Popular Uses For Duct Tape: Can It Really Fix Everything?
Things You Can Do With Duct Tape
While DIY enthusiasts tend to have a host of expensive equipment in their toolboxes, one of the most useful items is also one of the cheapest – a roll of duct tape. Easy to apply and remove by hand, this durable tape has been a staple product since the Second World War. There is no doubt that its fixing abilities are legendary, but can it really fix everything? Well, it obviously has some limitations, but it is almost endlessly useful. So, in this blog post, we are going to look at a few popular uses for duct tape.
How Strong is Duct Tape?
Duct tape comes from a strong fabric made of cotton. The threads form a crisscross pattern to give it additional strength. It is known for its ability to bond together almost anything, sticking well to a wide variety of materials and maintaining its strength for a significant period of time.
Is Duct Tape Waterproof?
Yes, duct tape is waterproof, which is where it got its original name ‘duck tape’ from. Its water-resistant nature-inspired its creator to name it after the way water moves off a duck’s back.
Now, let’s get into looking at some of the most popular uses for duct tape. You may even find some creative techniques that you would never have thought of before!
1. Fixing Things
One of the most obvious ways to use duct tape is to fix things. Whether it is a pair of glasses that have snapped in two or even a tent where the fabric has torn, some well-placed duct tape can get your item functioning once again. However, it is worth bearing in mind that duct tape often doesn’t provide a permanent solution to the problem and you are going to need a more secure fix in the future or possibly a replacement.
2. Bond Items Together
The other main use of duct tape is to bond items together. As it sticks to most things, it provides a ubiquitous solution that is very simple and does not consume much time at all. Again, this may be better if you are looking for a quick and easy solution rather than a long-term fix. Plus, there is the issue that duct tape doesn’t tend to be the most visually appealing solution.
3. Remove Splinters
While everyone knows about duct tape’s fixing and bonding properties, did you ever imagine that it could be used to get rid of splinters? Duct tape is so sticky that it can be effective whether the splinter is from wood, fiberglass, or metal. All you need to do is put a small piece over the affected area and slowly peel it away or do it in one quick motion if you think this works better! You might need to repeat the action a couple of times for it to be effective.
4. Hide Valuables
Another clever use of duct tape is to hide your small valuables – whether this is a key, piece of jewelry, or credit card. You can use the tape to bond the item to a place that is less obvious – perhaps underneath the table or a chair. Duct tape can give you an effective hiding solution that wouldn’t occur to as many people.
5. Catch Insects
Flypaper is specially built to catch annoying insects, but if you don’t have any lying around, duct tape can also prove to be effective. All you need to do is to hang a long piece from a high place and let it do the work for you.
6. Remove Lint Or Fur
Some things like lint or fur can get stuck to your clothes and are particularly difficult to remove. You can use duct tape as a makeshift lint roller. All you need to do is roll a long piece back on itself, leaving the sticky side on the outside. Roll the tape over your clothes and it should collect any loose bits of debris.
7. Hem Clothing
Another potential temporary solution for duct tape is to use it to hem up clothing that is ill-fitting. All you need to do is to fold up the fabric and use the duct tape to hold it in place.
What Will Duct Tape Not Stick To?
There are certain types of surfaces that can be a problem for duct tape. Wet surfaces tend to be tricky, as do those that are too hot or cold. Similarly, surfaces that are uneven or dirty don’t provide the smoothness that works best for duct tape.
Duct tape really is a highly useful item that exhibits a host of positive properties without being expensive or difficult to use. Hopefully, after reading this article, you have even more uses in mind for this miracle tape!
Sources:
- What Can You Do with Duct Tape? – Wonderopolis
- 10 Amazing Duct-Tape Creations You Can Make Right Now – Scout Life