Stacey Gustafson
This story is dedicated to my dad, Mr. Duct Tape, in honor of Father’s Day .
Some of my fondest memories involved my father’s ingenious approach to fixing things with duct tape. He used it to stretch the lifespan of shoes, pants, appliances, automobiles, toys, tools, and furniture. I remember when he customized his old slippers with Duct Tape, extending their lifespan another decade.
King of the Duct Tape
My father visited from out-of-town when my kids were toddlers, to offer support when my husband traveled. Before my husband left, he warned, “Don’t let your father fiddle with our stuff. He tries to fix it all with Super Glue and Duct Tape.”
“Sure. I won’t let him repair things,” I reassured him.
It was difficult with young children to squeeze out enough hours in the day to finish the honey-do list. But once my dad hit the front door my resolve crumbled. Dad said, “Can I help you by fixing anything this week?” I thought, “Can you ever! Say no more. Sorry Honey!”
He hung pictures, unclogged toilets, and painted a bedroom. “Anything else?” he asked.
“Well, our reception is really bad on the television. Think you can fix that?”
Where’s Home Depot?
At that moment, like Jolly Ole’ St. Nick, his eyes sparkled and in a loud voice and he said, “Where’s the nearest Home Depot?” He returned with an antenna kit filled with current probes, cables, a tripod with azimuth and elevation head, Super Glue and Duct Tape.
He climbed up the attic ladder, threw his supplies over his shoulder, and disappeared for half a day. He shouted from above, “That should do it. Go turn on the TV to test it.”
My dad improved the reception on the television and the picture was never better. Thanks for the memories, Dad! Happy Father’s Day.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Johnson & Johnson originally developed duct tape for the military and called it duck tape?
Check out 15 Wacky and Fun Uses for Duct Tape, like how to fix butt crack:
http://www.bitrebels.com/geek/15-ridiculously-practical-ways-to-use-duct-tape/
If you have any Duct Tape memories, drop me a comment!