Duct tape is one of the most versatile products on the market. Not only can it be used for utility work in the home and on the job, some people make clothes and accessories with it. Because duct tape is made with fibers in the middle layer, it is strong, dependable and does not easily roll back onto itself and cause a big sticky mess.

There are websites dedicated to finding and displaying the thousands of different ways that duct tape is being used, and you can easily find any color you need to fit the project you are undertaking. http://www.instructables.com/id/Duct_Tape/

In 1942 the first duct tape to be manufactured was called duck tape because it was made with cotton duck. It was green, and was originally used by the Military during World War II. The green duck tape was used to keep the ammunition dry and to keep moisture out of the ammunition cases. The tape did such a good job keeping everything dry that the Military found other uses for the waterproof tape. Soon, the duct tape was used to fix and repair the Jeeps, airplanes and guns the Soldiers used.

After the war was over, heating and air conditioner contractors started using the tape hold the duct work in place and the name "duct tape" replaced the original duck tape name. The colo of the tape changed from Army green to the silver color we are most familiar with. During this time, households all across America began to realize just how versatile the tape was and people everywhere started using it for just about everything.

The manufacturers realized how popular the tape was and they began to produce it in different colors and sizes. There are now more than 40 Duct Tape colors to choose from and people have found something to do with each one. http://www.ideafinder.com/history/inventions/ducttape.htm

Here are 25 ways people have found to use duct tape:http://thezac.com/ducttape/

1. Patch a hole in a fur coat
2. Make a wallet
3. Make purses
4. Make belts
5. To heal warts
6. Patch ripped jeans
7. Repair leaks in tires
8. As a guitar strap
9. Patch holes
10. Fix a hole in a fish tank
11. Fix a rip in the carpet
12. Shoe repair
13. Make boots waterproof
14. Pick lint from sweaters
15. Make a hat
16. Keep a toupee in place
17. Put two long pieces rolled together and use it as a rope
18. A reflector if you get lost
19. Notebook decorations
20. A watch band
21. Repair work gloves
22. Cover holes in a auto seat cover
23. Fix a hole in a coffee cup
24. Cover rust damage
25. Fly paper
26. To wrap around a sprained ankle

These are only a few of the ways that duct tape has been used and there are thousands of other ways to use this versatile tape.

During WWII, the US Military needed a strong, waterproof tape to keep their ammunition clean and dry. The Johnson & Johnson Permacel Division was already manufacturing adhesive tape and in 1942, and during the war they started making duct tape. Because the tape was easy to tear, waterproof and very strong, it was a complete success and they started using it for a variety of repairs.

In 1970, after Johnson & Johnson realized that the tape was being used by civilians for just about everything they could think of, they started manufacturing the tape in different sizes, widths and colors. Gun tape is the official Military name for duct tape and there are other names and references that are used. There are now more than 40 different types of duct tape, and each one of them has dozens of different uses.www.ideafinder.com/history/inventions/ducttape.htm

When you go to buy Duct Tape, you will be faced with a variety of colors, sizes and types. Here are a few of the different varieties that you have to choose from:

• Economy
• Speciality
• Utility grade
• Artist tape
• Extreme duty tape

The prices range from $1.50 up to more than $25.00 per roll. The higher the price, the better the quality and grade of the tape. The artist tape is not as sturdy as the regular tape, and it is not as wide. Whatever project you are buying the tape for, keep in mind exactly what you want the tape to do. If you need it to hold a heavy object in place, go for the sturdier type. http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&rh=n%3A13399901&page=1

The economy grade is not as sturdy as the regular grade but, if you are using it to patch a hole or a tear it may work fine for you. The utility grade tape is best for repairs around the house and it is used a lot for electrical work. The speciality grade works best when you need tape with a design and different colors.

Before you go shopping for your roll of duct tape, you should know what you want to use the tape for and how much you will need. You can buy one roll at a time or you can buy it by the case. It come in widths from 1 to 4 inches.www.ducttapeguys.com<REF>

• There are several brands of duct tape, and the most popular are: Johnson & Johnson, 3M, Scotch, Duck Brand

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