general brand, type, or class of double-stick tape? I would like to be able to know the adhesive strength before using it. I want a tape that will remove fairly easily when using it to temporarily hold pieces together while routing or working from a pattern. I want a stronger tape if I want to securely mount two pieces together without using any fasteners. – Lee Walkowski
Chris Marshall: I’ve never seen the adhesive strength or a category system advertised on the packaging of carpet tape. But, I only buy mine from a home center or hardware store where the options often only vary in terms of how wide the tape is. It’s intended for consumers to interpret and use. You could probably inquire with the technical support hotline of a leading manufacturer like 3M and get an answer to your question. A quick online search reveals that there are, in fact, many different options for double-sided tape, but it’s classified by what materials it’s intended to bond together or whether or not the adhesive is acid-free and archival. Regarding the “home center” stuff, I’ve found that both the woven and “film” type carpet tapes work well for sticking wood and sheet materials together temporarily. I use it all the time for template routing. For stronger, more permanent bonds, I switch to glue, fasteners or both, instead of tape.
Tim Inman: What you are really asking for are the engineering specifications for the adhesive relative to your needs. Contact the manufacturer or their websites for this information. You’ll probably have a hard time finding it, but it does exist. My experience is that just about any double sticky tape is fine for holding patterns on routing template work. When you suggest using tape to hold two pieces together without fasteners, my radar goes off. Are you wanting to do split turnings? I wouldn’t trust tape to that task. I have a chipped tooth and a scar in my lower lip where the remains of that tooth poked through to prove my angst. The “old-time religion” using glue and paper gets my vote for split turning work. Make the fastener(s) fit appropriately to the task.
