Gaffer tape, also spelled gaffa tape or gaff tape, is a matte cloth tape that tears by hand, holds cable runs down firmly and peels up cleanly without sticky residue.
About Gaffer Tape
Gaffer tape, also spelled gaffa tape or gaff tape, is one of the mainstays of the audio engineering profession. In nearly any live performance there are cables that need to run across public thoroughfares, and gaffer tape provides a cheap, fast way to tape them down, keeping cables secure and avoiding trip hazards. Its matte cloth surface stays low-glare under stage lighting, and it peels up cleanly when the show packs down.
Gaffing has also come a long way, with tools like the GaffGun making it quick to lay and tape long cable runs in a single pass. For high-traffic areas, cable floor covers protect cable runs where tape alone is not enough, while hook and loop cable ties keep coiled leads tidy between shows. Browse the rest of our cable accessories, or stock up on spare XLR microphone cables before the next gig.
Gaffer Tape FAQs
Are gaffer tape, gaffa tape and gaff tape the same thing?
Yes. Gaffer, gaffa and gaff tape are all names for the same matte cloth tape, named after the gaffer, the chief lighting technician on a film set. Whichever spelling you use, it is the tape found in every sound engineer's kit.
What is the difference between gaffer tape and duct tape?
Gaffer tape has a woven cloth backing with a matte finish, tears cleanly by hand and removes without leaving sticky residue. Duct tape has a shiny plastic backing and an aggressive adhesive that leaves glue behind, which is why it should stay away from stage floors and cables.
What is gaffer tape used for?
The classic job is taping cable runs down across walkways to prevent trip hazards. It is also used for marking performer positions on stage, labelling channels and quick repairs, since it holds firmly yet peels away cleanly after the show.
