This tape-backed fabric is a bit of a hidden gem—fantastic for many bindery and finishing tasks.
Originally used in shoe pads and insoles, the bindery world adopted it for grippers, guides, hold-downs, and any surface that contacts paper stock. It’s equally handy on stitchers, die cutters, packaging equipment, folders, and more. It cuts easily to any shape, doesn’t absorb ink, and helps keep sheets clean. Soft, durable, long-wearing—and a great alternative for many taping needs.
It’s versatile, inexpensive, and highly recommended. If you’ve tried it, tell us the unique ways you’ve used it!
Duct tape: the tape of a thousand uses. From quick machine fixes in the bindery to everyday shop tasks, it’s hard to beat.
Our Nashua premium grade has stronger hold and grip than typical big-box options, making it better for heavy-duty bindery and commercial use. It’s durable, removes cleanly, and won’t leave sticky residue—great for temporary holds, positioning, and on-the-fly attachments.
In many U.S. shops, “Tesa” tape has become shorthand for the grippy tape used on fold rollers (Tesa the company sells many tape types, but this is the common shop usage).
Fold rollers do the actual folding. Steel cores last, but urethane/foam grip surfaces wear after thousands of sheets and can slip—recovering rollers is costly and time-consuming.
As a temporary fix, wrap Tesa tape in a spiral on the fold roller to restore grip and finish the job. Longevity ranges from one to several shifts depending on use. Replace as needed—overworn tape gets messy and less effective. It’s also a handy aid for slippery stocks.
Note: 3M traction tape works similarly with a thinner profile—both are excellent options.
Heat-resistant Teflon tape is ideal in shrink-wrapping: it keeps film from sticking to hot wires so cuts are clean and consistent. It does wear over time, but it’s essential for smooth shrink operations.
Standard Teflon tape has broader use wherever paper contacts machine surfaces—reducing ink marks and friction so sheets glide quickly and cleanly. You can use Teflon tape almost anywhere you need a low-friction, clean contact surface.
