Duct Tape
A team of brothers-in-law has written seven books about the many uses of duct tape. Their motto: “It’s not broke; it just needs duct tape.”
The three-layer tape was developed during World War II to keep moisture out of ammunition cases. The core was made from cotton duck cloth (commonly used for bandages) with a plastic coating on one side and adhesive on the other. That is why it is called “duck tape.”
Duct tape became popular in the building industry as construction crews used it to patch and seal heating and ventilation ducts. That’s when “duck tape” became “duct tape” (and turned silver-gray, to match the duct work).
Why is duct tape so popular? “It’s a quick fix. “You get it done easily; no other tools needed. If you have no time or skill or tools to do it the right way, just use duct tape.”
Duct tape is great for wart removal, setting bones and emergency sutures.
Thanks to such inventive uses, duct tape now comes in a wide world of plastic-coated colors. For example, Duck brand offers 20 colors, including “new for 2010 ” tie-dye purple-pink.
WD40
WD40 is a product that loosens things that are stuck together. Here are some of WD40’s 2000 uses:
Treat your shoes: Spray WD-40 on new leather shoes before you start wearing them. It will help prevent blisters by softening the leather and making the shoes more comfortable.
Separate stuck glassware: Stuck glasses will separate with ease if you squirt some WD-40 on them, wait a few seconds for it to work its way between the glasses, and then gently pull the glasses apart.
Remove strong glue: spray WD40 directly on the sticky fingers, and rub your hands together until your fingers are no longer sticky. Use WD-40 to remove the glue from other unwanted surfaces as well.
Get off that stuck ring: A small amount of WD-40 will get the ring to slide right off. Remember to wash your hands after spraying them with WD-40.
Loosen zippers: Spray WD40 on and pull the zipper up and down a few times to distribute the lubricant evenly over all the teeth. If you want to avoid getting the WD-40 on the fabric, spray it on a plastic lid; then pick it up and apply it with an artist’s brush.
Exterminate roaches and repel insects: When you see a roach, spray a small amount directly on it for an instant kill. To keep insects and spiders out of your home, spray WD-40 on windowsills and frames, screens, and door frames. Be careful not to inhale the fumes when you spray and do not do this at all if you have babies or small children at home.
Remove chewing gum from hair: Simply spray the gummed-up hair with WD-40, and the gum will comb out with ease. Make sure you are in a well-ventilated area when you spray and take care to avoid contact with the child’s eyes.
Relieve bee-sting pain: For fast relief of pain from a bee, wasp, or hornet sting, reach for the WD-40 can and spray it directly on the bite site. It will take the “ouch” right out.
