On 4 Sep 2003 05:57:17 -0700, (Michael D)
wrote:

I thought I'd
use Duct tape, but went to my local hardware store & they only had
Gaffa tape - is that the same thing?

They're both the same and both different.

Once upon a time, duct tape was for sealing aircon ducts. It was a
weak silver tape, with a weak, but long-term reliable adhesive.

Gaffer tape was for temporary use on stage rigging. It was usually
black, but came in other colours too. The tape was always a woven
fabric, so that it was easily torn into rectangular strips. The
adhesive had a high-tack, but tended to creep over time. Originally
not waterproof, it has been for decades.

Store both of these tapes with the reel's axis horizontal, otherwise
the glue oozes from the bottom face, especially in hot weather.

Nowadays, there are dozens of brands and the distinctions have been
lost, although there are many poor qualities brands and only a few
good ones. You can get any colour, and you have to check individual
brands to see whether it tears well, and whether the glue works.

"Duck" brand isn't bad.