Search through any tool kit, and a common item found is duct tape. This strong, multi-purpose adhesive tape, usually measuring 1.88 inches wide, has evolved from its original purpose of joining together broken equipments. It is now a much sought-after material for creating novelty articles and fashion items, including a classy tuxedo. Duct tape is available in a wide range of colors. Transparent tapes are also available. Duct tape is often called ‘the ultimate material’ owing to its strength and versatility.

Duct tape was developed during the Second World War as a waterproof tape for sealing ammunition cases. It was called “duck tape” because of its water resistance quality. The army gradually widened its usage by utilizing it for fixing military equipments, guns, vehicles and even parts of aircrafts. The housing boom following the war saw duct tape being used for a variety of repair work. An important use of the tape was fixing air conditioning and heating ducts. This earned the tape its present name, duct tape.

Duct tape’s strength and versatility were famously displayed during the Apollo 13 mission of 1970. Following an explosion, the spacecraft’s lunar module had to be used as a lifeboat for saving the onboard astronauts. The spacecraft’s carbon dioxide filters had to be modified to fit round the lunar module’s receptacles. A workaround solution was made using duct tape and other materials available on board.

Although duct tape’s strength lies in its ability to hold together materials and broken parts, creative people have found a variety of other uses. Craftsmen and designers use duct tape to create a range of decorative objects and accessories such as handbags, wallets, purses, belts and even formal wear. There are even exclusive duct tape handbags belonging to famous fashion labels. Perhaps the most diverse use was reported in a medical paper published in October 15, 2002, that states that the duct tape is effective in treating warts.