Surprising Uses for Duct Tape

Woman s Day

By Woman's Day Staff





















We Love Duct Tape!

Now that the handiest "tool" in the house is popping up in dozens of colors and patterns, there's even more you can do with it. Our favorite ideas:

1. Accessorize your outfit

Search Pinterest.com for all kinds of project ideas, from zebra-striped purses to rings made of duct tape rosettes.

2. Rehab a flea market find

Skip the spray paint-use tape to disguise a scratched dresser drawer, liven up a dull mirror frame or cover torn upholstery with a colorful patchwork.

3. Organize your pantry

Add strips of tape to dry-goods containers, then use a Sharpie or an erasable whiteboard marker to note the contents or purchase date.

4. Laminate your beach pass

Use waterproof clear duct tape to cover both sides of your beach permit, fishing license or parks pass so it will survive the summer.

5. Settle disputes in pickup games

To avoid arguments, mark off the three-point line for your driveway basketball court or the goals for street hockey.

Pictured: Dot, paint splash tapes: Duck Brand, from $4 per roll; DuckBrand.com for stores. All others: Scotch, from $4 per roll; ScotchBrand.com for stores. Photo credit: Devon Jarvis/Studio D.

Add life to any room with these easy ideas.

Did You Know?

"Duck" or "duct"?

Duct tape was originally made for U.S. Army use with a green cotton duck backing. When soldiers brought it home and used it to make repairs such as connecting heating ducts, it was manufactured in silver and called duct tape.

It's a lifesaver!

The Apollo 13 astronauts used duct tape to fit the square carbon dioxide filters from their broken command module into the round receptacles in the lunar module so there would be enough oxygen to get home. It worked! Photo credit: Devon Jarvis/Studio D.

Find out clever ways to use 15 household items.

Readers' Stickiest Situations

During Hurricane Irene, we used it to hold outdoor furniture in place. It was leopard print, so it actually looked good! -VICKI COATES REIMER, ABINGTON, PA

We taped tissues to the underside of the cymbals on our 2-year-old's drum set to muffle the sound. Lucky for us, he still has no clue. -CHRISTINE THEARLE, LINCROFT, NJ

It holds our rusted car doors together-we really don't want car payments! -CHRISTINE DI FRANCO, NEWPORT, MI

I used it to hem my jeans. -LINDA THOMAS, CINCINNATI

We made our chow-mix dog a wizard costume for Halloween. I don't like to sew, so I used it to piece together a cape and a matching hat. -JENNIFER HALL, WEST PLAIN, MO

I attached my broom to the end of my dustmop with it to get a cobweb off the ceiling. I still had to stand on a chair, but it worked! -CHRISTINE DELOSSANTOS, BLACK CREEK, WI

I wrap Christmas presents with it. -JENNIFER MAXEY, INA, IL

It's great for removing splinters! -ANNA-CHARLOTTE BERRYHILL, TULSA, OK
Photo credit: Devon Jarvis/Studio D.

Reporting by Cheryl Wilson

Remedy household emergencies with these helpful DIY tips.

Original article appeared on WomansDay.com.

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