It’s Made For Ducts
February 28, 2005

There’s something about the word “ubiquitous.” Ever since I learned what it means, I see it everywhere.

Duct tape is ubiquitous. So are the jokes about duct tape. There was even a book written about the ubiquity and utility of duct tape. I've never read it.

All the hooplah about duct tape is probably partly due to the fact that duct tape is actualy quite useful in myriad applications. While it's certainly not pretty, if I need something to stick securely to something else, duct tape will be somewhere near the top of my list of adhesive options.

What do they call duct tape in West Virginia?

Chrome.

I've used duct tape to hold parts of my car together. I've used it to hold old books together. I've used it to hang stuff up. I've used it when I want my kids to keep quiet (at least as a threat).

The fact that I do not use it when I want something to stick temporarily is a testament to its usefulness, especially when a stronger, more permanent bond is required.

We had some work done on our furnace. There was a ventilation problem that was causing the pilot to go out, so we called a HVAC guy to come and fix it.

After the HVAC repairman was finished, he asked Laura and me to have a look at what he did to fix the problem. He explained what he changed and why it shouldn’t give us any further problems.

While he was talking and pointing with the beam of his flashlight, my wife noticed the duct tape that was holding some metal together.

Laura: Jim, look at that!

Me: Look at what?

Laura: There [pointing]. There’s duct tape holding that stuff together.

Me: [now looking at the HVAC guy] Yes, you’re right. I see that.

HVAC guy:

Laura: [somewhat accusingly] Well what’s that about? I mean, that’s part of our furnace, isn't it? Why is there duct tape holding it together?”

Me: But those ... are ... ducts, Laura.

Laura:

HVAC guy:

Me:

We then all had a laugh.

©2005James Hilston