Duct tape
Duct tape is a strong, fabric-based, multi-purpose, pressure-sensitive, adhesive tape. It is generally silver or black in color but many other colors, like transparent, have recently become available. Duct tape is usually 1.88 inches (48 mm) wide. It was originally developed during World War II in 1942 as a waterproof sealing tape for ammunition cases.
Permacel, then a division of Johnson & Johnson, used a rubber-based adhesive to help the tape resist water and a fabric backing to facilitate ripping. Because of these properties, it was also used to quickly repair military equipment, including jeeps, guns, and aircraft. Duct tape is also called "100 mph tape" in the military, citing the that duct tape will maintain its adhesion when subjected to winds traveling at up to 100 miles per hour (160 km/h), which is why duct tape is used for quick repairs to cars during NASCAR races.
After the war, the housing industry boomed and people started using duct tape for many other purposes. The name "duct tape" came from its use on heating and air conditioning ducts, a purpose for which it, ironically, has been deemed ineffective by the state of California and by building codes in most other places in the United States (which means professionals are forbidden to use it in systems they install, but do it yourselfers are not). However, metalized and aluminum tapes used by professionals are still often called "duct tapes."
Common uses
Duct tape is found in many people's tool kits. Its versatility and holding power are evidenced by its humorous nickname in engineering circles: "the ultimate material." Another frequent joke is that a handyman needs only two tools: duct tape for "sticking" and the WD-40 for "unsticking."
The epigram "duct tape is like The Force in Star Wars: it has a light side and a dark side, and it binds the Universe together" has been attributed to science fiction fan Carl Zwanzig.
Duct tape is also sometimes used by musicians and on film sets and in theatres, although a more specialised product, commonly known as gaffer tape in entertainment circles, is preferred as it does not leave a sticky residue when removed and is more easily torn into thin strips for precise application.
Names in other countries
Other names for duct tape (including the Scandinavian "Jesus Tape", a name which comes from duct tape's apparent ability to perform miracles) have been documented at length by The Duct Tape Guys.
Duct tape is used extensively in the creation and identification of weaponry used by the Society for Creative Anachronism (The RenFaire people). The official SCA Weapons Standards is not specific, but duct tape is commonly known as the preferred material.
It is also used as an effective gag when smoothed over a person's mouth and lips.
See also [ List of adhesive tapes ]
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