| Duct tape was invented over sixty years ago and | | | | - restraining unruly prisoners |
| nowadays, has an almost cult like following of | | | | - making Christmas decorations |
| users from housewives to soldiers. There are | | | | - making tennis balls behave like cricket balls |
| thousands of things you can fix with duct tape. It | | | | - as a temporary bandage |
| is strong, sturdy and durable. | | | | - temporarily repairing spacecraft |
| It was developed for the military during World | | | | The number of uses to which duct tape can be |
| War as a way to keep moisture out of | | | | put is often a source of humor. Many are |
| ammunition boxes and, some say, was originally | | | | described by the Duct Tape Guys (Jim Berg and |
| called "duck tape" because of its moisture | | | | Tim Nyberg) who, as of 2005, have written 7 |
| resisting properties. Others claim its name relates | | | | books about duct tape. Such is the cult following |
| to the cotton duck from which it was made. As | | | | of duct tape fans that their books have sold over |
| were soldiers tarpaulins, tents, ponchos and other | | | | 1.5 million copies. |
| equipment at this time. Whatever the origin of its | | | | Interestingly, duct tape is not actually very good |
| name, soldiers soon started using it for a variety | | | | in the situation after which it has been named. In |
| of purposes other than on ammo boxes such as | | | | fact, its use in ducts has been prohibited by the |
| quickly repairing military equipment like guns, | | | | state of California and by building codes in most |
| jeeps, and even aircraft. | | | | other places in the U.S. |
| The name duct tape came to be used after the | | | | More Duct Tape Wackiness |
| war at which time its color was also changed | | | | Duct tape's widespread popularity and multitude of |
| from army green to silver and nowadays, you | | | | uses has earned it a strong place in popular |
| can buy it in a variety of colors. During the | | | | culture and there are now festivals and contests |
| housing boom people started using duct tape for | | | | dedicated to it. |
| many purposes including using to seal heating and | | | | Duck Products sponsors an annual competition |
| air conditioning ducts during construction. Hence | | | | that offers a college scholarship to the person |
| the new name "duct tape". | | | | who creates the most stylish prom formal wear |
| Duct tape consists of 3 layers. The top layer is a | | | | made from duct tape. This has led to increasing |
| resilient plastic (Polyethylene). The middle layer is a | | | | interest in creating novelty and fashion pieces |
| fabric mesh, which facilitates tearing. And the | | | | such as designer duct tape handbags, wallets, |
| bottom layer is a rubber-based adhesive. The 3 | | | | belts and related items. Various companies, like |
| layers are pressed together during manufacture. | | | | Duct Bills and Duct Tape Revolution now make |
| The Uses for Duct Tape Are Limited Only By | | | | wallets, bags and other accessories from the |
| The Imagination | | | | tape. |
| Duct tape is commonly used in situations where a | | | | Its strength, low cost, and remarkable versatility |
| strong, flexible adhesive is required, especially | | | | make duct tape a household staple throughout |
| where exposure to the elements is a concern. But | | | | the USA for temporary repairs and |
| over the years it has been used for a multitude | | | | general-purpose use. That, alongside it's rabid fan |
| of more zany situations including: | | | | base means it's set to be around for at least |
| - repairing flat tires | | | | another 60 years. |
| - making women's dresses, pants, shoes and hats | | | | |