PROJECT 6

DUCT TAPE TIP

A water bottle works well, but you can use almost anything you keep in your pocket.

This project is another (the key chain lighter was the first) “everyday carry” item.

It has long been a common trick among backpackers to wrap some duct tape around their water bottle or lighter so that they always have a couple feet readily available for quick repairs.

I find that having some duct tape with me in the things that I carry everyday helps me stay prepared. When hiking, I can use it on “hotspots” to prevent blisters, and it’s invaluable for survival when making things like plastic water stills and bags. However, since I spend most of my time in an office, I tend to use my duct tape in more normal ways.

Once I got used to always having some duct tape with me, I took the concept one step further so that I would always have some duct tape with me even if I only had my keys.

Material:

•   Old ink pen or ⅛ inch diameter plastic pipe about 4 inches long

•   Duct Tape

•   String—I used a paracord monkey fist

•   Split ring keychain

Tools:

•   Saw or small pipe cutter

•   Knife

Procedure:

1.     Start by taking an old ink pen that is no longer serviceable and cut the ends off with a pipe cutter, leaving a hollow tube as long as the roll of tape was wide. Alternatively you can use a small diameter pipe.

2.     Wrap about 4 feet of tape around the tube—in essence creating a mini-roll of black duct tape.

3.     Thread the string through the pipe tying a knot on one end and the other to a keychain split ring. I used a monkey fist that I keep on my keychain.

Now you have a captive roll of tape that is always with you. It takes no extra space, and adds very little weight.

Lessons Learned:

This is a simple little project, and while it only takes a minute to do, it starts the process of thinking about what simple steps can a person take NOW that will make life easier LATER.

The first time a problem arises that your child solves with their stash of tape opens the door to a conversation about the benefits of saving for the future and being prepared.