Select Page

Are you a believer? I’m a believer.

Models use it to create cleavage. Sled-dog drivers use it to prevent frostbite. Athletes use it to support weak joints. Veterinarians use it to repair horses’ hooves.

What’s this wonder tool? Duct tape.

When Forbes.com compiled its list of the 20 most important tools of all time, we asked a panel of scientists, historians and engineers to look at the devices that have most impacted human civilization and shaped the course of history. The final list highlighted tools that have been around for ages: the knife, the abacus, the compass. But critics soon started raising objections. What about duct tape, the sticky silver stuff that can do just about anything?

“It’s the ultimate power tool,” says Tim Nyberg, a graphic designer from Minnesota, who, along with his brother-in-law Jim Berg, has sold nearly 3 million books and calendars as The Duct Tape Guys. “It’s so strong people have used it to pull cars out of ditches, yet you can rip it with your bare hands.”

When I was young, my mother bought me a pair of jeans that I just absolutely needed to have. Unfortunately, the only size the store had left was a pair whose length was far beyond my height at the time. My mom said she’d hem the pants, but if you’ve ever seen hemmed jeans, you know that they’re just not cool. My solution?

Duct tape.

It worked marvellously, and I’ve been a duct tape disciple ever since.