Duct tape

A roll of duct tape.

Duct tape is a material, often in the form of a long strip stored rolled up, with adhesive on one side, similar to other tapes (such as packing tape, scotch tape, masking tape, etc.). Duct tapes have an interwoven fabric mesh that adds to their durability. Duct tape is favored for it's toughness and strong adhesiveness, making it an item of choice in home improvement projects and emergency preparedness kits.

Duct tape is considered manly for it's strong adhesiveness, and for it's metallic gray color.

Uses for duct tape

A product similar to duct tape has been used in World War II to protect ammunition, due to it's water-repellant property. Duct tape is so-named today due to it's use in repairing breaches in ducts which would inhibit their air circulation abilities. A special heat-resistant variety of duct tape is made for heating vents, as ordinary duct tape does not hold up well in high temperatures.

Alternate uses for duct tape

New Duct Tape Inventions!?!?!

Note the mustache duct tape pattern.

Duct tape can be used for a variety of other tasks, such as a material in a variety of arts and crafts. For example, one can craft a wallet out of duct tape.

A roll of duct tape can be fitted into one's pocket by flattening it, which MacGyver has done to make it more portable. In so doing, a person can keep duct tape on their person for use in emergencies. A roll with less remaining duct tape is easier to flatten.

Duct tape alert

In the year 2003, a statement issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security suggested that homes stock up on items such as duct tape and plastic sheeting in preparation for possible terrorist attacks. A possible use for duct tape in the event in a terrorist attack would be to seal off doors and windows as a protective measure against contaminants. Afterwards, retailers saw a surge in the sales of items such as duct tape, and the incident would come to be known as the "duct tape alert".