NE Ohio Race

During the last 60 years since it’s invention, there has been a cult-like atmosphere around the uses of this product. It was originally created for military use during World War II.

At first it was named “duck tape” and was used to keep the insides of ammunition boxes dry. It got its name, for obvious reasons, from the aquatic bird. It was almost waterproof and had similar properties to ‘duck canvas’. Eventually, soldiers found a variety of uses for it than the protection of ammo boxes. Nowadays, there are thousands of things you can do with duct tape due to its sturdiness, strength and durability.

The name was changed to duct tape after the war, when its color was also changed to silver from army green. This was due to its use in helping to seal and attach the metal ducting used in construction projects. Nowadays, it comes in a variety of colors because it is no longer used solely for ducting jobs.

How duct tape is manufactured

Duct tape is composed of three layers which gives it its strength. The top layer is made from Polyethylene - a resilient type of plastic. The bottom layer consists of a rubber-based adhesive. The middle layer is made from a fabric mesh. It is manufactured by bonding these 3 layers to each other.

Duct tape has been used in a huge variety of circumstances from producing women’s clothes to the repair of flat tires. Even the police have been known to occasionally use duct tape in the restraint of unruly prisoners. It even has its own fan club and there are contests and festivals in its honor and a Hall Of Fame. Pretty amazing for such a common or garden product!