Duct tape, also known as 100 mph tape, is a type of strong, multi-purpose adhesive tape that has a variety of uses. It is known for its durability and versatility, and is used for everything from minor repairs to major construction projects. But where did the name “100 mph tape” come from and why is duct tape associated with high speeds?
The history of duct tape
Duct tape was originally developed during World War II as a durable and waterproof tape that could be used by soldiers for quick battlefield repairs. It was made from a rubber-based adhesive applied to a durable cotton duck cloth backing. This tape was incredibly strong and sticky, leading soldiers to use it for patching up jeeps, aircraft, weapons, and other equipment.
After the war, people began using this tape for all sorts of repair jobs. The name “duct tape” comes from its usefulness in sealing heating and air conditioning ductwork. In the 1950s and 1960s, duct tape became a popular household item and was marketed under brand names like Duck Tape.
How duct tape got the “100 mph” name
In the 1960s, race car teams started using duct tape to temporarily repair damage during races. Mechanics found that the tape could withstand high speeds and hold up even under race conditions. It was an easy quick-fix solution when there wasn’t time for major repairs.
Duct tape proved so effective at these high speeds that people began calling it “100 mph tape.” The name caught on due to the perception that the tape could withstand 100 mph winds without failing. In truth, some duct tapes are now engineered and tested to hold up at even higher speeds. Nevertheless, the “100 mph” moniker stuck.
Uses at high speeds
Here are some examples of how duct tape is used in high-speed situations:
- Drag racing – Duct tape is applied to repair body damage on dragsters and other race vehicles between rounds.
- NASCAR – Pit crews use duct tape for quick fixes during races, like securing loose parts or sealing leaks.
- Aviation – Pilots carry duct tape for patching cracks or leaks, securing cargo, and other inflight repairs.
- Sail boating – Sailors use duct tape below deck to fix sails, secure equipment, and make waterproof seals.
In these uses, duct tape proves indispensable when an immediate fix is needed under high-speed pressure. The tape is applied to temporarily patch the problem until a more permanent repair can be made after slowing down.
Properties that make it effective
Duct tape is well-suited for high-speed applications thanks to a few key properties:
- Durability – The cloth backing is very tough and resistant to tearing. It typically won’t rip off even at 100+ mph winds.
- Adhesion – The rubber-based adhesive sticks aggressively to most materials but still allows clean removal later.
- Flexibility – Duct tape can conform well to irregular shapes like bent metal or curved surfaces.
- Waterproofness – The tape repels water fairly effectively for temporary water seals.
These characteristics allow duct tape to serve as an easy emergency fix at high speeds. The tape can patch holes, secure parts, seal cracks, and more when immediate action is needed.
Modern high-speed tape advances
While traditional cloth-backed duct tape remains popular, advances in adhesive technology have led to new specialized high-speed tapes.
These tapes are engineered with aircraft-grade adhesives, durable ripstop backings, and extreme temperature tolerance. Some modern tapes tested to over 250 mph winds!
Here are a few examples of modern high-performance tapes used in racing and aviation:
- Aluminum foil tapes – Used for repairs up to 500°F. Used for engine heat shields and exhaust repairs.
- Ripstop nylon tapes – Lightweight but very strong. Used to patch damaged aircraft surfaces.
- Reinforced strapping tapes – Have fiberglass filaments for immense strength. Used for securing cargo and equipment.
While regular duct tape still suffices for amateur uses, these pro-grade tapes provide the ultimate in high-speed adhesive solutions.
Is duct tape really tested to 100 mph?
Surprisingly, there don’t seem to be standardized tests to validate if a duct tape lives up to its “100 mph” reputation. However, some informal tests have tried to determine duct tape’s wind resistance limits.
One test by MythBusters in 2004 showed that duct tape failed at 70 mph when applied to the front of a car. The tape peeled off probably due to poor surface contact.
In contrast, a 2005 episode of Sport Science found that properly affixed duct tape withstood up to 150 mph winds in a wind tunnel. This suggests that 100 mph may be feasible under ideal conditions.
In the end, duct tape likely won’t actually withstand 100 mph winds in all situations. Nonetheless, the name endures because it captures duct tape’s strength and speedy repair capabilities.
Is “200 mph tape” a real thing?
No commercially available tape is officially rated or advertised as “200 mph tape.” However, many people use this term informally when referring to the ultra-high-performance tapes made with aircraft-grade adhesives.
Some examples include:
- Pro Tape High Speed Tape – Rated to 260 mph
- Thunderbrand 250 MPH Tape – Tested to 250 mph
- Brady TACKTM Tape – Rated to 500°F high heat
So while no tape is specifically called “200 mph tape,” some modern aviation tapes likely could come close to withstanding such speeds under the right conditions. However, most “200 mph tape” references are exaggerations of how extreme these tapes are.
Conclusion
In summary, duct tape’s association with high speeds comes from its use repairing race cars and planes. Terms like “100 mph tape” and “200 mph tape” communicate that the tape is strong enough for quick fixes at high speeds. In reality, duct tape’s wind resistance limits vary based on factors like application and wind direction. Nevertheless, the legendary reputation of duct tape as a high-speed savior persists thanks to decades of versatile high-speed use.