How was duct tape developed?

As readers of Kilmer House -- and The Duct Tape Guys' popular website – know, duct tape was invented by a Johnson & Johnson operating company in response to a request from the U.S. military for a cloth-based, waterproof tape during World War II. read more

Duct tape, also referred to as duck tape, is cloth- or scrim-backed pressure-sensitive tape, often coated with polyethylene. There are a variety of constructions using different backings and adhesives. One variation is black gaffer tape, which is designed to be non-reflective and cleanly removed, unlike standard duct tape. read more

Duct tape is a strong tape that is composed of three layers. The top layer (1) is a resilient plastic (Polyethelyne). The bottom layer (3) is a rubber-based adhesive. The middle layer (2) is a fabric mesh. Duct tape was manufactured by pressing these three layers together. read more

After the war, the tape is put to use holding ventilation ducts together and gains the name "duct tape" and becomes to traditional silver color. 1971 Jack Kahl acquires Melvin A. Anderson on a leverage buy out and changes the name to Manco, Inc. read more