Called by many names – American duct tape, gaffers tape, American scotch tape, American canvas, duct tape or duck tape – it is a tape that, precisely because of its versatility, is part of the repair and protection tape category in our range.
Curious to know why it is called “American”?
The origins
The suffix “American” comes from its origins: it was first launched in the middle of World War II, after a working mother of two soldiers enlisted in the US Navy sent a letter to President Roosevelt. In that missive, the woman explained that, by combining the concept of duct tape, i.e. the non-adhesive canvas strips that were used to reinforce clothes, shoes, etc., with adhesive, it would be possible to seal the ammunition boxes more easily and quickly, thus solving the problem of moisture infiltration. At that time, a solution was needed to seal boxes containing ammunition, transport them safely and open them quickly once they arrived at their destination.
That letter was actually forwarded by the president’s office to the war committee, which commissioned the development of the gaffers tape to a branch of Jonhson&Jonhson, Revolite. From early on, the tape was used by the US military for makeshift repairs to military vehicles and weapons.
It was Johnson & Johnson that first named it “duck tape” because of its water resistance that emulates that of a duck’s back.
After the war, American tape began to be used in construction, in particular for sealing heating and air conditioning duct joints. At that time, the colour changed from military green to silver, now its distinguishing feature.
The characteristics
It is a type of adhesive fabric tape that is particularly strong because it has a fabric reinforcement and is typically made waterproof by a polyethylene coating.
The type of fabric varies greatly: it can be cotton, but also nylon, polyester, fibreglass and so on. Below the fabric layer is the actual adhesive layer, which is typically very strong, while above it is a waterproof coating, usually made of low-intensity polyethylene.
The typical colour of the gaffers tape is grey, glossy grey.
The American Fabo tape is a hot melt tape with a polyethylene backing reinforced with polyester fibres. Its colour is the classic grey.
Let’s look at its main characteristics:
- Great strength, able to withstand significant mechanical tensions;
- Excellent conformability: it adapts to many shapes/applications;
- Suitable for various surfaces (metal, glass, plastic, concrete, etc.);
- Suitable for long-term applications;
- Good abrasion resistance;
- Waterproof, resistant to moisture;
- Quick and easy to use: cut with your hands;
- Writable;
- Easily removable;
All uses: versatility is the watchword
American duct tape therefore has unique characteristics, making it ideal for the world of emergency (temporary) repairs and also for those intended to be stable and durable.
It is a versatile tape, indispensable in every environment and in every activity, from the domestic sphere to the industrial one because it effectively, safely and durably solves every need.
At home, it is the must-have tape in the toolbox: suitable for protection and sealing tasks, everyday emergency repairs, DIY activities.
Thanks to its composition and ductility, it lends itself to makeshift repairs even on surfaces subjected to extreme temperature conditions, such as ventilation or air conditioning ducts, with temperatures below zero. Or to repair exhaust pipes of cars or motorbikes where the heat developed can reach several hundred degrees.
On an industrial level, these reinforced tapes are used not only to seal ducts and pipes, but also to fasten protective covers together, secure transport (fastening of loose elements). Its extreme strength also makes it useful for belting objects and reinforcing packaging.
Advice on application?
Application requires gentle pressure on the surface to eliminate any air bubbles or creases. It is suitable for use on a variety of materials, adhering for a long time where almost all tapes come off. Very effective on rough, dirty surfaces, emergency repairs to pipes, PVC inflatables, boats, motor vehicles.
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