Post by ellise on Nov 15, 2005 0:49:36 GMT 10
Seventy-Five Uses For Scotch Brand Transparent Tape
Tape Uses from the Ordinary to the Extraordinary
ST. PAUL, Minn., June 13, 2005— In 1930, a young banjo player-turned-3M engineer named
Richard Drew invented the first transparent tape. Its purpose was to serve as a moisture-proof
seal for the cellophane food packaging then coming into vogue.
Seventy-five years later, Scotch brand makes numerous varieties of transparent tape and they are
a staple in homes, offices and schools all around the world. Scotch transparent tape has evolved
into one of the most versatile and valued products on the market, with countless everyday uses.
Occasionally, uses are reported to the folks at 3M that are unique, ingenious and even downright
strange. While not all are necessarily endorsed by 3M, below is an anniversary sampler of 75
uses for Scotch transparent tape that clearly illustrates the creativity people bring to this iconic
American product.
Also included are several usage ideas compiled by Vicki Lansky, author of the book Transparent
Tape, Over 350 Super, Simple and Surprising Uses You’ve Probably Never Thought of, which is
being re-released in September in honor of the 75th anniversary of Scotch transparent tape. Her
book – a treasure trove of tips – further demonstrates that Scotch transparent tape is more than
just a household item.
Strange but unique usage ideas…
1. Served as an anti-corrosive shield on the Goodyear blimp.
2. Covered cracks in the soft shells of fertilized pigeon and turkey eggs – which then hatched!
3. Attached labels to horses to be auctioned.
4. In Bangkok, Thailand, repaired cracks in the ceiling of tenants’ apartments. (This use reported by a particularly thrifty landlord.)
5. Bound chicken’s legs together when being weighed.
6. Repaired airplane rudders. A 1946 Taylorcraft airplane was disabled after cows ate the resin-coated fabric on the plane’s rudder section. The plane’s owner taped the remaining fabric over the hole-ridden section and flew away.
7. Bound flashlight to underside of gun barrel when hunting barnyard pests at night.
moreUses keep the home intact with love…
8. Picks up tiny splinters of broken glass. Wrap tape sticky side out around a pad of paper towels.
9. Seals garbage bags when out of twist ties.
10. Temporarily mends cracks in credit cards.
11. Removes dog hair and lint. Wrap several turns of tape around the hand sticky-side out.
12. Mends the ends of frayed shoelaces so they can be laced through the shoelace holes.
13. Keeps extra batteries on hand when you need them most. Tape batteries on back of wall
clock and have handy when the clock stops running.
14. Stops runs on snagged pantyhose.
15. Prevents scratches on polished tabletops by covering the bottoms of ashtrays and knickknacks.
16. Patches tiny holes in window screens to help keep out insects.
17. Protects labels on lipstick and cosmetics so you can purchase the same shade again.
18. Keeps overstuffed envelopes sealed.
19. Helps remove the adhesive residue left on glass from a price sticker by using a piece of tape to lift it off.
20. Mends broken toys.
21. Repairs torn pages in books.
22. Secures small bundles of fresh herbs to a cutting board when chopping.
23. Patches small wallpaper tears and blends in with design of paper.
24. Mends torn sheet music.
25. Holds holly sprigs and other adornments to holiday packages.
26. Mends rips in window shades.
27. Keeps track of *****s or nails during household repairs. Simply place them on a piece of tape so they won’t get lost mid-project.
28. Protects labels on prescription medicines.
29. Prevents unwanted temperature changes in the home during winter and summer months when placed over thermostat gauge.
30. Repairs spectacle frames temporarily.
31. Covers and protects the signature on back of credit cards.
32. Holds window glass together until it’s replaced.
33. Helps keep broken pieces of china together while glue is drying.
34. Prevents chipping of plaster walls when pictures are hung. Before driving a nail into a wall, apply tape to desired spot.
35. Patches worn road maps.
36. Displays first aid instructions inside medicine cabinet.
37. Mends a small tear in the ring hole of a shower curtain liner.
38. Fastens wrapping paper to gifts and attaches bows and other embellishments.
39. Prevents smearing of addresses on packages being mailed.
40. Identifies stains on soiled clothing before dropping off at the dry cleaners.
41. Reinforces the corners of children’s board games and puzzle boxes so they last longer.
42. Attaches recipes clipped from magazines onto index cards.
43. Helps keep track of dishes that are used for potluck dinners. Simply place a piece of tape over an address label and place on bottom of dish.
Gardening essentials:
sunshine, water and Scotch transparent tape…
44. Covers seed markers in the garden to keep them legible all summer long.
45. Attaches climbing plants and flowers to trellises.
46. Makes protective cones out of old newspapers to protect plants from sudden cold snaps in early spring
47. Helps straighten crimped or bent stems. Attach small splits to stems with tape. If stem is lightweight, reinforce it with tape alone.
48. Helps to arrange cut flowers. Use strips of tape to create a grid pattern on the vase opening and place flowers in between the pieces of tape.
49. Reseals unused seed in original packet. Write purchase date on tape.
50. Labels potted plant seedlings and cuttings.
Indispensable at the office…
51. Mends torn office records, papers, money and checks.
52. Secures documents from slipping on the copy machine when making multiple copies.
53. Edges important papers which are subject to repeated handling and wear.
54. Protects and mounts often-used lists or price schedules for easy access.
55. Repairs worn book bindings, frayed sample folders and plastic machine covers.
56. Repairs corners of stationery boxes.
57. Repairs broken pens or other small pieces of desk equipment.
58. Double-seals confidential letters and paycheck envelopes.
59. Makes addresses smudge proof for prompt, accurate delivery.
60. Reinforces file folders.
61. Prevents snags on office furniture. Place transparent tape across rough spots on a desktop
or side of file cabinet.
A learning tool at school…
62. Secures book covers.
63. Holds together construction paper villages, costumes and masks created in conjunction
with history lessons.
64. Secures newspapers to tables or desks during painting and other arts and crafts activities.
Remove for instant cleanup.
65. Saves important papers in notebooks. If the hole tears, simply tape over the hole and repunch
a new one and place back into the binder.
66. Attaches pictures in scrapbook for use as a study aide.
67. Connects construction paper loops to make a friendship bracelet bearing classmate’s
names to send to a sick friend.
68. Creates bookmarks for reading. Place tape strips over an old greeting card or favorite
picture.
69. Mends rips and tears in schoolbooks.
70. Prolongs the use of crayons. Wrap pieces of tape around the middle of a crayon to
provide added strength.
Sewing tips…
71. Helps to put in zippers. Baste the seam closed, press open, tape the zipper face down
along the basted seam on the wrong side of the fabric (tape holds zipper flat). Sew on the machine. Remove tape and basting.
72. Enables easy altering of patterns. You can mark right over it.
73. Holds rickrack, decorative braid and other trimmings in place while they’re being sewn.
There’s no pin bulge to cause ripples or distort stitching.
74. Marks hem lengths on skirts. Use snips of tape.
75. Keeps the sewing basket tidy. Fasten ends of thread or rickrack to spools or index cards.
# # #
3M and Scotch are trademarks of 3M Company.
EDITOR NOTES: For more fun facts and additional information about the 75th Anniversary of
Scotch transparent tape, visit www.ScotchBrand.com.
For information about Vicki Lansky’s book TRANSPARENT TAPE Over 350 Super, Simple and
Surprising Uses You’ve Probably Never Thought of, published by Book Peddlers, call 1-800-
255-3379 or visit www.practicalparenting.com/household.html.
Tape Uses from the Ordinary to the Extraordinary
ST. PAUL, Minn., June 13, 2005— In 1930, a young banjo player-turned-3M engineer named
Richard Drew invented the first transparent tape. Its purpose was to serve as a moisture-proof
seal for the cellophane food packaging then coming into vogue.
Seventy-five years later, Scotch brand makes numerous varieties of transparent tape and they are
a staple in homes, offices and schools all around the world. Scotch transparent tape has evolved
into one of the most versatile and valued products on the market, with countless everyday uses.
Occasionally, uses are reported to the folks at 3M that are unique, ingenious and even downright
strange. While not all are necessarily endorsed by 3M, below is an anniversary sampler of 75
uses for Scotch transparent tape that clearly illustrates the creativity people bring to this iconic
American product.
Also included are several usage ideas compiled by Vicki Lansky, author of the book Transparent
Tape, Over 350 Super, Simple and Surprising Uses You’ve Probably Never Thought of, which is
being re-released in September in honor of the 75th anniversary of Scotch transparent tape. Her
book – a treasure trove of tips – further demonstrates that Scotch transparent tape is more than
just a household item.
Strange but unique usage ideas…
1. Served as an anti-corrosive shield on the Goodyear blimp.
2. Covered cracks in the soft shells of fertilized pigeon and turkey eggs – which then hatched!
3. Attached labels to horses to be auctioned.
4. In Bangkok, Thailand, repaired cracks in the ceiling of tenants’ apartments. (This use reported by a particularly thrifty landlord.)
5. Bound chicken’s legs together when being weighed.
6. Repaired airplane rudders. A 1946 Taylorcraft airplane was disabled after cows ate the resin-coated fabric on the plane’s rudder section. The plane’s owner taped the remaining fabric over the hole-ridden section and flew away.
7. Bound flashlight to underside of gun barrel when hunting barnyard pests at night.
moreUses keep the home intact with love…
8. Picks up tiny splinters of broken glass. Wrap tape sticky side out around a pad of paper towels.
9. Seals garbage bags when out of twist ties.
10. Temporarily mends cracks in credit cards.
11. Removes dog hair and lint. Wrap several turns of tape around the hand sticky-side out.
12. Mends the ends of frayed shoelaces so they can be laced through the shoelace holes.
13. Keeps extra batteries on hand when you need them most. Tape batteries on back of wall
clock and have handy when the clock stops running.
14. Stops runs on snagged pantyhose.
15. Prevents scratches on polished tabletops by covering the bottoms of ashtrays and knickknacks.
16. Patches tiny holes in window screens to help keep out insects.
17. Protects labels on lipstick and cosmetics so you can purchase the same shade again.
18. Keeps overstuffed envelopes sealed.
19. Helps remove the adhesive residue left on glass from a price sticker by using a piece of tape to lift it off.
20. Mends broken toys.
21. Repairs torn pages in books.
22. Secures small bundles of fresh herbs to a cutting board when chopping.
23. Patches small wallpaper tears and blends in with design of paper.
24. Mends torn sheet music.
25. Holds holly sprigs and other adornments to holiday packages.
26. Mends rips in window shades.
27. Keeps track of *****s or nails during household repairs. Simply place them on a piece of tape so they won’t get lost mid-project.
28. Protects labels on prescription medicines.
29. Prevents unwanted temperature changes in the home during winter and summer months when placed over thermostat gauge.
30. Repairs spectacle frames temporarily.
31. Covers and protects the signature on back of credit cards.
32. Holds window glass together until it’s replaced.
33. Helps keep broken pieces of china together while glue is drying.
34. Prevents chipping of plaster walls when pictures are hung. Before driving a nail into a wall, apply tape to desired spot.
35. Patches worn road maps.
36. Displays first aid instructions inside medicine cabinet.
37. Mends a small tear in the ring hole of a shower curtain liner.
38. Fastens wrapping paper to gifts and attaches bows and other embellishments.
39. Prevents smearing of addresses on packages being mailed.
40. Identifies stains on soiled clothing before dropping off at the dry cleaners.
41. Reinforces the corners of children’s board games and puzzle boxes so they last longer.
42. Attaches recipes clipped from magazines onto index cards.
43. Helps keep track of dishes that are used for potluck dinners. Simply place a piece of tape over an address label and place on bottom of dish.
Gardening essentials:
sunshine, water and Scotch transparent tape…
44. Covers seed markers in the garden to keep them legible all summer long.
45. Attaches climbing plants and flowers to trellises.
46. Makes protective cones out of old newspapers to protect plants from sudden cold snaps in early spring
47. Helps straighten crimped or bent stems. Attach small splits to stems with tape. If stem is lightweight, reinforce it with tape alone.
48. Helps to arrange cut flowers. Use strips of tape to create a grid pattern on the vase opening and place flowers in between the pieces of tape.
49. Reseals unused seed in original packet. Write purchase date on tape.
50. Labels potted plant seedlings and cuttings.
Indispensable at the office…
51. Mends torn office records, papers, money and checks.
52. Secures documents from slipping on the copy machine when making multiple copies.
53. Edges important papers which are subject to repeated handling and wear.
54. Protects and mounts often-used lists or price schedules for easy access.
55. Repairs worn book bindings, frayed sample folders and plastic machine covers.
56. Repairs corners of stationery boxes.
57. Repairs broken pens or other small pieces of desk equipment.
58. Double-seals confidential letters and paycheck envelopes.
59. Makes addresses smudge proof for prompt, accurate delivery.
60. Reinforces file folders.
61. Prevents snags on office furniture. Place transparent tape across rough spots on a desktop
or side of file cabinet.
A learning tool at school…
62. Secures book covers.
63. Holds together construction paper villages, costumes and masks created in conjunction
with history lessons.
64. Secures newspapers to tables or desks during painting and other arts and crafts activities.
Remove for instant cleanup.
65. Saves important papers in notebooks. If the hole tears, simply tape over the hole and repunch
a new one and place back into the binder.
66. Attaches pictures in scrapbook for use as a study aide.
67. Connects construction paper loops to make a friendship bracelet bearing classmate’s
names to send to a sick friend.
68. Creates bookmarks for reading. Place tape strips over an old greeting card or favorite
picture.
69. Mends rips and tears in schoolbooks.
70. Prolongs the use of crayons. Wrap pieces of tape around the middle of a crayon to
provide added strength.
Sewing tips…
71. Helps to put in zippers. Baste the seam closed, press open, tape the zipper face down
along the basted seam on the wrong side of the fabric (tape holds zipper flat). Sew on the machine. Remove tape and basting.
72. Enables easy altering of patterns. You can mark right over it.
73. Holds rickrack, decorative braid and other trimmings in place while they’re being sewn.
There’s no pin bulge to cause ripples or distort stitching.
74. Marks hem lengths on skirts. Use snips of tape.
75. Keeps the sewing basket tidy. Fasten ends of thread or rickrack to spools or index cards.
# # #
3M and Scotch are trademarks of 3M Company.
EDITOR NOTES: For more fun facts and additional information about the 75th Anniversary of
Scotch transparent tape, visit www.ScotchBrand.com.
For information about Vicki Lansky’s book TRANSPARENT TAPE Over 350 Super, Simple and
Surprising Uses You’ve Probably Never Thought of, published by Book Peddlers, call 1-800-
255-3379 or visit www.practicalparenting.com/household.html.
