Who Invented ‘Duct’ Tape, or is it ‘Duck’ Tape? - Find out in this episode

Duct tape is one of the most versatile tools ever invented, but do you know its fascinating origins? In this video, we dive into the history of duct tape, from its invention during World War II by a determined factory worker to its rise as a household staple and cultural icon.

Discover how a simple idea born out of necessity evolved into a product that has been used for everything from repairing military equipment to saving lives in space. Learn about the key role played by Vesta Stoudt, how the tape got its iconic silver color, and why it’s still known by many as “duck tape.”

Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or just curious about everyday inventions, this deep dive into the story of duct tape is one you won’t want to miss!

Timestamps:
00:16 - Intro
01:00 - The Problem on the Battlefield
02:15 - Vesta Stoudt’s Idea
03:06 - The Birth of “Duck Tape”
03:55 - Duct Tape’s Rise in Civilian Use
05:35 - The Apollo 13 Story
06:21 - Specialized Duct Tape Variations
07:34 - Conclusion

#DuctTape #DuckTape #History #WorldWarII #Inventions #DIY #VestaStoudt #Apollo13 #Engineering #HouseholdItems #EverydayInventions #DIYTools #CulturalIcon

[muggs]

The duck tape we know today was invented by Charles L Adams, or Lee as he liked to be called. I was his nurse before his passing. Great guy, hell of a sense of humor.

[TexasEngineer]

HVAC does not typically use or like Duck Tape because it does not last and it hates sunlight. HVAC uses an aluminum foil or Hardcast to join ducts. They sometimes use a black high grade cloth tape for noncritical joints. Your common Duck Tape does not work well in a hot attic, outside or longer than a few years.

[bobkoski]

When I was in the Navy, we called it Ordnance Tape, and was camo green. It was used to secure the arming wires on bombs, loaded on carrier aircraft.

[William-nb]

I wonder if Mrs Stoudt was ever compensated for her idea. J&J probably got the patent rights.

[henningvisser]

You just do not go hiking in the mountains without duck/duct tape. Ideal for fixing loose soles on your hiking boots. Don't forget the cable ties as well.

[Larry]

5:25: It's not just duck tape, it's also WD-40. If it sticks together and shouldn't, use WD-40. If it doesn't stick together and should, use duck tape.

I also remember hearing that the name "duck tape" came from cotton duck fabric that was applied over an adhesive (rather than being adhesive tape) in its earliest iterations. Can't say for sure, I'm old, but not that old.

[BdManus]

J&J recognized Mrs Stoudt as the inventor but she was never compensated. She had a brilliant idea, it changed her working life but didn't enrich her pockets.

[allongshanks]

Duck tape, AKA pusser's tape, in the UK "Pusser" is Royal Navy slang for a purser, a ship's supply officer, now called a Logistics Officer. Or Gaffa tape, why? The precise origin of the name is unknown, one hypothesis is that it is named for the gaffer (chief lighting technician) on a film crew. When cables are taped down on a stage or other surface, either to prevent tripping hazards or conceal them from view of the audience or camera, they are said to be gaffed or gaffered.

Gaffer tape was invented in 1959 by Ross Lowell, director, cinematographer, and founder of Lowel-Light. Lowell reworked Johnson & Johnson's Permacel duct tape product by combining the Permacel adhesive with a silver fabric backing to create gaffer tape which could hold a flat metal plate to a window.
if you can fix it with Gaffa tape, it can't be fixed

[truthbetold]

Great Video, Very Informative! Good Job!

[bloqk]

(in an appreciative tone) Ah! Including Gaffer's tape in this presentation was marvelous!
When it comes to using tape for permanency, I always use gaffer's tape, as it is a lot more durable and lacks the tell-tale gummy residue that duct tape is notorious for.
The downside of gaffer's tape is the cost, nowadays with the current brands selling around three times higher than duct tape.

Years ago 3M had the # 6910 gaffer's tape. Wonderful stuff; stays intact for years of outdoor exposures (whereas duct tape disintegrates in less than a year outdoors). But, a 50 yard roll would cost over $40 (US). 3M discontinued it, replacing it will a lower price/quality tape.

[garbo]

Worked at a large candy plant and when a belt broke during production we would use a Harvey 4" wide green color tuff duct tape that appeared to be a lot harder to pull apart. After the run would drag out a, $5, 000 vocanising machine to redo the splice.

[Otacatapetl]

Well, I'll go to the foot of our stairs. I've always said "duck tape" was wrong. I've learnt something so I'm happy.

[romad]

In the military, it is sometimes called "500 mile" or "1000 mile" tape for its ability to withstand very high winds.

[robertharker]

Duck tape is like the force. It has a light side, a dark side and binds the universe together.

[scottgreer]

It doesn't work on ductwork. Dries out and comes loose.

[rb]

In 2010 (2009?), my band was one of the acts entertaining at the International Duck Tape Festival in Avon, Ohio. One of the highlights of my wacky professional music career. lol
Duck Tape people are a great audience.

[J.A.Smith]

Just found this guy not long ago n so far so great

[MannyEspinola-qt]

Serial Killer Credo: "Duct tape is silver, but silence is golden."

[paulkurilecz]

Actually, there are two items that looks similar, but they are not. One is duct tape, and it is used to join and seal air ducting. It meets various requirements such as flammability and adhesive temperature limits. Then there is adhesive cloth tape. It looks the same and costs about 1/3 less than duct tape.

[LarryRobinsonintothefog]

Didn't know it was use in Apollo 13, equate Duct Tape with the Red Green Show.