Photo 18: Clockwise from left: clear shipping tape on dispenser, duct tape, scotch tapeOK, so you're packed. Now, let's worry about closing everything up securely to keep everything in and also to prevent people getting into things. (If you still leave your house unlocked when you leave for the weekend, you may not have to worry about preventing people getting into your stuff.)
One option, with a variety of applications (pun intended) is tape. Tape is not reusable without extreme care taken in opening a box. There are many different kinds:
Duct tape: Silver in color with warp and woof fabric woven between the silver covering and the sticky surface. Available in hardware stores. (2" wide: 60 yards $9.00; 10 yards $3.00) Very secure on box; scissors or sharp blade suggested to cut. Tape can "ooze" when exposed to heat. Duct tape may not be allowed by UPS, Post office and other shipping companies to secure boxes. Marine tape is similar to duct tape but is green in color and is for "wet" areas.
Photo 18: Clockwise from left: clear shipping tape on dispenser, duct tape, scotch tape
Gummed paper tape: Some shipping organizations use a reinforced paper tape to secure boxes. Available through professional packing stores. (Not really available to take home.) This tape is not recommended for use except shipping cardboard boxes. Use scissors or sharp blade to cut. Approved by Post office; check with other shipping companies before using.
Masking tape: Manila in color in a variety of widths (1" to 3"); used to "mask" off areas primarily for painting purposes. Available in hardware stores. This tape is not recommended. Easily torn. Masking tape is not allowed by UPS, Post office and other shipping companies to secure boxes.
Plastic tape: Colored tape in various widths; great for obstacle colors. Available in office supply stores. This tape is not recommended. Hard to tear. Plastic tape is not allowed by UPS, Post office and other shipping companies to secure boxes.
Scotch tape: Clear or semi-opaque in widths of 1/2" to 1"; used to repair office paper tears and other simple paper problems. Available in office supply stores. This tape is not recommended. Moderately easy to tear. Scotch tape is not allowed by UPS, Post office and other shipping companies to secure boxes. (See photo 18)
Shipping tape: Clear or opaque (often "tan" in color) 2" tape used for securing shipping containers. Available at office supply stores. (Six rolls of 60 yard tape $15 at warehouse store.) This tape is highly recommended. Difficult to tear; very secure on box; scissors or sharp blade suggested to cut. Shipping tape allowed by most shipping organizations to secure boxes. (See photo 18; one style of applicator is shown. Others include a simple wrap-around holder with blade.)
Strapling tape: Clear, fiber reinforced tape 1/2" and wider. Available at office supply stores. This tape is not recommended. Use scissors or sharp blade to cut. Approved by Post office; check with other shipping companies before using.
Other securing methods are more reusable. Some require (or are best used by someone who has achieved) a merit badge to get the right knots to secure the material. Most shippers prohibit anything "tied" around a package as it might catch up automated shipping equipment.
Belts: Yep, the kind you put around your waist. $10 and up. Nice to use to secure a relatively small box (like less than 36" in girth). Can be used for handcarrying or air travel.
Luggage Straps: Woven material with catch at one end to secure around item. Available at luggage stores. $5.00 and up. (Luggage straps are often the seat-of-the-pants traveler's friend who hasn't replaced his suitcase after the lock broke.) Can be used for handcarrying or air travel.
Padlocks: Keyed or combination. Available at hardware or lock stores. $2.00 and up per lock. It is suggested you use some brand name type of lock, like Master. Recommended to secure trunks, the new plastic containers. Just don't forget the combination or the key, or you might be paying $50 and up for a locksmith's services. Remember, if traveling by air, TSA may cut locks off to examine contents of container.
Photo 19: pair of padlocks. Sometimes available in sets of six; neck of shank varies.
Rope: Cotton or nylon. Available at hardware or camping stores. ~$10 for 50 feet. Rope has one draw back in that it needs to be cut to length (know how to be protected from unraveling ends) or excess secured on the box. It can be tied to produced a nice handle for moving the box or for tying many boxes together. Check with your transportation company if they allow rope.
String, Twine and Yarn: Less secure than rope. Not recommended for shipping purposes. Many shipping companies prohibit string, etc., used on boxes. Available at hardware stores, craft stores, office/business supplies and more.
Zip ties: AKA tie wraps; cable wraps. Often a one-time use, plastic tie that "ratchets" to secure a bundle of cables/wires (original use); can also be used to secure a container with "lock" holes, etc. Available from some office/business supply centers, audio/visual stores, hardware stores, etc. $0.05 and up each.
Back up to Library
Return to the Model Horse Gallery Home Page
This page maintained by the Model Horse Gallery Curator ©1996-2020