Using Double-Sided Tape in Woodworking

One of the most useful tips I've ever received in woodworking is the use of double-sided tape. This is particularly helpful in a "one-man shop" where there isn't a second pair of hands around to hold something in place, particularly where woodworking clamps aren't practical.

Case in point: when mounting drawer faces onto drawer boxes, using a couple of pieces of double-sided tape to hold the drawer front in place allows for exact placement of the drawer face while the drawer is in the cabinet. Simply affix a couple of pieces to the front of the drawer box when it is in the cabinet, position the drawer front exactly where you want it and press the drawer front against the tape. Then, slide the drawer out of the cabinet just far enough to affix a few screws from the backside into the drawer front. This is far superior to measuring, attaching the drawer front and hoping you got it in the right spot!

Double-sided tape can be very handy when mounting hinges (to hold the hinge in place while you pre-drill the screw holes. If you have some really strong tape, you can use it to mount crown mouldings to a project.

What types of double-sided tape is best? There are plenty of choices. Some woodworkers swear by carpet tape, while others spend a bit extra for some super-strong 3M formulations. A lot depends on whether you need to remove the tape later, and whether the tape you choose leaves behind a residue or is so strong that it pulls some of the wood fibers on removal.

A bit of trial and error will help you find the right kind of tape for your particular tasks.