The History of Duct Tape

Duct tape was first created in 1942 by the Johnson and Johnson Permacel Division. Before duct tape, adhesive masking tape was invented in the 20s. The nearest ancestor was medical tape.

Duct tape was originally used to keep water and moisture out of ammunition cases. It was commonly referred to as ‘duck tape’ because it was waterproof. The tape was made using cotton duck, which is similar to what was used in making cloth medical tapes.

Military personnel discovered that duct tape was really quite versatile and began using it to fix their guns, aircraft, jeeps and everything else that needed fixing. After World War II, duct tape was used in the housing industry to secure heating and air conditioning duct work together.

Because of the use of the tape for duct work, the tape was changed from Army green to silver, to match the ductwork better. At that time, people, especially in the housing industry, began to refer to ‘duck tape’ as ‘duct tape’.

Because duct tape was so sticky, the partners at Manco Inc. shrink wrapped the rolls so they could be stacked better without oozing the adhesive out and sticking the rolls together.

Not long after the boom in the housing industry’s use of duct tape, different colors began to be manufactured in duct tape. Soon, it was known as the most versatile household product that could be used to fix almost anything.

Today, duct tape is widely popular. It comes in an array of colors, from the typical silver to shades of red, pink, gold, green—any color you can imagine, really. You can purchase ‘designed’ duct tape as well.

Duct tape can be used for many things—you can make things out of duct tape, such as hats and wallets, even a bust for sewing. It can fix your broken fan belt in your car to get you to the nearest shop.

Duct tape—the must have for all homes.

Home improvement sources:
Material handling guide
Regular tools
Home repairs and honey do's
Second list of honey do's, incase you got off easy with the first list
Clothing for normal people :-)

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