How to Clamp With Masking Tape

Sometimes you may need to hold two pieces of wood together, but either your clamps don't seem right for the job or you simply don't have a clamp handy. In this case masking tape can be used. It doesn't tend to leave behind a film of adhesive as many tapes do, and will leave your wood looking unmarred.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Masking tape
• Wood
• Scissors
• Adhesive

1. Put your adhesive between the two pieces of wood you wish to adhere to each other.

2. Unroll an appropriate amount of masking tape. You want it to be secure, so plan on wrapping the tape around the wood at least three times. Once you have unrolled a long enough piece, cut it from the roll with a pair of scissors.

3. Wrap the tape around one end of your wood by pulling the attached end of the tape out with your hand to make sure that it has adhered to the wood. If you allow any slack, then the tape may not hold your pieces of wood together ,and you will have to start over with new pieces.

4. Unroll another strip of tape that is approximately the same length as the previous piece of masking tape, and cut this from the roll with your scissors.

5. Take this piece and warp it around the other end of your project using the same method described above. If done correctly, this will add more security to the wood, preventing the wood from slipping in different directions while you wait for the adhesive to dry and this step of your project to be complete.

6. Place your project in an area where it will not be disturbed by children, other adults, or animals. After enough time has elapsed for your adhesive to dry, carefully remove the tape.

Tips & Warnings

• Use tape that is no more than a year old. Over time masking tape can become brittle, loosing the flexibility that makes wrap easily.
• If allowed to sit for more than a day the masking tape may become difficult to remove from the wood.