How Duct Tape Became the Love of my Life
by Anne Lyken Garner on Jan 11, 2009 with 48 Comments
Through the years, I’ve heard of all kinds of bizarre uses for duct tape. I’ve always taken for granted, the fact that I could comfortably use it for anything I needed to fix, without worrying about if it was going to work or not, because it always does! It’s always been weather proof, water proof and able to stick to most surfaces. Nowadays, it comes in many colours, which means that it’s been used for even more bizarre purposes, like making dresses and evening wear.
Through the years, I’ve heard of all kinds of bizarre uses for duct tape. I’ve always taken for granted, the fact that I could comfortably use it for anything I needed to fix, without worrying about if it was going to work or not, because it always does! It’s always been weather proof, water proof and able to stick to most surfaces. Nowadays, it comes in many colours, which means that it’s been used for even more bizarre purposes, like making dresses and evening wear.
Duct tape has always been the first thing I grabbed, when I didn’t know what else to use for general repairs and joinery. So last week while driving behind a car which was literally stuck together with duct tape, the spectacle made me think about the eclectic ways in which I have personally used the tape in the past. Here are some that I came up with. Proof that duct tape, is one of the constant loves of my life.
Car repair
image source (this is not my car)
One of the young people with whom I work, once smashed my side car window for fun. It was winter, so I made a window out of duct tape, until it was fixed a couple of days later. I’ve also used it to hold my bumper and side mirror together, after a collision with another vehicle.
In the garden
I’ve repaired my water hose with duct tape. Here’s how it’s done. Find the hole, stick a piece of toothpick into it, cut off extra bits, then wrap with duct tape. I’ve also used it in my green house, to tape bubble wrap to the glass ceiling in winter. This keeps it warm and toasty for your plants.
Book repair
I’ve repaired my thick bible which was falling apart. Of course I could get a new one, but I had made notes in it and had grown used to it over time
On Clothes
Duct tape is great for getting lint off your clothes and other materials. I’ve used it time and time again. Wrap a piece around your hand, inside out, then pick up any type of fluff from carpets or clothes with it. It works a treat.
image – votigo (clothes made completely out of duct tape).
Sealing packages
Once a year, I send a couple of packages to some children in an underdeveloped country. I reinforce them (the packages, not the kids) with duct tape. Not only does this help to protect the package from rough handling (I ship them, and handling is not something they pay attention to when you ship items), but it also deters unscrupulous postal workers from opening the packages and taking out the things they fancy before sending them on. This does happen. I have personal experience with this.
Fix an abundance of toys
Yes, I’ve done this, and the kids have not even noticed. I’ve also taped up a rusty part of my child’s bicycle, so she didn’t get injured by sharp bits. It looked as good as new.
Stage settings
Anyone involved in acting and stage performances, will know about this. I’ve used duct tape in all types of stage props, where nothing else will work to make the facades stay where you want them to. Duct tape is one of the must haves, if you’re putting on a performance on a budget.
In and around the home
I’ve got an unending list of things I’ve used it to repair around the home. Just to name a few. I’ve used duct tape to hold down the frayed end of old carpeting while we were working on redecoration; on furniture legs, to stop them scratching the surface of the floor; on the top of the ladder/stairs into the loft space (attic) to cover up sharp the surface at the very top of the ladder.
Duct tape can also be used to cover up any sharp surface as it is pliable and gives a good finish.
For heavy duty, temporary repairs
I’ve taped up the table cloth outside in the garden at my son’s birthday party. I also stuck some on the gazebo to keep two torn parts together.
Electrical work
I’ve used it to tape electrical wires together, among other things.
Are you a duct tape admirer? In what other useful ways have you used duct tape?
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Published in: Home
Jasin | Jan 11, 2009 | Reply
Lol, very creative article, loved the pictures!
Unofre Pili | Jan 11, 2009 | Reply
This is funny yet witty article.
Sotiris | Jan 11, 2009 | Reply
Clothes out of duct tape! What were they thinking lol!
R J Evans | Jan 11, 2009 | Reply
Most peculiar uses for the tape…. you managed to keep it clean though!
)
BC Doan | Jan 11, 2009 | Reply
Very clever uses for duct tape! The first image cracks me up..
Glynis Smy | Jan 11, 2009 | Reply
Great fun! Great pics.
valli | Jan 11, 2009 | Reply
Wow, creative uses and beautiful images.
Ruby Hawk | Jan 11, 2009 | Reply
I have used duct tape for almost everyithing mentioned except clothing.I couldn’t live without duct tape.I have a roll near everytime I do laundry. One thing I see you haven’t mentioned, I tape down a row of buttons and sew them through the tape. Just be sure your thread is the same color. Those buttons will never come off.
Robbie H | Jan 11, 2009 | Reply
Great article. Duct tape has gotten me out of you jams also.
nobert soloria bermosa | Jan 11, 2009 | Reply
that was nice,i never thought it has so many uses,thanks
Betty Carew | Jan 11, 2009 | Reply
Yes Anne there is a “Red Green” lol. Wonderful article, very informative and i love the pics , you made my day
Debra. | Jan 12, 2009 | Reply
The wonders of duct tape. It is One of Gods true gifts to us mere mortals. It’s about time that duct tape is appreciated for it’s many purposes. Thank you God!
A wonderful subject.
Louie Jerome | Jan 12, 2009 | Reply
Great article. First picture is hilarious. Stumbled!
Patrick Bernauw | Jan 12, 2009 | Reply
I came to this place… saw the first picture… and the LOL started! Fun, fun, fun!
Poetic Angel | Jan 12, 2009 | Reply
Yes many bizarre uses. Those pics are funny.I grew up knowing about duct tape and the color ones wasn/t available then. I was very amused and enjoyed reading
Laura Lee Lenhoff | Jan 14, 2009 | Reply
I’m a caver, and I use duct tape just about every day. It keeps my helmet lights in place through tight constrictions, and I tape emergency supplies inside my helmet, it’s sealed watertight with duct tape! I wrap some duct tape around my water bottle so I always have some with me, it’s come in handy countless times! Most cavers I know use the different colors to mark their gear. ;D I guess what I’m trying to say is if Duct tape is the love of your life, you’re going to have to share her! XD
~LS
Laura Lee Salinas | Jan 14, 2009 | Reply
(sorry for the long comment!) I can’t believe I typed my maiden name!! ;D Nice Article, a subject close to my heart! ~L SALINAS LOL!!
Roberta Stewart | Jan 14, 2009 | Reply
Hi Anne! Having just recently moved to the south, and a very southern part of the south at that (Polk County, Florida), I too have been learning the many joys of DUCK tape as it is affectionately refered to here. I have seen it used as a knife handle, furniture and the ever popular “young ‘un” carrier. And the designer colors (red and green) were especially popular around the holidays!
Thanks for the fun pic and the informative article. (I gotta get me one of those dresses!)
Dry Ink | Jan 14, 2009 | Reply
Sheer genius. You’re an inspiration. I have builders in at the monet, need to leave a roll of duct tape in the toilet and posisbly a demonstrative picture on how they can avoid ‘builder’s bum’. Put’s a new meaning into ‘filling in all the cracks.’
Anne Lyken Garner | Jan 14, 2009 | Reply
These are such delightful comments. Thank you all for getting involved.
Dry Ink, that’s funny.
seashell66 | Jan 14, 2009 | Reply
Great article!
Reilley | Jan 14, 2009 | Reply
Duct Tape is like magic – it has a light side, a dark side, and it holds the universe together!
Ranveer Singh Battu | Jan 14, 2009 | Reply
duct tape here,
duct tape there.
duct tape, duct tape everywhere.
Very nice!!! i must say!!!!!!! DUCT TAPE ROX!!!!!! LOL!!!!!!!
Maria Blazz | Jan 14, 2009 | Reply
I’ve never thought about so many creative ways to use the duct tape. And I don’t know if I got a random advertising but it was also another funny use! (the fat guy sit on the ground).
Darren Goad | Jan 14, 2009 | Reply
I spent many of my younger years in Texas. The saying goes “If it can’t be fixed with Duct Tape and bailing wire, it CAN’T BE FIXED!”
Nicely done.
weegysgram | Jan 14, 2009 | Reply
“Oh the wonders of duct tape”! I’ve used it many times myself. My husband even fixed a radiator hose on our car that sprung a leak and it got us to the auto parts store and was still holding great when we changed the hose. Great article
Carolyn Ann Aish | Jan 14, 2009 | Reply
My grandson, Dwight, loves the MacGyver series’s, even though they were made before he was born – and he, my grandson enjoys making and inventing things with duct-tape. I will forward you informative article here – the link – so he can come and read for himself. Well done!
Teresa M Sims | Jan 14, 2009 | Reply
people are creative lol
Beverley Mosley | Jan 14, 2009 | Reply
Cool article and uses for duct tape.
HatedNation | Jan 14, 2009 | Reply
Oh trust me, the Army loves duct tape too, and I couldnt even begin to describe the ways I have seen and/or used this magnificent all purpose tool!
Ricky John | Jan 14, 2009 | Reply
The hose repair with the toothpick is one that I have not heard of. I wonder if that would work with a heater hose?
C Jordan | Jan 14, 2009 | Reply
Sticky Fun!
Chelsea A Miller | Jan 15, 2009 | Reply
My motto if you can’t fix it duck it lol duct tape has been my saver many of time the few things I can think of of hand fixing a fan making a wallet wraping christmas gifts
RJ Chamberlain | Jan 15, 2009 | Reply
Interesting choice of topic Anne. Well written. Have a good one.
Yovita Siswati | Jan 15, 2009 | Reply
Very creative use of duct tape! I never imagine people will use it for such purposes! I very much enjoy reading this.
Johanan Rakkav | Jan 15, 2009 | Reply
Just remember, if duct tape doesn’t make something work, WD-40 will.
One of my friends (deciding to be Senor El Cheapo with regard to car repairs) has damage to his rear bumper “repaired” with duct tape to this day. He also has a pocket Bible rebound with the stuff; that book will probably outlast the Pyramids now.
thestickman | Jan 15, 2009 | Reply
You use duct-tape for mailing packages? Generally, in this post-9-11 world of security and specifically antrax-based concerns, the use of ‘colored tape’ is no longer permitted by the USPS and the larger carriers either If I’m not mistaken. Clear packaging tape is, apparently, because it seals as effectively but is more yielding for detection of potential hazardous contents.
I used to use duct-tape for packages too, for those ‘land-based’ couriers whose rough treatment of packages in legendary.
I have a friend in Montreal that uses duct-tape and bubble-wrap to create all sorts of costumes for media conventions, -very similar to the his & her outfits.
Funny article!
-thestickman
eddiego65 | Jan 15, 2009 | Reply
Wow, creative uses of duct tapes. Very interesting article.
PghPrincess | Jan 15, 2009 | Reply
Duct Tape… The wall fixer… Ever move furniture, kids throw something, get mad punch something & left a hole in the wall…place duct tape over it, then your joint compound/plaster..then paint
good as new!
Leo Reyes | Jan 15, 2009 | Reply
How creative! great article.
Stacy Renee | Jan 15, 2009 | Reply
Lighthearted and informative. Great photos. I’m new to Triond and would love to be able to produce similar, interesting pieces. Any advice?
pablina | Jan 15, 2009 | Reply
wicked, love it. lol
A Wallbank | Jan 15, 2009 | Reply
Ah yes, duct tape. One of the greatest human inventions ever, ranking alongside the U-bend in the toilet and the cheeseburger.
Nice article.
dub | Jan 15, 2009 | Reply
very creative and unique, now that i think of it i think i have used duct tape to cover a bald spot. It worked until i took a shower
Purnomosidhi | Jan 15, 2009 | Reply
Two Thumbs Up!
Tania Jaye Ward | Jan 15, 2009 | Reply
Very funny! Great writing! xx
Kate Smedley | Jan 21, 2009 | Reply
Very funny and extremely enlightening.
Cookie | Jan 25, 2009 | Reply
I stopped reading when you mentioned the bible….
Anne Lyken Garner | Jan 26, 2009 | Reply
Thanks for all the feedback everyone.
Cookie, good for you! You go ahead and make that protest!