The Legend of Duct Tape

Duct tape is so much more than a home handy person's dream tool...

What can you do with duct tape? Perhaps the better question is, what can't you do with it? Originally called ‘duck tape’ and used by the military in the Second World War for waterproofing seals on ammunition cases, the widespread use of this handy tape has developed into a nearly cult-like following.

Today, the durable, sticky product is generically know as duct tape, and is available in many sizes, from narrow ribbons to thick rolls. In addition to the common industrial grey, duct tape is also available in a variety of colors and patterns, including camouflage and fluorescent colors. There is even glow-in-the-dark duct tape for night time fun. For those repairs where aesthetics is a priority, such as vacuum or garden hose repair, there is also a transparent duct tape.

Duct tape is being used everywhere, from household construction and repairs to the creation of popular fashion accessories. Online stores have even been formed to sell duct tape clothing, wallets, purses and more. Around the home, duct tape uses are limited only by the imagination. Whenever there is something that needs to be stuck, secured or repaired, duct tape is often the best product for the job.
Canadian comedian Steve Smith’s much-loved television character Red Green was famous for his use of duct tape, dubbing it as the handyman's secret weapon. Each episode featured wacky uses for the tape, including engine repair! More recently, websites and books have been dedicated to finding even more uses for duct tape.

Some of the funniest duct tape presences on the web belong to the many duct tape fan club sites, where members can post their projects and achievements – all, of course, enhanced by the use of duct tape. Some sites include widely entered contests and interactive activities.

Finally, even NASA, that bastion of cutting-edge science recognizes the value of duct tape, sending a roll of it on every space launch. The tape has been useful, having been employed for life-saving space mission repairs including on the Apollo 13 mission where duct tape was used to connect a carbon dioxide filter to the fitting of the air duct.

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 :-)

Wrapped In Duct Tape.com