People who like duct tape tend to also like tools. Unfortunately for tool lovers, you do not need many tools to create things with duct tape. The only truely essential tool is duct tape.
However, if you want your projects to look good, you will need a cutter and, therefore, a cutting board. And to keep the cuts straight, you will probably need a ruler.
Cutters
I use two utility knives with the snap off blades. Why two cutters? I like to keep one short for cutting on the cutting board and one long (6 blades exposed) for cutting the duct tape off the roll. I purchased the cutters in different colours so that I could easily grab the right one.
I also use a small pair of pliers for breaking off the blades. Many people just use their hands, so this is optional.
Cutting Board
Now for the most expensive tool: the cutting board. You need something to cut on, and I do not recommend doing this on the kitchen table. I bought a 17" x 23" (43 cm x 58 cm) cutting board from a sewing store. Make sure you get one that can handle a straight blade. Many sewing store cutting boards are ment only for the round cutters.
Rulers
If you have a really good eye and a steady hand, you do not need a ruler. For the rest of us, I recommend steel rulers since you can cut along them. If possible, get the art type with the cork back. It helps keep them from slipping while you cut. However, a machinists rule is fine if you already have one.
My main ruler is a 15" (38 cm) steel ruler. You can get them from arts supply stores and business supply stores. A small flat metal square is also very handy but not necessary.
Tape Holder
The sides of a roll are sticky! When you put them down on their side, they tend to stick to things and pick up dirt. If you put them down vertically, they roll away. To solve this, I built a little holder out of 1" angle iron.
The sides are 5" long and the ends are 2" long for 2" tape and 3" for 3" tape. Place the pieces as shown in the top view below and weld togeather. Note the gap due to the curve in the angle iron. This gap is needed or the tape will be held too tight.
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