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  "Duct tape is like the force:  It has a dark side and a light side and it holds the universe together."
~Carl Zwanzig~.

.*The Story of Duct Tape* 

Adhesive tape, (not duct tape), was invented in the 1920's by a team of 3M Company researchers led by Richard Drew.

When World War II began, the United States Military was in need of a strong, waterproof tape to keep moisture out of ammunition cases.  The now Army green adhesive tape came to the rescue and was nicknamed  "duck tape"  for its water-resisting characteristics.

In addition to being used to keep water out, "duck tape" was also used to mend vehicles, aircraft and other military equipment.  Johnson and Johnson then combined an easy ripping cloth mesh with a rubber-based adhesive, thus creating the tape we know today.

In the post-war building boom, houses began to be constructed with forced-air heating and air conditioning units that required ductwork.  Once again, "duck tape" was called into service.

 ...The color was soon changed from army green to silver, to match the  ductwork and people started to refer to it  as "Duct Tape".  During the 1970s Manco, Inc. placed rolls of duct tape in shrink wrap, making it easier for retailers to stack on the shelves.  Different grades and colors of duct tape soon followed and duct tape became the most versatile tool in the household, making it, as Red Green calls it...   

"The Handyman's Secret Weapon".

*In Case of Emergency*

101 Uses for Ductape  

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1) Attach splints to broken limbs.

2) Pick up broken glass.

3) If you cut yourself, put cloth on it and wrap it in duct tape.

4) Cover blisters on feet.

5) Hold together wires after splicing.

6) Emergency repair of broken water hoses on a car.

7) Fix your glasses.

8) Repair/replace cracked or broken car window.

9) Repair furniture.

10) Reattach an exhaust pipe. (use metallic duct tape)

11) To remove a splinter.

12) Emergency belt when your pants slip.

13) Fix the strap on a bike helmet.

14) Seat cover for cars, motorcycles, etc.

15) Reupholster the roof on a convertible.

16) Hold speaker wire to the back of speaker.

17) Hold together old boxes.

18) Hold down ripped carpet.

19) Fix taillight on car.

20) Seal leaky tire/inner tube.

21) Reflective stripes/lettering.

22) Mark lines on a sporting field.

23) Hold down wiring on floor.

24) Hold together computer console.

25) Use for construction when glue is not available.

26) Stop jeans from fraying.

27) Fix broken book binding.

28) Fix shoes.

29) Fly Paper.

30) Tape a feather duster to a broom handle to reach high ceilings.

31) Set up the rigging on a sailboat.

32) Hang a poster or sign.

33) Twist into a long piece into rope.

34) Clothesline when you're in the middle of nowhere. (Peace Corps favorite.)

35) Repair holes in inflatable water toys.

36) Remove hair easily and less painfully.

37) Disk labels.

38) Book mark (when doubled over).

39) Waterproof clothes, shoes, etc.

40) To fix a hole in a baseball mitt.

41) Use for straight lines when painting.

42) Use as a grip on tools when the original one becomes rough.

43) Wrap it sticky-side-out around furniture to keep cat from clawing it.

44) Re-enforce folders.

45) Tape over sharp corners to prevent scratches.

46) Patch a tent.

47) Hold a car battery in. (use metallic duct tape)

48) Secure your table cloth at a picnic.

49) Wrap a soda can or bottle in duct tape to keep it cold.

50) Fix shower curtain.

51) Replace broken shoe laces.

52) Make-your-own bumper stickers.

53) Hem a skirt.

54) Secure metal seams when welder is unavailable.

55) Regrip a golf club.

56) Cover half-finished cans of pop.

57) Replace missing hinges or latches.

58) Hold batteries in TV remote.

59) Secure diaper.

60) Makeshift knee brace.

61) Repair clothing (from the inside!)

62) Seal the bottom of a canoe.

63) Fix holes in your sock.

64) Tape Tupperware containers together to stack them on top of each other.

65) Remove lint from clothes.

66) Streamers for bicycle handlebars.

67) Repair broken screen in screen doors

68) Mouse trap.

69) Tape keys to bottom of car so you never lose them.

70) Use in place of refrigerator magnets.

71) Make flags when drilling pilot holes.

72) Hold car doors closed.

73) Repair broken seat belts.

74) Make your adjustable hat a fitted one.

75) Tape mounting brackets in place.

76) Repair your car doors.

77) Fix torn bags.

78) To keep the wigs on mannequins.

79) Tape things to your desk.

80) Reattach rear view mirror.

81) Make a ball.

82) Labels for items in your home.

83) Make a cooler water-tight.

84) Use as sticky-notes.

85) Keep ends of rope from fraying.

86) Make a wallet.

87) Adhere duct tape, sticky-side-out, for a self-stick bulletin board.

88) Closing potato chip bags.

89) Use small strips to mount Christmas lights.

90) Hold bundles together, in lieu of rubber bands.

91) Fix holes in pockets.

92) Tape ski boot to your ski when the binding breaks.

93) Line gutters to prevent leakage.

94) Attach calendars to wall.

95) Fix vacuum cleaner hose.

96) Attach multiple layers to bottom of door to prevent drafts.

97) Temporary fan belt in a car. (usually not recommended)

98) Hair ties.

99) Repair speaker cones.

100) Decorative book cover.

101) To repair heating ducts??? (Ironically, standard duct tape is not very effective in securing duct work and its use is banned under many local building codes. The constant heating and cooling of the duct work requires that you use metallic duct tape).