Who invented duck tape?
Where would we be without that multi-purpose, fashionably silver adhesive known as duck tape (and, yes, “duck” tape is actually the historically accurate name)? And whom do we have to thank for such an ingenious invention? According to the Ministry of Duct Tape and High Voltage, the tape was a by-product of World War II. In 1942, after numerous cases of ammunition were destroyed by humidity, the United States government turned to wartime supplier Johnson & Johnson, hoping for a fix. J&J promptly responded with a waterproof tape dubbed “duck tape” by the military due to its ability to repel moisture like water off a duck’s back. It did the job admirably, and soldiers soon found an assortment of other uses for it as well. After the war ended, the resultant housing boom inspired yet more uses for the material. Homeowners soon realized how effective the tape was at sealing off ducts — leading to a change in name (from “duck” to “d
