When packing for a trip, most of us focus on clothes, documents, and chargers. But before you step out the door, it’s worth taking a minute to wrap your suitcase wheels with a bit of heavy-duty tape. It might sound a little odd, but this quick trick is becoming increasingly popular among frequent travelers.
The wheels take more of a beating than any other part of your bag. On the way to the airport or your hotel, they’re constantly grinding against rough pavement, gravel, cobblestones, and asphalt. Putting a layer of tape over them creates a barrier that slows down wear and tear, keeps dirt out of the rubber, and even helps soften that loud clattering noise on uneven ground.
How to do it right:
- Clean the surface first: Give the wheels a quick wipe and let them dry completely. If they’re dusty or wet, the tape will just peel right off after a few steps.
- Mind the mechanism: Only wrap the outer tread (the part that directly touches the ground). Leave the sides and the swivel axles free so the wheels can turn and roll smoothly.
- Pick the right tape: Basic Scotch tape or painter’s tape won’t cut it. You’ll want something tough that sticks well, like standard duct tape or self-fusing silicone tape.
When you get back home, just peel the tape off and wipe away any leftover sticky residue. Seeing how scuffed up the tape got will give you a pretty good idea of the damage your wheels just avoided. Just keep in mind that this is strictly to protect against wear and dirt—it won’t do anything to keep people from opening your zippers!
