I purchased the Staples Economy Rubber Bands Size #64 to use to secure the lids of shoeboxes both cardboard and plastic These shoeboxes were for Samaritan's Purse Operating Christmas Child. Two rubber bands were required for each shoebox. This size and width were perfect to fit securely around the boxes. The rubber bands had to be taken on and off ocassionally and never once did I have a rubber band that broke. Rubber bands we have used in the past often broken causing inconvenience and extra cost just to replace them. I'll use these Staples bands next time!
Convenience stores usually sell a pack with a mix that is predominantly #18 (too puny for most purposes) with only a smattering of useful thicker rubber bands. Not to stretch a point but I use the #64 all the time to organize things as it is thick and strong enough to be really useful. Staples sells 1 lb bags of #64 but that would last a lifetime for a household. The 1/4 lb contains plenty and is just right.
These rubber bands are very consistent and reliable. We use them to secure large rolls of architectural drawings and have very few breaks. Especially important when drawings are in storage. Bonus feature they fit very well in our rubber band guns:)
If I were allowed to give zero stars on this product I would do it. These rubber bands are great if you don't need them to hold for more than a couple of weeks. My experience has been that they hold for a few weeks and then disintegrate. Very disappointing. I know that rubber bands deteriorate over time but I would expect them to last. at least several months not just a few weeks. I will never purchase rubber bands from Staples again.