What packing tape should I use — and what tape shouldn't I?

Use 2-inch clear carton-sealing tape around 2 to 3 mil thick, on a tape gun. Thin "economy" rolls (under about 1.9 mil) split and peel, and a box that opens on the stairs costs more than the tape saved.

Hot-melt or natural-rubber tape grips cardboard best and holds in cold trucks; acrylic tape is fine indoors and doesn't yellow, but grabs dusty or recycled boxes less well.

Don't seal boxes with masking tape, painter's tape or duct tape — they let go under weight or leave residue. Painter's tape is only for labels on furniture.

Tape the bottom with an H: one strip down the middle seam and one across each edge.

Source: Packaging tape specifications and packing practice · Checked October 2026