Brian Howie
Last Updated: Sep 2, 2023
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Friction tape is a type of adhesive tape that is commonly used in electrical and plumbing applications. It is made from a cotton cloth that is coated with a sticky adhesive on one side. The tape is designed to provide a strong grip and prevent slippage, making it ideal for use on tools, handles, and other surfaces that require a non-slip grip. Friction tape is also resistant to heat and moisture, making it a reliable choice for outdoor and industrial use. It is available in a range of colors and widths to suit different applications.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Friction Tape
#TOP 1
ProTapes Pro Friction Rubber Gauze Adhesive Tape
Pro Tapes
Pro-Friction-15-3/4x60-B
Black
The ProTapes Pro Friction Rubber Gauze Adhesive Tape is a 15 mil thick, 60' length x 3/4" width black tape with good tensile strength, short term and high temperature resistance, low temperature application, good chemical and abrasion resistance, and is highly conformable. As a friction tape, it is ideal for applications requiring a high coefficient of friction, such as wire harnessing and insulation.
What We Like
Good tensile strength
Short term and high temperature resistance
Low temperature application
Good chemical and abrasion resistance
Highly conformable
#TOP 2
Plymouth Rubberized Textile Friction Tape
NTE Electronics
1002
Black
60 Foot (Pack of 1)
This friction tape by Plymouth is ASTM certified and comes in a package that weighs only 0.29 pounds with dimensions 3.5 L x 0.75 H x 3.5 W (inches). It is made in Mexico and has a part number of 1002. The tape is an ideal solution for situations requiring high-friction, such as when wrapping tools or handles to provide a better grip.
What We Like
ASTM certified
Lightweight and compact package
Effective for high-friction situations
#TOP 3
Tape King Anti-Slip Tape
Tape King
TK-020
Black
4" x 30 Feet
Tape King Traction Tape is a versatile and high-quality anti-slip tape that can be used both indoors and outdoors. It is perfect for providing better traction on stairs, ramps, floors, walkways, ladders, decks, equipment, and any other surface where slipping is a concern. The 80-grit aluminum oxide makes it an abrasive tape that maintains superior traction even when wet. The tape is easy to install, simply cut to size, peel, and stick. Tape King Traction Tape is made by a trusted USA company that only sells tape products that pass strict quality assurance protocols.
What We Like
High-quality materials
Easy to install
Versatile indoor and outdoor use
#TOP 4
Black Friction Tape, 3/4" X 60'
Crimp Supply
29A11017
Black
This friction tape is black and comes in a 60' length. It is designed to provide a non-slip grip and can be used in various applications.
What We Like
Durable material
Provides non-slip grip
Convenient 60' length
#TOP 5
QILIMA Grip Tape
QILIMA
A-antitape2
Black
2" x 16.5 Feet
Introducing the QILIMA Anti Slip Tape, a must-have for anyone looking to enhance safety and prevent accidents. This versatile tape features a thick and strong adhesive, ensuring it stays in place on various surfaces. Whether you need to add traction to stairs, entryways, ladders, or even skateboards, this tape has got you covered. It is waterproof and resistant to water, detergents, and oils, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. With its easy-to-use design, you can simply cut the tape to the desired size with scissors and peel and stick it onto any clean and dry surface. With the QILIMA Anti Slip Tape, you can improve safety without compromising aesthetics.
What We Like
Thick and strong adhesive
Versatile and multipurpose
Waterproof and resistant to water, detergents, and oils
#TOP 6
3M Gripping Material TB641
3M
TB641
Black
1 in x 15 ft
This friction tape is a soft adhesive-backed material that provides a high coefficient of friction in wet conditions, slip resistance, and easy-release properties. The acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive is designed to bond with a wide variety of surfaces. Additionally, the thermoplastic elastomer gripping polymer provides increased cushioning, comfort, flexibility, and softness.
What We Like
Provides high friction in wet conditions
Slip-resistant
Easy-release properties
#TOP 7
3M 5180 PTFE/UHMW Tape
3M
1/2-5-5180
5 yd x 0.5 in
The 3M 5180 PTFE/UHMW Tape is a versatile friction tape that offers a range of convenient features. Its chemical resistant surface makes it ideal for sealing and masking, providing a reliable barrier against corrosive substances. The tape also boasts an easy release surface, which is perfect for wrapping rollers, plates, and belts where sticky materials and inks can build up. Additionally, it can be used to wrap rubber laminating rollers on hot polyethylene extruders, creating a release surface that minimizes clean-up efforts. With its good conformability, the 3M PTFE/UHMW Tape wraps smoothly around rollers, ensuring a secure fit. As a 3M Preferred Converter, TapeCase offers this tape in a variety of sizes, allowing customers to use it for various applications.
What We Like
Chemical resistant
Easy release surface
Good conformability
#TOP 8
JVCC UHMW Polyethylene Film Tape
J.V. Converting
UHMW-PE-15/NATTR055
JVCC UHMW Tape is a versatile engineering material that offers high chemical and abrasion resistance. With its 15 mil ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene film and aggressive acrylic adhesive, this tape is perfect for a wide range of severe service applications. The tape's low coefficient of friction ensures that materials slide freely over its surface without any slip or stick tendency. Its high impact strength and shock-absorbing properties make it an ideal choice for rub strips on conveyors, bearings, chutes, and more. JVCC UHMW Tape outwears Teflon and serves as a great replacement when high-temperature resistance is not required. This tape is used primarily in automotive and mechanical applications.
What We Like
High chemical and abrasion resistance
Low coefficient of friction
High impact strength
#TOP 9
ISC Rubberized Non-Skid Tape & Cleat
ISC Racers Tape
3500/CLR425
Clear
4 in. x 7-1/2 ft.
ISC Non-Skid Tape is a rubberized, textured anti-slip tape designed for heavy shoe traffic. It provides an unparalleled coefficient of friction in both industrial and commercial environments. The tape is comfortable enough for bare feet and can be easily cleaned with a mop. It is perfect for steps, stairs, platforms, recreational vehicles, motorcycles, and more. With its aggressive adhesive, it ensures a strong grip on various surfaces. The 25 mils thickness and 3-inch diameter core make it durable and long-lasting. ISC Non-Skid Tape is the ideal solution to prevent slips and falls, ensuring safety and peace of mind for users.
What We Like
Durable
Aggressive adhesive
Comfortable for bare feet
#TOP 10
ISC 3500 Jessup Safety Track
ISC Racers Tape
3500/CLR420
Clear
4 in. x 60 ft.
ISC Safety Track is a rubberized non-skid tape designed for heavy shoe traffic. It provides an unparalleled coefficient of friction in industrial and commercial environments. The tape is comfortable enough for bare feet and can be easily cleaned. It can be used on steps, stairs, platforms, recreational vehicles, motorcycles, snowmobiles, ATVs, and more. With its aggressive adhesive, it stays securely in place, making it ideal for ladders, step stools, scaffolds, boats, skateboards, and swimming pools. The ISC Safety Track is perfect for anyone looking for a reliable and durable anti-slip solution.
What We Like
Durable
Easy to clean
Secure adhesion
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is friction tape used for?
Friction tape is used for providing mechanical protection against abrasion and penetration of cables, splices, and wires. It can also be used as a temporary binding and harnessing tape, as well as for creating a non-slip surface when applied over tool handles.
2. Does friction tape have adhesive?
Yes, friction tape is made of a high-quality cotton fabric coated with an electrical-grade rubber adhesive. It sticks to itself and is mainly used for bundling cables, eliminating the problem of sticky residue left by other electrical tapes.
3. Is friction tape waterproof?
Friction tape is water-resistant, making it suitable for use in areas that are frequently exposed to moisture. It improves traction and can be used in places that are often wet or slippery to reduce the risk of falls.
4. How do you remove friction tape?
To remove friction tape, you can try using warm sudsy water or warm vinegar. Place a warm cloth over the sticky area for about 30 seconds, then gently rub away the adhesive. You can also heat a small amount of distilled white vinegar and follow the same steps. Finish by rinsing the area with a clean wet cloth and drying it with a soft towel.
5. Can you use friction tape for electrical purposes?
Yes, friction tape is commonly used by electricians to insulate splices in electric wires and cables. It is a type of woven cloth adhesive tape, historically made of cotton and impregnated with a rubber-based adhesive. It is sticky on both sides and provides insulation for electrical applications.
Editor's Notes
During our friction tape research, we found 22 friction tape products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 3,547 customer reviews through our big data system to write the friction tape list. We found that most customers choose friction tape with an average price of $32.83.
The friction tape are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of friction tape, including Pro Tapes, NTE Electronics, Tape King, Crimp Supply, QILIMA. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 386 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Written by
Brian Howie
Brian Howie is a content writer and senior industrial designer. After graduation from Westminster College, he has been engaged in product design and manufacturing for 18 years. Brian Howie has always found great pleasure in designing industrial products and sharing his ideas and experience online.