When duct tape was first created in 1942, what was it known as?

Duct tape was originally named “Duck” tape and originally only came in green, not silver.

Duct tape was originally invented by Johnson & Johnson’s Permacel division during WWII for the military. The military specifically needed a waterproof tape that could be used to keep moisture out of ammunition cases. This is why the originally Duct tape came only in army green.

Soldiers began noticing it wasn’t just good for waterproofing ammunition casings, but also worked great for repairing things. They began using it for repairing jeeps, guns, and aircraft. Due to its waterproof nature, strength, and built in adhesive, they even began using it as a temporary means to close up wounds in emergencies; this is fitting because the closest predecessor of duct tape was also a Johnson & Johnson product used as medical tape.

When the soldiers of WWII came home, they brought “Duck” tape with them. Shortly after their return, the housing market was booming. Some manufacture then got the bright idea to start selling it as a means to connect heating and air conditioning ducts; this idea caught on among home manufacturers and they started using it in many of the new homes being built. To allow for this usage, the tapes primary color was switched from green to silver, so that it would match the ducts. Soon the tape began being referred to as “Duct” tape instead of “Duck” tape.

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13 Comments

Keith Richard Mears

Ironically, it was determined by a lab in the US, that the one thing you shouldn't use it for, is to seal ducts.

Denise Currie

Just seemed logical to go from Duck to Duct, maybe misheard or mis-spelled at some point

docluci

I got my timing wrong; I believe it is still called “ duck tape” and this would be the later name in my mind

Jaimi McEntire

It's still called Duck Tape

larrywagner

Darlene Davidson, The only 2 things duct tape can't fix is a broken heart and the crack of Dawn. If you've ever seen Dawn, she's a BIG woman.

silrem

Water rolls off the back of duck tape.

Ilias Tsiabardas

Got it right

carlthedad

Duck Tape was a brand name and still is of the original tape called Aluminum tape. So named due to its shiny aluminum coating. Duck Tape started with a green color then morphed into hundreds of different design colors, but it always was called Duck Tape. The aluminum tape was used in sealing air ducts in homes, and other buildings. Thus becoming known as aluminum duct tape.

George Oliver Prince

A lot of Southerners still call it that

filmnut

Carole The Authors are always trying to trick us. They do this to maintain their lead in the game. Who ever heard of the contestants in Jeopardy making up the “Answers” for the show and then competing?