3M Extreme Hold vs. Gorilla Tape: What’s the difference?
Gorilla Tape can be used to fix tears or rips in camping gear, such as tents, sleeping bags, or backpacks. It provides a strong bond and can withstand outdoor conditions; 3M Extreme Hold Duct Tape can be used to hang plastic sheeting to cover cabinets or prevent roof dust from a roofing job, as long as you take precautions to protect the underlying surfaces.
- 3M Extreme Hold vs. Gorilla Tape: Specs & Uses
- My Hands-on Test of 3M Extreme Hold Duct Tape
- My Hands-on Test of Gorilla Black Duct Tape
3M Extreme Hold vs. Gorilla Tape: Specs & Uses
⏰Durability
3M Extreme Hold: UV and temperature-resistant
Gorilla Tape: Waterproof for long-lasting hold
🆚Materials
3M Extreme Hold: Strong reinforced backing
Gorilla Tape: Tough woven material
🛠️Common Uses
3M Extreme Hold is a temporary solution for small leaks or cracks in pipes or hoses; organizing wires and cables; repairing a torn carpet, or reinforcing a loose handle.
Gorilla Tape can be used to hold down a plastic tarp on top of a spa cover during the winter; can help temporarily repair items such as broken garden stakes or hanging flower pots to railings.
Technical Info
My Hands-on Test of 3M Extreme Hold Duct Tape
✅Pros
After trying a few other tapes that either didn’t stick well or came loose too easily, I decided to give Extreme Hold duct tape a try.
Thick and Sturdy
The first thing I noticed was how thick and sturdy the tape felt compared to regular duct tape (foil tape vs duct tape). I applied strips to both sides of the seam on the large tarp, pressing down firmly to ensure good adhesion. I then loaded up my trailer with six heavy loads of wet mulch and hauled it to various job sites.
Each time, I shoveled the mulch off and was impressed that the tape held the seam together through all that weight and abrasion. Even after a few months of use in various weather conditions, the tape was still sticking well.
Repair the Smaller Tear in My Other Tarp
Encouraged by that experience, I also used the Extreme Hold tape to repair the smaller tear in my other tarp. Several months later as fall arrived, that repair was still intact and hadn’t come loose, even after weathering many rainstorms. The tape clearly has excellent adhesion and durability.
A few wraps around the handle of the tape left a bit more on my fingers than I expected, but it came off eventually. I can see why people say this sticks better than regular duct tape. So far the repairs I’ve made to my tarps have held up exceptionally well outside.
❌Cons
While the Extreme Hold duct tape has worked very well for most projects, there is one con worth noting for potential buyers. When using a rolled section of the tape that had been stored for a longer period of time, I found that the adhesive tended to bind to the backing of the layer below it, clumping the tape together into an unusable ball. However, for tapes that weren’t exposed to prolonged storage, this wasn’t an issue.
FAQ of 3M Extreme Hold Duct Tape
Q: Can 3M Extreme Hold Duct Tape effectively provide a permanent seal for an inside sink pipe? If not, do you have any product recommendations?
A: I don’t think 3M Extreme Hold Duct Tape would be suitable for that purpose. However, you might want to consider trying Flex Steel or JB Weld, both of which are good products. If you have a PVC pipe, I recommend a PVC-specific product.
Q: Is it safe to leave 3M Extreme Hold Duct Tape for long periods of time (years) without causing damage or falling off?
A: Personally, I used 3M Extreme Hold Duct Tape outdoors to secure a plastic tarp on top of my spa cover during winter. Unfortunately, it didn’t hold up well, and the pieces of tape eventually came loose. It also left behind some sticky residue. So, I don’t believe it would hold up for years without causing damage or falling off unless it’s used indoors.
Q: Will 3M Extreme Hold Duct Tape damage the surface when removed?
A: No, it won’t cause any damage to the surface when removed.
Q: Can 3M Extreme Hold Duct Tape stick to cardboard?
A: I do recommend the Non Residue tape. The Non Residue tape has slightly less tackiness than the Extreme Hold, and it should stick to most cardboard. Since the Non-Residue tape works, I assume the Extreme Hold version would also stick to most cardboard. However, you are the final judge of whether it provides sufficient adhesion or not.
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My Hands-on Test of Gorilla Black Duct Tape
✅Pros: Gorilla Tape
Overall, I was thoroughly impressed with its performance, although there were a few minor downsides.
Seal Up Moving Boxes
I also used it to seal up moving boxes during a recent relocation, and it held them together securely throughout the entire process. The tape adhered effortlessly to various surfaces such as cardboard and plastic, providing me with the peace of mind that my items were well-protected during transit.
Trex Tape Vs Gorilla Tape
For heavy-duty bonding and repairs, especially outside, the T-Rex dominates with its tenacious strength and durability. For indoor fixes where a gentle yet firm adhesive is needed, the Gorilla is your best bet.
Incredible Holding Power
What sets this tape apart from others on the market is its incredible holding power. Unlike 3M Extreme Hold, it doesn’t budge once applied. I put it to the test by pushing, pulling, and even yanking on it, and it didn’t move a millimeter 
(trex tape vs gorilla tape). Even during windy thunderstorms, the tape held strong, preventing any water leakage. Its performance in this regard is truly remarkable.
Easy to Work With
Besides its impressive functionality, the Gorilla Black Duct Tape is also incredibly easy to work with. It tears effortlessly, allowing you to quickly and accurately size and seal anything that requires a secure bond. The width of the tape is perfect, not too skinny, making it an ideal choice for various applications.
❌Cons: Gorilla Tape
While the adhesive strength of the Gorilla Black Duct Tape is undoubtedly impressive, it’s worth mentioning that removing it can be a challenge. This is a testament to its strong bond, so if you’re using it on delicate surfaces like paint, it’s important to consider that it may cause damage upon removal. However, if your goal is to create a long-lasting, secure bond, this tape is perfect.
FAQ of Gorilla Black Duct Tape
Q: Is it possible to use Gorilla Tape as a replacement for electrical tape? Have there been any successful projects using it in that way?
A: Some people claim that the description contradicts itself, stating towards the end that it can be used in place of electrical tape. So there might be some success stories of using it for electrical purposes, despite the initial statement advising against it.
Q: How simple is it to remove Gorilla Tape? I need temporary double back tape for my kitchen countertops to train my dog not to jump on them.
A: If you’re looking for a temporary solution, Gorilla Tape may not be the best choice. It’s similar to super duct tape and only sticky on one side, making it difficult to remove if left on your countertops for a while. Additionally, it won’t provide the double-sided stickiness you need.
I’m Ronald Stevens, a Mechanical Engineer obsessed with adhesives, glue, and all things sticky! My passion began in childhood when I’d always be the one playing with glue during arts and crafts. And I’d spend hours researching and experimenting. Happy reading, and remember: stick with the best, and you’ll never be stuck in a mess!
Feel free to contact me and join our discussion:
Can I use 3M Extreme Hold Duct Tape to hang plastic sheeting on the wall, covering cabinets, or from the ceiling to prevent roof dust during a roofing job without causing damage?
If you decide to use 3M Extreme Hold Duct Tape, yes, it will work. However, I would recommend using a softer adhesive tape like the soft stick blue tape first. It has a strong adhesive and may peel off the paint, sheetrock, or other underlying surfaces. It's quite sticky.