history of duct tape

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