Electrical tape stupidity

[reader2580]

I was looking for electrical stuff for wiring my new garage today. During the course of my looking around my basement I found three nearly new rolls of red Scotch 35 and a roll of some crappy brand of red electrical tape that barely sticks to itself. I guess I just keep buying new rolls of red electrical tape every time I can't find one.

I also found a bunch of new electrical stuff that I will never use. I am going to take it back to Menards. I don't really need the $10, but I would rather have it sold to someone else who can use it rather than it going in a landfill or scrap bin some day. Yes, I need to get my electrical stuff organized, or at least in one place. Some day.

 

[T444e]

All you have is $10 of material to return. I wish I only had that little laying around, and able to keep only that much around.

 

[nadogail]

All you have is $10 of material to return. I wish I only had that little laying around, and able to keep only that much around.

You are going to try to return a partial roll of Electrical Tape?

 

[T444e]

Well, since I discovered Super 33+, no. I've used the cheap **** from Menards, even if they gave it to you, it's too expensive.

 

[reader2580]

You are going to try to return a partial roll of Electrical Tape?

No, the electrical materials are brand new in sealed bags. Of course, I cannot, and would not, return a roll of used electrical tape.

 

[PCustoms]

No, the electrical materials are brand new in sealed bags.

Careful, excessive returns can feed the algorithm to blacklist you

I made the mistake a few weeks bag asking if I could return a fitting I opened that was wrong, he said sure! then red tagged it and threw it in the special bin. I learned the lesson with old stuff too, if it's outside the window and they try to return it for credit, I just take it back home.

As far as keeping things organized, I have a plumbing tool/parts box (small fittings , PEX crimper, solder etc) and a box of electrical materials (outlets, nuts, boxes, conduit fittings etc). My electrician tools are in a tool pouch hanging by the panel, and the tapes are hung on that.

 

[T444e]

No, the electrical materials are brand new in sealed bags. Of course, I cannot, and would not, return a roll of used electrical tape.

I returned an open package of cable ties because 90% failed during installation, I'll never buy that brand again.

 

[reader2580]

Careful, excessive returns can feed the algorithm to blacklist you

I suspect if Menards was going to blacklist me they would have done so long ago. I return something probably every other trip I make there. Nearly everything I return is still sealed and ready to be sold again. I could count on one hand how many things I return in a year that are defective, or otherwise not resalable. If I open something and I bought the wrong size I eat that mistake and don't try to return it.

I expect you would be more likely to be banned if you constantly returned opened items that could not be resold.

The stuff I returned I bought in 2021. I was able to find the receipt through Menards.com. If you have the receipt, and Menards still sells the same item, they will give you a merchandise credit after 90 days. I used my $8 credit to buy a hole saw arbor I needed.

 

[75gmck25]

Just a quick update on Home Depot return policy (no Menards here) in case you need it.

When I was building my house addition I always had extra stuff purchased, and periodically took the extra parts back for credit. Didn't always have the receipt, but they could find it on my credit card or in my HD Pro account. Last month I tried to return a bad solar powered light; however, it had failed months ago and it was now about 7 months since I purchased it.

I had the receipt and box, and it showed up in my HD Pro account, but it had been over 3 months and I had put it on my regular Visa card. Based on the current policy, once it is beyond 3 months it is now non-returnable and you cannot even get HD credit for the item. You only get a 1 year return option if it was put on your HD credit card.
I also explained that it was broken, so could I just get a replacement item - no deal. They offered no options other than to claim it under warranty.

I then called the HD warranty line for the item, which very quickly agreed that it had broken within the 1 year warranty, and they sent me a HD online refund. So it all worked out, but was a lot more involved. It will definitely make me slow down a lot when buying additional parts and pieces for my projects, since I need to get it all back within that 3 month window.

 

[reader2580]

Home Depot has gotten a lot stricter with returns due to the theft issues they are dealing with. My local HD stopped doing no receipt returns at all a while back.

I usually shop at Menards due to their 11% rebate, plus the better return policy doesn't hurt. I was shopping a lot a HD until they stopped matching the Menards rebate. HD came up with an online way to file the 11% rebate so I preferred HD. I don't like how generous Menards is at taking back open packages. They tape them up and put them back on the shelves. I refuse to buy an open package on principle unless it is the only one. Why should I pay full price for an opened item? My ethics won't allow me to return anything I opened that isn't defective.

I will often shop at HD for PVC electrical items because Menards has switched all of the PVC stuff to China. HD still has that stuff made in the USA. I also like Leviton better for receptacles and switches.

 

[reader2580]

The original point of my thread is just the pure absurdity of having four rolls of red electrical tape each barely used. I would still have the original roll if not for misplacing the tape and buying new rolls.

 

[pbon]

We need to discuss the pros and cons of having several rolls of electrical tape for at least a few more pages. Some prefer a minimal inventory, some prefer to return excesses so they can reallocate the money to other things, and some like to be well stocked because they may need tape or they are high users of tape.

I fall into the category of liking being well stocked, but I am also money conscious and try to wait for a good sale. I recently found 33 in the shorter 52’ length for $3 at Walmart and bought 6 rolls. I was down to 2 rolls and figured there was a risk with the tariff wars that the price of tape could go way up.

My stock of white is 2 rolls, which is excessive for my needs, but I can’t remember where I bought them so I am stuck with them and probably 1 will go bad before I can use it. I have 1 roll of red, which is sufficient for me.

Anyone else who is retired and has nothing better to do or nothing they would rather be doing or just plenty of things they are avoiding doing, please chime in.

 

[richfinn]

It seems to me that you might need a tape strap/chain to hang the rolls of tape to your toolbag or tote

 

[reader2580]

I have better things to do than inventory my tape supplies. I just happened to find all these rolls of tape while I was looking for other electrical tools and supplies. I already had a roll of red tape I could use for my project.

 

[dave*99]

We need to discuss the pros and cons of having several rolls of electrical tape for at least a few more pages. Some prefer a minimal inventory, some prefer to return excesses so they can reallocate the money to other things, and some like to be well stocked because they may need tape or they are high users of tape.

I fall into the category of liking being well stocked, but I am also money conscious and try to wait for a good sale. I recently found 33 in the shorter 52’ length for $3 at Walmart and bought 6 rolls. I was down to 2 rolls and figured there was a risk with the tariff wars that the price of tape could go way up.

My stock of white is 2 rolls, which is excessive for my needs, but I can’t remember where I bought them so I am stuck with them and probably 1 will go bad before I can use it. I have 1 roll of red, which is sufficient for me.

Anyone else who is retired and has nothing better to do or nothing they would rather be doing or just plenty of things they are avoiding doing, please chime in.

You really ought to rethink your methods. Just buy white tape and these. I'm not retired yet, but look out for when I am.....

 

[pbon]

I can change that spare roll of white tape to whatever color I want! I am going to buy a set of those fat colored sharpies the next time someone posts a half off sale on them.

 

[mike93lx]

I have better things to do than inventory my tape supplies. I just happened to find all these rolls of tape while I was looking for other electrical tools and supplies. I already had a roll of red tape I could use for my project.

Inventorying tape would take less time than this thread

 

[PCustoms]

Inventorying tape would take less time than this thread

Hang them on a tool bag

Hang them on a nail

Sit them in a drawer

Store them anywhere!

I'll stop before this turns into some green eggs and ham paradoy

 

[Lorydr]

It might be worth inventorying painter's/masking tape, because it is costing way too much!

 

[AA/FC]

"Electrical Tape Stupidity"

If having more than one roll of electrical tape (in this case 3 or 4 rolls) is "Stupidity" then I must keep reminding myself to never publicly admit on this forum how many rolls I currently own. I'd hate to embarrass myself. lolol....

 

[reader2580]

It makes sense to own a number of rolls of black electrical tape, but to me it makes no sense to have four rolls of red electrical tape when I have probably used a total of ten feet between them all. I keep buying new because I can't find the the rolls I already own. I was pulling wire yesterday and used red electrical tape to secure the wires since I have more of that than black.

 

[pbon]

Apple air tags would help — one attached to each roll of tape. A $20 solution to a $5 problem.

 

[AA/FC]

It makes sense to own a number of rolls of black electrical tape, but to me it makes no sense to have four rolls of red electrical tape when I have probably used a total of ten feet between them all. I keep buying new because I can't find the the rolls I already own. I was pulling wire yesterday and used red electrical tape to secure the wires since I have more of that than black.

I am in the exact same boat as you.... I KNOW of at least 2 rolls of red electrical tape here at my place and there is probably more. But I certainly wouldn't call that "stupidity".

Maybe:
Careless
Unorganized
Impatient
Hoarder
Impulse buyer
OCD
Stockpiling
Etc...

But not stupidity. Not in my case, anyway....

lol

 

[Codyboy]

I am in the exact same boat as you.... I KNOW of at least 2 rolls of red electrical tape here at my place and there is probably more. But I certainly wouldn't call that "stupidity".

Maybe:
Careless
Unorganized
Impatient
Hoarder
Impulse buyer
OCD
Stockpiling
Etc...

But not stupidity. Not in my case, anyway....

lol

 

[Codyboy]

No man can ever have too much tape.

It's impossible.

 

[Bert_]

Home Depot has gotten a lot stricter with returns due to the theft issues they are dealing with. My local HD stopped doing no receipt returns at all a while back.

I usually shop at Menards due to their 11% rebate, plus the better return policy doesn't hurt. I was shopping a lot a HD until they stopped matching the Menards rebate. HD came up with an online way to file the 11% rebate so I preferred HD. I don't like how generous Menards is at taking back open packages. They tape them up and put them back on the shelves. I refuse to buy an open package on principle unless it is the only one. Why should I pay full price for an opened item? My ethics won't allow me to return anything I opened that isn't defective.

I will often shop at HD for PVC electrical items because Menards has switched all of the PVC stuff to China. HD still has that stuff made in the USA. I also like Leviton better for receptacles and switches.

You can open the box back up and check what's inside. Do it right there in the store. They aren't concerned.

 

[cody1325]

No man can ever have too much tape.

It's impossible.

I have a roll of duct tape and either Scotch 33 or MSHA grade tape in basically every toolbox. Along with zip ties and rebar tie wire, they'll hold stuff together until I can either replace it or fix it right.

Plus, duct tape basically everywhere.

 

[jd_1138]

No man can ever have too much tape.

It's impossible.

Especially if they have body parts on a car to secure back on, and they aren't advanced enough to use the more superior materials mechanic's wire/baling wire or zip ties.

Another option for unused materials is to donate it to a local Restore Store if you have them in your area. They are connected with Habitat for Humanity. The materials will make their way into projects for low income people. Also a lot of them end up on the shelves for sell. And their prices are logical and not idiotic like a lot of Goodwills around here are pricing their stuff at.

Prices will be like 1/4 retail, so a good chance for people to buy materials if they're on a limited income. They have electrical, plumbing, fixtures, general, etc sections.

 

[Mr onetwo]

The original point of my thread is just the pure absurdity of having four rolls of red electrical tape each barely used. I would still have the original roll if not for misplacing the tape and buying new rolls.

Talk about absurdity...in trimming out the electrical in the addition to my house, I had to find the two 3-way "light almond" switches that I bought 6 months ago. After gathering all the various boxes of electrical stuff I have accumulated over the years, I finally found them in an unmarked padded envelope amongst 26 boxes of ****. I also found 5 other 3-way switches I didn't know I had. And 3 rolls of purple 3m electrical tape. That's in addition to the 6 - 1/2" combination box/open end wrenches that are lurking in my garage.

 

[OccupantRJ]

More colors than I will ever use as a hobbiest, but yard sales have been a great cheap place to stock up on essentials through the years. I once bought several 5 gallon buckets level full of loose wire terminals, fittings, wire nuts, receptacles and switches for $10. The guy had passed and every day he came home and emptied his pockets for the day on a built in workbench in his backyard building. The stuff was banked against the wall at 45 degrees to the forward edge of the bench and sliding off on the floor.
i just held the buckets at the front edge of the bench and raked the stuff off into them. I actually just organized the tape drawer last week.

 

[alfredeneuman]

It seems to me that you might need a tape strap/chain to hang the rolls of tape to your toolbag or tote

I cut off the tape holder chain on my toolbelt because it hangs up on a ladder. (especially with tape on it)

 

[BrandonV]

Off topic slightly but I prefer heat shrink tubing for remarking conductors.

 

[BillK]

I am just curious what you guys are doing that you need that much electrical tape ?? I bet I have had the same roll of 3M for 20 years.

 

[OccupantRJ]

I cut off the tape holder chain on my toolbelt because it hangs up on a ladder. (especially with tape on it)

I keep a small adjustable wrench and an old school electrician’s knife on the clasp hook on my electrical pouch, so I use the handle of the adjustable wrench to hold a roll of tape slipped onto it. It clangs around a bit on a ladder but never gets snagged up. The knife is the same one I used in high school electrical class in 1969, so it has been hanging around a while.

 

[Metal-Marc]

If OP thinks he has too much red tape, he should open up a business and see what happens.

 

[nadogail]

For the most part, Electrical Tape colors are optional.
Notabile exceptions are Green and White.
It might look strange but Red can be acceptable for almost anything you have taped with Black.

 

[dscheidt]

I cut off the tape holder chain on my toolbelt because it hangs up on a ladder. (especially with tape on it)

Instead of a chain with a T at the end, mine has a snap hook on a short strap that clips to a ring on the pouch, so it's a closed loop. Easy enough to undo one handed, redoing it is a bit harder (easy with two hands), so tape ends up thrown into the pocket of the pouch with the wire nuts and other ****. I do try to put it back when I have a chance, but, well...

The bucket organizer I have handyman stuff in has a similar set up, but uses a longer strap, and you can fit a few rolls of tape. I've just got electrical and pipe tape, but you could have a couple more.

 

[Miss the Pontiacs]

Did someone say tape. This is all within about 3’ Not counting any tape in house, vehicles or the lake. Actually bought much of it at an online auction. I have a big project and then the local SPCA will get a donation. Actually my wife already gave them 4-5 rolls already.

 

[Joemctag]

I have a roll of duct tape and either Scotch 33 or MSHA grade tape in basically every toolbox. Along with zip ties and rebar tie wire, they'll hold stuff together until I can either replace it or fix it right.

Plus, duct tape basically everywhere.

Electrical solid copper wire; 14, 12, or even 10 ga. is great for make-do stuff. I use it lots.

 

[Crazyjake8493]

Scotch 33 for black and 35 for colors is pretty much all you need.

As far as electrical supplies, I don't think I've ever returned anything other than a light fixture or two. It all gets used eventually.