Uses of Duct Tape

God made the world, but it's held together with duct tape. Anonymous

This popular saying rightly describes the versatility of duct tape. Duct tape is a multipurpose adhesive tape made of fabric, coated with waterproof material. Generally, this tape is available in silver or black color, but nowadays it is manufactured in many colors including transparent ones which are available in the market. Originally, this tape was first made in 1942 during World War II and was mainly used to protect ammunition cases from water. This tape helped the soldiers in fixing their arms, vehicles, aircraft etc.

Duct tape was also known as 'duck tape'. There can be two reasons behind this name. It may be due to the material used in its manufacture. At that time, the tape was made from cotton duck, the fabric used for making tents, tarpaulins and ponchos of soldiers. Another reason is the waterproof nature of duct tape. It is like the feathers of a duck, which can protect its body from water. However, as the usage of duct tape became widespread, the name also changed. The name 'duct tape' was derived from its usage in the heating and air conditioning ducts, but later it was found that duct tape cannot seal air conditioning and heating ducts. It was also used by the astronauts aboard the Apollo 17 for making some repairs, which helped to prevent damage to the lunar rover. Now, duct tape is so popular that it is used to make designer wear, handbags, wallets, etc. It has become something indispensable in every household.

Let us take a look at some of the uses of duct tape:

• Duct tape can be used as a temporary bandage. Place cotton cloth or paper towels on the wound and seal it with duct tape until proper medical care is available.
• Many novelty items and fashion accessories can be made of duct tape. Wallets, handbags, model houses, flowers, etc. made of duct tape are very much in vogue.
• This tape is also associated with the treatment of warts. According to some medical studies, duct tape is found to be effective in the removal of warts. In this treatment called duct tape occlusion therapy, this tape is placed over the wart for a stipulated period, generally six weeks. This helps in easy removal of warts.
• You can retain the freshness of chips and other such items by sealing the open packet with duct tape.
• Duct tape can be used for mending broken pieces of any tool, utensil, water hose, photo frame, etc.
• It is useful in removing lint from clothes. Wrap some duct tape around your hand with the sticky side out. Then roll it over the fabric and see the difference.
• An old pocket folder can be given a new look by covering it with duct tape. Strengthen the individual sections with the tape and it will be as good as new.
• You can use it to stick posters, fix holes, for hemming jeans, to reinforce book binding, etc.
• Duct tape can be used to prevent the glass in windows from shattering. All you have to do is to tape up the window panes during strong winds.

The versatility of duct tape is so much that in Scandinavia, this tape is known as 'Jesus Tape', obviously referring to the tape's ability to perform miracles. Duct tape is no less than a miracle, as it can perform a wide range of functions.