Gaff Fixes Everything!!
It’s the motto of audio and lighting engineers around the world – “Gaff fixes everything”. You won’t (and shouldn’t) see a production which hasn’t been given the gaff treatment at some point. In some productions (my school productions come to mind!), rolls and rolls of the stuff will have been sacrificed to keep everything together.
For those who have not yet been enlightened to the invention of gaff, here’s a definition:
High-quality cloth-backed adhesive tape. Stronger, stickier, more reliable, and generally about 1000x more versatile than duct tape. Also as much as $25/roll. Fixes just about anything…
That’s right. It’s high quality, and way better than duct tape!
Duct tape is what you use if you want to stick down your cables for a little while, but never get the stuff back off the cables. Gaff is what you use if you want your cables secured, but then restored to their original state when you rip off the tape. Never use duct tape on cables!
Never confuse Gaff with Duct Tape while in my presence, or in the presence of another Gaff-lover. It is like giving yourself a death wish.
Gaff is expensive, but well worth the investment. If I were to make a list of things to never leave home without, gaff would be on the top of the list, right up there with a GPO tester, pocket knife, and side cutters. In fact, there have been times when all of these things have even found their way to school with me! It’s useful stuff – even in the most unlikely circumstances; hey, I’ve even fixed a ping pong table at school with some gaff.
Family, take note: if you are ever stuck as to what to give me for a birthday present, a good roll of Gaff will do. (Not the cheap stuff, a good quality roll)
I agree with the general sentiment, but don’t you mean “Never use duct tape on cables!”?
I have noted you love of gaff tape and if I am ever stuck for a gift idea will be sure to remember your advice.
Hi Jonathan,
Nice find – I must remember to actually read what I write before I hit ‘publish’ :)
Also, I can’t wait to read your Practical Arduino book when it comes out.
Do you have a set date for publication?
Cheers,
Anthony
Gaff:
Gaff
Full name – Gaffer Tape. It has kept Rock rolling for decades. I have kept Ugg boots alive with it. Nashua was always best, but price is prohibitive. The cloth should be strong and the tape slightly “rubbery”. Gaff tape sticks best to itself. You don’t need to use much! Goes hard after years and leaves a terrible sticky residue.
Gaffer: The chief lighting electrician in theatre/movies (from Gaffer = Governor (UK slang)). Hence… quality electrical tape.
Duct tape – mostly useless.
Electricians tape – for insulation of small jobs… should be temporary.
Masking tape – good for writing temporary labels on.
Audio tape – Good for high quality analog audio recording and playback.
Cassette tape – please enter the 21st century (unless you still run a Commodore 64 or Amiga) ;))))