If you’ve spent more than a few raids in Escape from Tarkov, you’ve probably looted a roll or two of duct tape—and maybe tossed it aside for something flashier. But don’t underestimate this unassuming item. While it may look like junk, duct tape in Tarkov is surprisingly useful when it comes to crafting, hideout upgrades, and even a few valuable barter trades.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what duct tape does, how valuable it really is, and why it deserves a spot in your stash—especially as the wipe progresses.
What Is Duct Tape in Tarkov?
In Escape from Tarkov, duct tape is a common barter item classified under “Household Materials”. It appears as a small silver or gray roll and is often labeled as “Duct tape” or “White duct tape” in the loot pool. Both types are used in different crafting recipes and hideout modules, and they frequently spawn inside toolboxes, caches, and technical supply crates across the game’s maps.
It might not be flashy like a weapon mod or LEDX, but Tarkov duct tape plays a vital support role in your survival journey.
Key Stats and In-Game Info
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Weight: 0.3 kg
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Grid Size: 1×1
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Rarity: Common
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Sell Price (Flea Market): Typically between 5,000–12,000 ₽ (depending on wipe stage)
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Spawn Containers: Toolboxes, Jackets, Sport Bags, Technical Supply Crates
Its small size makes it a great filler item, especially during loot runs when you’re optimizing backpack space.
Why It Matters: Early Game vs. Mid-Wipe
In the early wipe, many players overlook duct tape’s value because the hideout isn’t unlocked or upgraded yet. But once you start upgrading areas like the Lavatory, Workbench, or Water Collector, you’ll suddenly need multiple rolls of duct tape—and the demand spikes. That’s when players start searching for terms like:
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“Tarkov duct tape location”
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“What is duct tape used for in Escape from Tarkov”
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“Is duct tape worth looting in Tarkov”
Answer: yes—especially if you want to stay ahead with hideout progression or flip it on the Flea Market.
Pro Tip:
Don’t discard duct tape too soon. Stack it early in your stash. When the hideout starts asking for it (or a rare craft pops up), you’ll save yourself time and roubles.
Where to Find Duct Tape in Tarkov & How to Use It
Once you realize how valuable duct tape in Tarkov is for your hideout progression, the next question is obvious: Where do you find it consistently? The answer lies in smart looting and understanding the best spawn locations across maps.
Best Places to Find Duct Tape in Tarkov
Duct tape spawns in a variety of containers and locations, but your best bet is to target maps with dense loot zones and high concentrations of utility items.
Top Containers to Search:
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Toolboxes – Commonly found in industrial zones and garages
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Sport Bags & Jackets – Often overlooked but can yield duct tape
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Technical Supply Crates – High-tier spawns with good tape odds
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Shelves in Tech/Hardware Stores – Particularly on Interchange
Recommended Maps:
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Interchange – Techlight, OLI, and Hardware stores have tool-heavy zones
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Reserve – Military garages, mechanical areas, and tool sheds
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Customs – Dorms toolboxes and construction areas
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Lighthouse – Great for late-game players looking to farm barter items
If you’re running Scav raids, these maps give you a high chance of walking away with 1–2 rolls per run.
Duct Tape Uses in Crafting & Hideout
Once looted, duct tape shines in crafting recipes and hideout upgrades. Here are the key areas where it plays a role:
Hideout Modules That Require Duct Tape:
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Lavatory Level 1 & 2 – Used for early crafting of bandages and other essentials
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Workbench Level 1 – Needed to start crafting ammo or modded parts
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Water Collector – Some upgrades require tape to seal components
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Illumination – Electrical duct tape helps when wiring systems
Common Crafts Using Duct Tape:
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Weapon repair kits
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Crafting pressure bandages
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Crafting screwdrivers and tool sets (when combined with other materials)
Why It’s Smart to Hoard Duct Tape Mid-Wipe
As you progress and unlock more modules in your hideout, the demand for materials like duct tape skyrockets. It’s a bit like asking, Is It Worth It to Get Your Air Ducts Cleaned? — at first, it might seem unnecessary, but the long-term benefits become clear. While the early wipe may not show its full potential, mid-wipe players often regret not saving enough duct tape, especially when trying to level their Workbench or Lavatory efficiently.
Bonus Tip:
Combine duct tape with screws, bolts, and WD-40 for efficient multi-item crafts. They’re all household materials, and you’ll find them in the same loot containers—keep a stash going!
Duct Tape Barters, Value, and Strategy
Now that you know where to find duct tape in Tarkov and how to use it in your hideout, let’s break down its value in trading, when to loot or skip it, and how to maximize it over the course of a wipe.
Barter Trades Using Duct Tape
While not as common as fuel or weapon parts, duct tape is still part of a few practical barter trades in Escape from Tarkov—especially in the early-to-mid game.
Traders That Accept Duct Tape:
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Mechanic – Occasionally offers barters involving duct tape for low-tier attachments or mods
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Jaeger – Sometimes includes it in survival kit barters
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Peacekeeper (via barter chains) – Higher-level items may involve it indirectly
Always keep an eye on daily refreshes—barter availability can vary by level and reputation.
Is Duct Tape Worth Looting?
The answer depends on your situation, but here’s a breakdown:
Loot It If:
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You’re in early or mid-wipe and still building your hideout
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You find it in bulk (e.g. 2+ rolls in a raid)
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You plan to craft and flip items on the Flea Market
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You’re a Scav and space isn’t an issue
Skip It If:
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You’re in late-wipe PvP-heavy raids and space is tight
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It’s competing with higher-value barter items (e.g. gunpowder, capacitors)
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Your stash is full and hideout is maxed out
Flea Market Value:
Duct tape usually sells for 5,000–12,000 ₽, depending on wipe progression and demand for hideout materials. Prices spike when crafting quests become active.
Final Strategy:
Here are some final tips to get the most out of duct tape in Escape from Tarkov:
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Early Wipe: Stack up and stash it. You’ll need it sooner than you think.
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Mid-Wipe: Use it for hideout upgrades and crafting. Don’t rely on buying it—prices surge.
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Late Wipe: Only loot it if you’re flipping items or doing challenges involving crafting.
Also, keep white duct tape separated—it’s rarer and often required in specific, high-level crafts like Weapon Repair Kits or Workbench upgrades.