Why is Duct Tape called duct tape if you can't use it for duct work?

Question

I dont get it?

Answer 1

it was made specifically for duct work before but new inventions have taken its place but the name remains.

Answer 2

Duct tape, originally known as duck tape, was originally developed during World War II in 1942 under the name "Duck Tape" as a waterproof sealing tape for ammunition cases. Permacel, then a division of Johnson & Johnson, used a rubber-based adhesive to help the tape resist water and a fabric backing to facilitate ripping. Because of these properties, it was also used to quickly repair military equipment, including jeeps, guns, and aircraft. Duct tape is also called 100mph Tape in the military, citing the urban legend that duct tape will maintain its adhesion when subjected to winds traveling at up to 100 miles per hour.

After the war, the housing industry boomed and people started using duct tape for many other purposes. The name "duct tape" came from its use on heating and air conditioning ducts, a purpose for which it, ironically, has been deemed ineffective by the state of California and by building codes in most other places in the U.S. (which means professionals are restricted from using it in systems they install, but do-it-yourselfers are not). However, metallized and aluminium tapes used by professionals are still often called "duct tapes".

Answer 3

It's a misnomer (or oxymoron). You know, like "honest politician." Duct tape does not last in any application in which it is exposed to heat. It tends to dry up and fall off. Far better is the foil or metal tapes, but one should wipe down the area in which it's being applied because oil on the metal ( which occurs during the manufacturing process) will interfere with its adhesion. Caution is in order, however, because the foil tapes can cut to the bone if one isn't careful. Duct tape should be called abduct tape because it's great for securing kidnap victims. Other than that, it's as useless as a manicure is to a snake.

Answer 4

You can definitely use it for duct work! It was originally developed during World War II in 1942 under the name "Duck Tape" as a waterproof sealing tape for ammunition cases. Then after the war was used on heating and ac -- thus "Duct Tape".

Answer 5

Dear Duct Tape Users:

Is it Duct or Duck? We don’t want you to be confused, so we will explain. The first name for Duct Tape was DUCK. During World War II the U.S. Military needed a waterproof tape to keep the moisture out of ammunition cases. So, they enlisted the Johnson and Johnson Permacel Division to manufacture the tape. Because it was waterproof, everyone referred to it as “duck” tape (like water off a duck’s back). Military personnel discovered that the tape was good for lots more than keeping out water. They used it for Jeep repair, fixing stuff on their guns, strapping equipment to their clothing... the list is endless.

After the War, the housing industry was booming and someone discovered that the tape was great for joining the heating and air conditioning duct work. So, the color was changed from army green to the silvery color we are familiar with today and people started to refer to it as “duct tape*.” Therefore, either name is appropriate.

Today, Duck® brand Tape is manufactured by Henkel Consumer Adhesives. After thoroughly familiarizing ourselves with the hundreds of duct tapes on the market, we have found Duck® brand Tape to be the most consistent in quality. And, we are delighted with the large array of colors that they manufacture (including camo tape and new “X-Treme Tape” which comes in hot day-glo colors).

Answer 6

THE Official answer is that,during WW II, It was called DUCK TAPE!. It was used to seal up ammunition boxes from getting wet aka Normandy ect.It was called DUCK tape because it repelled water off "like off a DUCKS back".The company was later bought by Masco and changed the name to DUCT tape and sold it to the HVAC trade.Sales were slow so it was latter marketed as a "All purpose tape".
If you buy the Masco brand,you will see it say's "The Original DUCK tape! The tape you want to use is FOIL tape.You CAN use Duct tape but I find that it dries-out and eventually falls off Or It will not stick to moist surfaces.

Answer 7

I did a research projsect on this topic believe it or not.
Duct tape was invented in WW2 for solideers to fix their amunition cases. Duct tape kept water out of the cases and the amunition from spoiling. It was labeled "Duck Tape" because water rolled off of the tape like water on a duck's feathers. Something happened to the spelling of Duct tape, replacing the k in duck with a t. Kind of like the singular version of cookies is actually cooky, but a widespread popular misspelling made it cookie.

Answer 8

Duct tape can be used for indoor duct work. It just does not stand up to direct sunlight well.

Answer 9

I now know more than I ever thought possible about Duct tape! I did already know that it CAN be used to wrap sections of duct (e.g. dryer venting) together.

Answer 10

the actual brand name is 'duck' tape... It may have been invented for ducts, who knows.