h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

We're gonna need a 'ducked ape' smiley!


~jwf~

We call it gaffer tape

Gaffer tape and duct tape aren't quite the same thing. But we could do with either.

let's see I have masking tape, sellotape and oh theres some blue electrical tape.

Which would be best?

I also have a golfball sized lump of imitation blu-tak.

mini

What's the difference between duct tape and gaffer tape?

Duct tape is usually silver and originally intended to repair ductwork, to make it airtight. Gaffer tape is usually black and designed to hold cables down so people don't trip over them. They are slightly different in structure, and gaffer tape is easier to tear by hand, but the main difference is that gaffer tape is designed to be removable.

I have Duck Tape. Is it duct tape or gaffer tape?

The roll of what was described as Gaffer tape from my local DIY is silver and composed of interweaving threads..and can't be torn by hand.

But yes there is the black form without the threads.

We use 'gaffer tape' as a generic term for any really full on, heavy duty tape.

Duct tape is always considered an American term.

We (canadians) use the terms interchangeably. Duck Tape I believe is something developed.by a.military in ww2 as a waterproofing material for ammo cases etc. The gaffer in gaffer tape refers to its use by gadgets in music television and film.

The terms are used pretty much interchangeably - and I've only ever heard "Gafferband" in German - but nevertheless, technically, there is a difference.

I've always thought that "Duck Tape" was a jokey commercial name for a heavy duty tape that might or might not be 'duct tape', ie tape for sealing up ducts.

Brazil.....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4yWkBenRsU

The military was behind the research for all these developments.
They now also given us:

Gun Tape - which is supposed to be strong enough to hold together
a cracked or shattered gun barrel for at least one and more rounds
It has medical applications in emergency trauma situations.

Helicopter Tape - is supposed to be able to hold together cracked
or bullet ridden panels of a helicopter or small plane at air-speeds

400MPH Tape - a variant of Helicopter tape used by racing car pit
crews to hold together cracked bits of race car bodywork

500MPH Tape - see 'duck' tape, another commercial piggy-back
on an existing and proven product. (400MPH)

Gorilla Tape - brand name for a domestic version of Gun Tape
possibly the strongest tape available for short term needs but
it weathers quickly, peels away and goes limp. Duct tape is the
best long term weatherproof adhesive binding. It is designed to
withstand temperature changes and moisture and its silver backing
is significantly heat and light reflective. Gaffer's tape is designed
to peel away easily if lifted but resistant to scuffing.


~jwf~

Seriously are some of these tapes as strong as you say?

It's just i managed to break one of the rods in my SAS tunnel..but they are bent at tremendous strain. I thought to correct the slight kink with guys and pegs. But to repair the actual rod would be good as well.

There are pix on the net of people duct taping themselves to walls and such and hanging there quite happily. *considers* Well, probably not themselves.

<>

I don't think this is right. Even a 7.62 rifle barrel experiences pressures in the region of 6 tons per sq inch when fired. An artillery piece sees pressures in the region of 30 tons per sq inch.


The gun tape I've encountered is just used to camouflage weapons in the short term.

Gun tape, by definition, also is impregnated with anti-oxidizing oils and such, so it proves a longer term preservative to woods and metals of the rifles. Also, it is (very important) khaki-green !!!

PS: I have it on good authority, it is not bullet proof

Helicopter tape sounds like the sort of thing I'll get..but I'll do a bit of research of my own as well.

A bit of a tangent; (well I know all of this is but it's fun..the topic drift of yore), is how useless some sticking plasters are. The ones that are individual. They are such a con.

The best is the stuff in strips or rolls which you add a dressing to..that are fabric based not flimsy plastic..that falls off after 5 seconds.

The worst plasters are the blue ones intended for those that have to handle food. They are supposed to be held on by something that may well qualify as the least adhesive substance known to science.

As necessary, a good slap of duct-tape covers all wounds. Sticks there a long time too! |None of this woosy pinky stuffs.

Mind you, it can be very sticky. I still have the residue on my feet from some plasters that were stuck on three weeks ago, and it hasn't come off numerous showers (and walks) later.