What is a Gaffer, Anyway?

So you know the most common, and probably best, tape to use for a derby track is gaffers tape. But what exactly does that mean? Gaffers tape is a cloth tape with a synthetic-based adhesive designed for clean removal. It is known by many names. In the world of theater it is called “spike tape,” and is used for marking sets and actor positions. In rock climbing it is known as “route setting tape,” used for (you guessed it) marking specific routes on climbing walls. It is popular among hoop dancers for decorating hoops, and is commonly used to tape down cables in big productions. Here are a few other names for gaffers tape.

But with all of these different names for it, where did the term “gaffer” come from? Click here for a funny video describing the origins of the term.