WHY IS DUCT TAPE NOT USED ON AIR DUCTS?
FROM DUCKS TO DUCTS
We can probably guess at least one item in your junk drawer: duct tape. This durable adhesive has become a household and cultural staple, and it’s often the go- to for crafts, repairs, and school projects. Many people also associate duct tape with ductwork and HVAC systems. But would it surprise you to know that duct tape isn’t one of an HVAC expert’s weapons? It’s actually rarely used on ductwork! Duct tape was first created as a strong, waterproof adhesive for soldiers in WWII by Johnson & Johnson. The original idea is credited to Vesta Stoudt, who was the mother of two sons in the military and an inspector and packer at the Green River Ordnance Plant in Illinois. This factory packed cartridges for rifle grenades, but in her sons’ letters and observations at the plant, Stoudt found that the tape tabs and wax they were using would easily break off in battle. Instead, Stoudt suggested a cloth-like adhesive that would be more durable than the flimsy tape the plant was using. Stoudt sent her idea all the way to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who passed it along
to the War Production Board. Soon, mass production of “duck” tape was underway.
Many historians have speculated why soldiers called these rolls “duck” tape, and there are a few lingering theories. Some believe it’s because the green color and waterproof nature mimicked that of a mallard. Others believe it’s because the texture was similar to duck feathers. Regardless of the origins of its name, soldiers soon found that the durable tape could be used for repairing purposes, too. After the war, the reputation of this sticky substance caught on, and it was soon being used to tape ventilation ducts together. But that use was quickly put to rest. While duct tape is still commonplace in the military, its inability to withstand extreme changes in temperature makes it unusable on ductwork. Instead, temperature-resistant tapes are commonly used by HVAC experts. While we’re big fans of duct tape and its history, we only use tested and durable adhesives on our ductwork. See just how strong our tapes can be on your HVAC system by giving us a call at 845-256-6158.
HAVE A LAUGH!
Roll this classic sugar cookie recipe into thin sheets and cut into rectangles for delicious valentines. EDIBLE VALENTINE’S DAY COOKIE CARDS
INGREDIENTS
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour • 3/4 cup sugar • 1/4 teaspoon salt • 2 sticks cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes DIRECTIONS 1. Heat oven to 375 F.
• 2 large egg yolks • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract • Royal icing, sprinkles, and edible markers, for decorating
2. In a mixing bowl, combine flour with sugar and salt. Add butter and combine using a mixer at low speed, until butter breaks down into small, crumbly pieces. Increase mixing speed to medium and mix until butter and flour clump. 3. Add egg yolks and vanilla to bowl and mix on low speed until dough comes together. 4. Carefully roll dough into a sheet 1/16-inch thick and cut into 4x6-inch cards. 5. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, bake cookie cards for 6 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through. 6. Let cookies cool completely, decorate, and distribute.
3
Inspired by Food & Wine magazine
845-256-6158
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online