August 18th, 2006 in Lifehack, Miscellaneous

Greatest Tools #1: Duct Tape Revisited

I believe the merits of duct tape should be shouted from the mountaintops. The longer I live the more uses I find for this invaluable resource.

Here is a list of my favorite few.

Securing computer cables.
It is great for splicing wires because it is wider and more sturdy than black electrical tape.
Emergency luggage patch.
Repairing and marking your guitar case.
Hide a key under your fender.
Emergency hose repair.
Holding the batteries in your remote control.
Tape an extra desk key under your desk.
Remove those long ear hairs the come with middle age (ouch!).

Extra bonus. Add a few years to that favorite book by re-enforcing the ragged binding.

What are your favorite uses?

Reg Adkins writes on behavior and the human experience at (elementaltruths.blogspot.com).

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Reginald Adkins

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Scott says on August 18th, 2006 at 9:06 am

Use it to prevent blisters when you hike. When you notice a hot spot on your foot, put a piece of duct tape over it. It will act like a slippery second skin. If you already have a blister, covering the blister with duct tape may prevent the blister from getting worse. Just remember to take it off (very slowly, so as not to tear any blistered skin) at the end of the day so the affected area can “breathe.”
alexm says on August 18th, 2006 at 9:33 am

I just made a duct tape wallet 2 weeks ago! Instructions can be found at http://www.rpi-polymath.com/ducttape/ It’s great, nice and sturdy, and easily customized.
rob says on August 18th, 2006 at 12:43 pm

For some of these things, especially securing cables, it’s better to use Gaffer’s Tape, which is similar, but doesn’t leave goopy adhesive behind when you take it off.
Chris V says on August 18th, 2006 at 1:19 pm

Be careful using duct tape to splice wires - I don’t think it’s rated for use in electrical service, which could be dangerous. It may not completely insulate the wires, leading to the possibility of electrical shock or fires. Use only UL listed electrical tape when using it for wiring. For more info on electrical tape: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrical_tape
Caro says on August 19th, 2006 at 6:49 am

“Duct tape is like The Force. It has a dark side, and a light side, and it holds the universe together”
Tim says on August 20th, 2006 at 11:25 pm

Duct tape is pretty good. It’s the civilian fix-it-all. In the Army we always used 90MPH (90 mile per hour) tape. Great post.
Pavel says on August 21st, 2006 at 2:59 pm

A real man needs only two tools:

If it shifts and it shouldn’t, use duct-tape; else use WD-40!
justin says on September 4th, 2006 at 3:25 pm

I like to tape notes to my desktop on duct tape!
Dave Greiman says on September 5th, 2007 at 3:17 am

You should have duct tape in your car at all times as well. You can make a poncho out of a garbage bag and duct tape, for example.