Thursday, November 18, 2010

What Year Was Duct Tape Invented

Duct Tape is a derivative of masking tape, which was created in the 1920s by Richard Drew of the 3M Corporation. Next came medical tape, between the 1920s and World War II. Then Duct Tape, a direct descendant of medical tape, hit the stage.


When Did Duct Tape Make Its Debut?


The Johnson and Johnson Permacel Division created and made duct tape in approximately 1942. Duct tape was originally used by the army to keep their ammunition cases dry. The tape proved to create a good moisture seal, so the name "Duck Tape" caught on. Soldiers soon found many uses for the Duck Tape and learned to repair guns, jeeps, aircraft and other equipment with the sticky stuff.


When Did Duck Tape Become "Duct Tape?"


After the war, people exchanged the army green tape for the color silver because the civilian population had discovered the tape and began using it in their homes. When the 1970s rolled around, Manco Inc. began packaging the tape in plastic which allowed easier use, and Duct Tape became one of the most adaptable household accessories available.








How Is Duct Tape Made?


Duct Tape consists of three layers: a surface layer of tough plastic, a bottom layer of sticky adhesive and an inner layer of cloth webbing. The manufacturer presses all three layers flat together to create the tape. Eight companies make Duct Tape.








Guess What


You can buy duct tape in a range of colors: red, green, blue, brown, yellow, and black. If you go for bright colors you can get neon orange, electric green, and hot pink. There's even camoflouge for people who enjoy the outdoors.


What Else about Duct Tape?


Apparently teenagers are wild about duct tape. You can check out their prom dress and tux creations at StuckatProm.com. This site feature a wide array of duct tape formal wear. They even have a yearly contest where visitors can vote online for their favorite outfits, and the winners receive a $3000 scholarship. The Duck Tape Club website offers Duck-Tivities which will show you all sorts of uses for duct tape, such as make bags out of Duct Tape, and even oragami-like roses out of the tape. The Duck Tape Club (see Resources) even includes "Duck Tape University" that has all sorts of facts about duct tape.

Tags: Duck Tape, Duct Tape, duct tape, Duct Tape, Duct Tape, about duct