Archive for the 'Opinions' Category

Carhartt Coats – When You Want the Very Best !

Written by MikeGirolami on Wednesday, October 15th, 2008 in Opinions.

Tell me about a coat from your line.

Carhartt Coats has three different lines for men to choose from. The three categories are Arctic, Fleece and Extreme. Let’s look at a coat from the Extreme Line for men. This Arctic Extreme Coat for men is made to take the punishing colder temperatures. This coat is created of 100 percent Cordura, with a quilted interior and waterproof outside. This coat has an inner drawstring to keep wind out and ribbed storm cuffs to keep wind out. With chest pockets and plenty of room, this Carhartt Coats coat will keep you warm and dry in even the coldest climate on earth. From Alaska, to the Antarctic, we have something for you!

How well does it protect from the cold?

This particular Carhartt Coats coat is rated to take on Arctic temperatures and is created for that particular temperature zone. This is one coat that will keep you warm in all sorts of cold weather. It also can be accessorized with a hood that is available from our site. Together, this coat will keep you protected in any sort of cold weather. It is constructed with high quality materials that will keep you warm in any weather. Carhartt Coats takes pride in making coats that can stand up to the elements and our Arctic Extreme coats will do just that. Keeping you warm and dry is our job!

Your work coats look rugged!

Any of our Carhartt Coats are meant to stand up to hours of punishing weather. They are also created with the highest quality materials. They are constructed of rugged materials that are made to take abuse while keeping you warm and dry. Materials such as cotton duck, quilted polyester, nylon Cordura and heavy duty zippers make appearances on all our Carhartt Coats line. Each coat is specifically designed to take cold temperatures while keeping you warm during the winter months. Each line has its own advantages but each coat in every line we carry is rated for extreme winter weather. So you can feel comfortable using our coats in any type of extreme winter situation. You will be able to stay warm and dry no matter what the weather holds.

What accessories can be used with these coats?

Each of the coats in the Carhartt Coats line has many different accessories that can be used with it. Some of the accessories include headgear such as hoods and caps, to bibs and overalls for use underneath our coats. There are even thermals and socks that can be worn underneath our Carhartt Coats. Our popular hoods are made to go with any of our lines of coats. These hoods attach to our coats by means of a snap fastener system. Our gloves are also another accessory that is popular with these coats and attach with a snap fastening system. Each of these accessories is sold on site or through our retailers. With so many different accessories to choose from, you can accessorize your coat with ease.

Carhartt Coats are a must have for this upcoming winter! Shield yourself from the chilling cold with Mens Carhartt Winter Coats at Workwear 1

Fastening to Concrete With Gas Tools

Written by JeffreyRichard on Tuesday, October 14th, 2008 in Opinions.

Automatic gas nailers for concrete are the fastest ways to fasten to concrete. Fully automatic tools are available from Hilti, Powers and Ramset. Ramset also offers a single shot tool called the Ramset T3 SS. Ramset was the first with this type of tool, the Ramset Trakfast tool. These tools were originally designed for fastening drywall track to concrete, hence the names “Trakfast” and “Trak It” but they have evolved into useful tools for many different trades How are these nail guns different from standard powder actuated tools for fastening to concrete and what can they be used for?

Basic Principles of Gas Tools

Gas tools are basically an internal combustion engine with a cylinder, piston, spark plug, fuel source and an ignition source. Both Ramset Trakfast and Powers utilize a battery while Hilti’s tools function without one. As you depress the tool against the work surface, a measure of fuel is injected into the cylinder and as you pull the trigger, a spark ignites the fuel, driving the piston and in turn the fastener.

Most of the tools have a magazine holding 40 pins (the Ramset T3 SS is a single shot tool) allowing you to fasten almost as fast as you can pull the trigger. Some tools such as the Ramset T3 SS are single shot tools that are used with a variety of single pins and assemblies such as EMT straps and ceiling clips .

Uses For Gas Tools

As mentioned earlier, drywall track is the most common use for these tools. The Ramset Trakfast TF1100 is one of the most popular, but the others are being seen more often on the job site. Consider the other uses for these tools. For waterproofing membrane on to foundations. For electrical work,the Ramset T3 SS can fasten EMT straps, ceiling clips and hangers and can even be used on a extension pole and install pre tied ceiling clips to suspend lights. With the variety of pins now available, general contractors can shoot on furring strips, Powers now has the C-4 tool that will shoot down a 2 x 4, Ramset has a pin that will shoot plywood down to heavy studs. Stucco and lathing contractors can use the tool to install metal lathe by using a metal disc that mounts to the probe on the tool.

Distinct Advantages

Beyond the speed of these tools, you will find some definite advantages over powder tools for fastening to concrete. Unlike powder tools, these tools require no certification. Make no mistake, you can still put a pin through your hand, but no operators card is required. You can’t overdrive these tools, they have an internal bumper to prevent it. You don’t have to select different power levels like the powder tools. For the most part, they are trouble free. In theory you can put through 20,000 pins without service. This amount drops with hard applications, such as outdoor use of from lack of regular use.

Finally……

Due to their cost, these tools might not be for everyone, but I have always felt that any tool that will save you money is a free tool after a job or two, and who doesn’t like free tools?

Find the Ramset T3 SS Tool and the Ramset Trakfast TF1100 here. You will also find Trakfast batteries, Trakfast Fuel and Trakfast pins.

Great Things to Collect

Written by LilyMorgan on Tuesday, October 14th, 2008 in Opinions.

It can be easy to know that you want to have a collection of something to show off and be proud of. But sometimes knowing which item to collect is difficult. Not everyone feels that the things they are interested in are worth forming a collection of. The truth is that it doesn’t matter what you collect, all that matters is that it means something to you. There is no worthless collection. The value of a collection should be based on more than just financial worth. Consider the things that play a role in your lifestyle or personal interests. Anything can be a collectible.

Traveling is the perfect time for forming a collection. The avid traveler has more collection possibilities than they may know what to do with. If you travel on a regular basis, consider keeping various items from your trip. The map from the city you visited is one example of something to be collected. Maps from all over the world make an interesting conversation piece as well as a something that jogs your memory of that location. Buying souvenirs in each of the places you travel to can also become a collection. Even something as simple as a postcard has its own great story to tell.

Something that millions of people share as a collection favourite is music. It doesn’t really matter what format it is in though that can play a role as well. Collecting old vinyl records is a past time that many people enjoy. It can be quite a challenge to hunt down some of those records which makes it both an exciting item to collect as well as a rewarding one. CDs and even digital music can still be a collectible. Many people may not consider it to be one but it certainly is. Much goes the same for movies, whether on DVD, video tape or other.

The ocean possesses many great collectibles. There are more seashells than one may even find. Seashells are popular among tourists who do not live near the beach. However, someone who does spend a lot of time at the ocean may have even greater chances of discovering that one special shell that is a rare gem. Starfish that have naturally become dried out by the sun are also really neat collectibles; of course they should be naturally dried out and not forcibly dried out.

Rocks may sound boring to some but they can be quite dazzling in their beauty. Rock collecting is great if you are into gathering pieces from different types of rock and even different lands. Comparing rocks, you will discover that there are no two the same. Some may be rather plain to look at while others sparkle with a variety of colour and cuts.

A collection can be anything at all. From decorative plates and statues to model cars and toys, there is nothing that can’t be a collectible. It’s important to be proud of your collection. Never feel embarrassed or insecure because of the things that make you happy.

Add to your miniature collection, or start a new one! Come see our large selection of doll house miniatures and accessories. Visit us online at http://www.TheMagicalDollhouse.com today.

A Broad Summary of Munro Brand Footwear

Written by TrevorPrice on Monday, October 13th, 2008 in Opinions.

Munro Shoes is a U.S. manufacturer of women’s shoes that are known for their comfort, quality and fit-oriented approach. They have one of the largest ranges of sizes and widths available - making them a popular choice for women with out-of-the-ordinary foot sizes and shapes.

But, does the company live up to its reputation? Are their shoes worth the extra cost? For answers to these questions and more, keep reading for a concise review of the Munro shoe company.

Price of Munro Shoes

Munro shoes can vary wildly in price - their basic loafer is known as the budget option among popular “comfort” brands (retails for as little as $60), but some models and designs sell for close to $160 and even $200 at retailers like Nordstrom’s and Macy’s. However, the majority of their shoes sell between $100 and $150.

How Well do Munro Shoes Really Fit?

Munro offers its customers over 75 different size combinations. Basically, if you have an Extra Wide (WW), but size 5 foot, then Munro makes the shoe for you. Widths range from extra narrow sizes like AAAA (SS), and AA (N) to wide like D (W) and EE (WW). Length-wise, they run from a size 4 to a 14 with half-sizes.

So much of the focus on Munro brand shoes is directed at the fit and sizing. Yes, the brand makes shoes in a variety of sizes, but whether they’re actually comfortable is obviously up to the consumer. You should always be fitted with a Brannock or other foot measuring device before ordering a custom pair of this brand shoes.

Brand Quality and Durability

The Munro brand has a strong reputation for making good shoes that can stand up to daily wear and tear. Because most of their customers are shopping for an unusual size, they tend to only own a few pairs of everyday, basic shoes. For that reason, those shoes need to be able to handle daily use and a lot of walking. That said, the soles on Munro models can wear out quickly, meaning you may have to resole them.

Munro’s Fashion and Style

Most Munro’s are modestly styled - meaning they’re not too outrageous, overly fashionable or over the top. Unfortunately, they can sometimes be a bit too dull. However, if you’re looking for a comfortable shoe that can be worn both in the office and out on the town, the Munro models are a good middle ground. They make basic shoes that are stylish enough, but not too wild.

Conclusion

Though Munro shoes may not be exciting or overly fashion forward, they are comfortable and made to fit a woman’s foot. Their footwear is designed to be customized to your specific size and shape, making this brand perfect for women with awkward or rare foot sizes.

Additionally, their price range is affordable to the average household, so the combination of comfort, style, and cost will be appealing to many searching for shoes.

For great information on shoe style options, see shoestyletips.com, a popular site about footwear recommendations, such as a Journey shoes, Earth Spirit shoes, and many more!

The Philosophy of Evolutionary Naturalism

Written by SarahMartin on Saturday, October 11th, 2008 in Opinions.

The time has come for a persistent effort to throw the scientific and philosophical insights of the last generation into an organized whole. The period of systems is again dawning for philosophy; systems, however, founded upon the careful integration of knowledge with criticism. It would not be surprising if something of finality resulted from the controlled speculation that is now feasible. At no time in the past have the materials and instruments of philosophy been so rich and carefully fashioned. A master mind has an opportunity for interpretative synthesis never before equaled. Surely before long the outline of an adequate world-view will be achieved.

That this coming world-view will be of the nature of an evolutionary naturalism is the thesis of the present work. The main problems to be solved will be pointed out and will accompany this indication of problems with pretty systematic attempts at their solution. Nowhere will the conscious effort be made to resort to ambiguity and equivocation. The problems of philosophy are to a way of thinking as specific as those of the special sciences.

Philosophy like science is a human achievement, and so rests upon man’s capacities. Unlike science, philosophy is forced to consider those capacities and processes which make it possible. It is for this reason that philosophy is necessarily so engrossed with man. Knowledge is a human affair, even though that which is known is distinct from the knower.

But man is a part of nature, and so these capacities and processes operative in science and philosophy must find their natural explanation. Intelligence must be given its locus and attachments. In other words, science and philosophy are properties of man. To explain them, we must comprehend man’s capacities and his place in the world.

The final problem of philosophy is to connect the fact and content of knowledge with its conditions. How does knowing occur in the kind of world that is actually known? Knowing is a fact and must be connected up with the world which the sciences study. Thus a system of philosophy answering this question is the capstone of science and grounds for gathering petition signatures (http://www.thepetitionsite.com/).

If this is the case, it is not strange that the possibility of an adequate philosophy waited upon the advance of the special sciences. The biological sciences had to be added to the inorganic sciences before the data for the solution of philosophy’s problem approached completeness. The next task was to bring the mental sciences into such close contact with biology that the operations they bore witness to could be seen to be rooted in the organism.

Only as this grounding of mind in the body became demonstrably evident did the conditions of a satisfactory philosophy exist. Only then did knowledge become, itself, a natural fact that correlates with all other natural facts. Philosophy is the science which explains the other sciences as human achievements and thereby completes science.

As we pass from problem to problem, we shall see that the two great enemies of an evolutionary naturalism are Platonism and Kantianism. Both deny this self-explanatory character of nature. In a sense, they are both super naturalistic. They desire to transcend space.

Naturalism stands for the self-sufficiency and intelligibility of the world of space and time. Supernaturalism maintains that this realm is not self-sufficient and that it can be understood only as the field of operation of a spiritual reality outside itself. Historically and logically, naturalism is associated with science, while supernaturalism finds expression in an ethical metaphysics, the rule of the Good and petition letters.

The great difficulty confronting naturalism has been the inclusion of man in nature, an inclusion that would do justice to all his distinguishing characteristics. An adequate naturalism must not belittle man in order to press him into some rigid scheme. It must not be a priority in its methods and assumptions, but work creatively upon all that can be known about all phases of nature. Today the naturalist has no excuse for little faith.

Sarah Martin is a freelance marketing writer based out of San Diego, CA. She specializes in philosophy, the environment, and contemporary issues. To browse petition letters or petition signatures, please visit http://www.thepetitionsite.com/.

How to Choose Good Carhartt Jackets

Written by MikeGirolami on Saturday, October 11th, 2008 in Opinions.

Carhartt has been associated with the world of apparels since its inception in the year 1883. The product line is known for its exceptional fabrics which are both high in quality and low in price. Apart from the usual jeans, tee shirts sweat shirts and shorts, the Carhartt jackets are a reflection of America’s true value. Let us now discuss four basic ways to choose a good Carhartt Jacket.

Try Carhartt Jackets To See If They Fits

In order to choose any jacket, the first thing that you do is to check the fabric. You can do the quality checks by either asking the salesman to give you a small briefing about the product or, you can simply read the label and decided whether the product is fit for you or not. Likewise, you can also feel the product by holding it softly between your thumb and forefinger and sliding your grip across the entire length.

After running a satisfied check, you need to confirm whether the Carhartt jacket fits into your frame or not. For that, you would need to try it out the changing room. If the fit is perfect, you should go in for the jacket but if it sags, you need to ask for a replacement.

Choose Carhartt Jackets According To The Weather

Carhartt jackets are made to suit various occasions and in order to get your hands on that perfect jacket, you need to know more about the styles. For example, if you stay in a cold place, then you can opt for a Sherpa Jacket. It is ideal to keep you warm in a common cold. In case you stay in a place which is forever freezing, we suggest you go in for a Carhartt Extreme Jacket. It would save you from certain frostbite. If you wish to mix fashion with comfort, you have an option of choosing a Carhartt Unlined Jacket.

There are special Carhartt jackets which can save you from getting drenched. Termed Carhartt waterproof jackets, this elegant piece of outwear is simply perfect for a rainy holiday.

Pick Carhartt Jackets According To The Style

If you wish to comply with the latest designs, you need to take your decisions with care. Carhartt jackets have a similar story and if you feel the need to make a lasting impact, you need to pick one up with care. Which picking a Carhartt jacket, say one from the Sherpa range, you need to ask the local dealer whether it blends with your choice of locale or not.

Likewise, while going in for a thermal range, you need to ensure that the jackets here are in sync with the latest in fashion. While most Carhartt products are altered to suit the needs of the fashion world, you have all the rights to verify the change by walking up to a local dealer and clarifying your doubts.

These Carhartt Jackets Have A Killer Shape

The moment you say this, consider yourself blessed. You are now a proud owner of a splendid Carhartt jacket.

This article is sponsored by http://www.workwear1.com, the source for Carhartt Jackets and Carhartt Outerwear. Statements and opinions expressed in articles, reviews and other materials herein are those of the authors and the editors. All copyright and trade marks are owned by the respective product owners, or their licensors

Used Industrial Pallet Racks

Written by CamilleHowe on Friday, October 10th, 2008 in Opinions.

By purchasing used industrial pallet racks, warehouses and construction sites can save as much as 40% off procurement costs. The term used “industrial pallet rack” is itself a synonym for used heavy duty pallet rack. Industrial pallet racks are used for the most extreme of heavy duty storage needs. Typically, used industrial pallet racking features steel decks rather than wire decks because it is used to support very large containers of liquid, sensitive materials, engine parts, and other large items that require a sturdy and stable support platform. This increases facility safety by containing materials in an environment with massive load capacitance, and it improves organizational efficiency by converting unused floor space and vertical cube space into storage areas.

One of the most unique and beneficial features of Easy Rack used industrial pallet racks is our boltless design. In fact, all new and used pallet racks sold by Easy Racks are built in this manner. Riveted designs are not as reliable. When a large amount of weight is placed in the center of a bolted design rack, the center begins to bow and can possibly collapse. Boltless designs are much more stable and can reliably hold the heaviest of materials without buckling in the middle. This improvement in safety helps prevent worker injury and can potentially generated a higher safety rating for your facility.

Used industrial pallet racks feature 54” beam spacing and can hold up to 48,000 pounds. They are constructed from structural steel components and are made especially for impact resistance to forklift collisions in areas where there is heavy traffic. In spite of their rugged build and enormous weight capacities, these racking systems are remarkably easy to assemble with snap together part that requires no clips, bolts, or tools. This is another example of how our boltless design creates a superior product that is both safer and more convenient for end user application.

Easy Rack can order used industrial pallet racks for any client in any part of the nation. However, we strongly recommend that you consider having a material handling representative spec out a custom racking system designed to be used for one or more specific needs in your plant. Custom Industrial pallet racks can be built using completely used parts and passed on at a savings equivalent to pre-fabricated systems. This offers an extra layer of security and performance for clientele operating in facilities with extreme weather conditions and/or intermittent seismic activities.

Some racks are made for exclusive indoor or outdoor use, while others are made to be used indoors and out regardless of weather conditions. Customizing a pallet rack systems to both the needs of the facility and its particular environment helps maximize safety and minimize likelihood of equipment replacement or product loss.

If you are unsure which type of rack, support, style, or decking to order with your used system, call your material handling vendor and talk to a specialist with the details of your storage volume and inventory cycle and we will run the necessary calculations to locate the optimal system for your needs.

Easy Rack. For more information on Used Industrial Pallet Racks and Used Pallet Racks visit us online.

Jo Han Mok Internet Windfall Secrets Review

Written by CliffTeo on Friday, October 10th, 2008 in Opinions.

If you’ve been in the internet marketing business for more than a few months, you know the standard sales letter format: “Make money online with our proven super duper secret technique!”. There’s always a big promise of a big paycheck. And yes, there’s a lot of “you’re never going to believe this” in the standard pitch.

And after you’ve seen your second or third ad page, the questions start to pop up. “How does it work?” And “If this is so mind-bogglingly awesome that they’re making money online to the tune of $10K per day, why are they selling the secrets for a few hundred bucks?”

If you’re skeptical, you’re not alone. The first rule of buying any kind of business advice is that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. This is where Internet Windfall Secrets comes in to play. Underneath the standard “this is too good to be pitch”, the creator is this technique (Jo Han Mok) has demonstrated it before a room full of people, and they all got to watch the money come in.

This system was been honed for over two years, refined to determine what works, and what’s random chance. It’s an actual job, and while Jo Han is trying to sell it, he is also good at outlining the mental and emotional traits that someone will need to make money online using his Internet Windfall Secrets techniques. While his sales letter is quite breezy about ‘making money in your sleep’, there’s enough to show that, yes, there’s a fair bit of set up work that needs to be done.

As to the actual mechanisms in place, they derive from basic affiliate marketing processes, the driving principles of making money online since Amazon set up the earliest affiliate program. The trick here is that his program shows you how to build strong affiliate programs with good referral and click through rates; the Internet Windfall Secrets process is quite thorough.

Jo Han is, in fact, confident enough in Internet Windfall Secrets with an unconditional guarantee good for 60 days after purchase. This, while not unprecedented in the internet marketing guru field, is a welcome change. We even tested his offer – we bought it twice, on two different accounts. We didn’t tell him about the second one, and asked for the refund. While there was the usual “Wait, I’ll give you more if you stay” pitch to keep us retained, after navigating through the cancellation pitches, we did eventually get our money back with our dummy account. (We would prefer a bit more transparency in this process, but compared to some of the other outfits we’ve used, this is well above the average.)

The gist of the techniques boil down to “Use content “, fresh but relevant content to build a mailing list. Use that mailing list to inform your customers about cool products you’ve found, and always update your content and your products you’re selling.” Where it steps up to the plate is showing you how to get lists by referral from other marketers, some very innovative tricks on how to get people to hit your opt-in page to get qualified leads, and some decent, if overly generalized techniques on finding and marketing products to niches.

The program has the benefit of being tied to several automated programs to handle list building and affiliate sales management, but the success or failure of your business will depend entirely on how much work you put into the program at the beginning and on an ongoing basis. You will need a source of well written content; if you aren’t capable of doing it yourself, he provides links to services with copywriters. You’ll need to maintain your list on a regular basis, looking for new entrants, and you should ALWAYS be on the lookout for new products to pitch to your niche-list.

Niche marketing is nothing new; it’s the core that most internet direct mail marketing is working on, and it’s the key to every “make money online” business plan out there. Where Internet Windfall Secrets stands out from the crowd is that at its core, it steps away from the “it sounds too good to be true” hype and talks about what you’ll need to do to make it a successful business. We found its candor to be refreshing, even if, at times, the hype and “I’m so excited to be sharing these wonderful secrets” vibe was a bit overwhelming.

Cliff Teo, an experienced affiliate marketer for years. From his experience and researches he discovers that good income can be made online with proper guidance. To find out more, click here: http://www.OnlineWindfallSecrets.com

A Practical Critique of Carhartt Apparel and Add Ons

Written by TrevorPrice on Wednesday, October 8th, 2008 in Opinions.

Carhartt Clothing is an American based company that has been making durable work wear since the late 19th century. They started manufacturing clothing for railroad workers. While they continue to create work clothing on a global scale, they also produce and sell a popular line of street clothing called Carhartt Street Wear. For a broad review of this line, including an overview of its pricing and quality, keep reading.

Price Points for Carhartt Street Wear

Though the basic Carhartt clothing intended for labor and work prices is actually incredibly affordable (usually around $30 for a pair of work jeans), the company’s street wear offerings are significantly more expensive. A pair of jeans will usually retail for about $70 while the popular Carhartt jacket sells for close to $100.

It’s the same Carhartt quality, but consumers are being asked to pay more for designer touches and a style that cowtails to current trends.

Is it Comfortable?

Carhartt’s work wear line is made to be rugged, meaning it’s often stiff and a little uncomfortable. However, the street wear line is almost the opposite. Though still durable and hard-wearing, Carhartt’s street wear is soft, comfy and ready to wear. One downside is the clothes are sized very big, so you may want to buy a size down.

Quality of the Carhartt Product

Carhartt makes quality clothing that’s made to last and withstand hard, daily use. Their street wear may not be as durable as their work wear, but it’s definitely far more rugged and hard-wearing than many other urban brands on the market today. Overall, great quality.

For example, the Carhartt Street Wear line is extremely popular with urban sport fans, like skateboarders, who appreciate a pair of jeans that can take dozens of falls without ripping or tearing.

Carhartt Style and Fashion

In the early to mid-nineties, urban youths started wearing Carhartt work clothes as a fashion statement and in support of Carhartt’s principles to make clothes on American soil with unionized American workers. Eventually, the trend spread - giving birth to the Carhartt Street Wear line, which is still fashionable today.

Overall, the designs and clothes are young, but there are a number of pieces that can be worn by older men who like a rugged, yet contemporary look. The style is definitely masculine and appeals to those who are looking for durable clothes with just a light touch of fashion.

The Carhartt Conclusion

Other than being too expensive and not quite as durable as their work clothes, Carhartt clothing for street wear has hit the mark. They still hold up over time, and they’re fashionable - as long as you’re willing to pay the higher price.

Given that, their work clothes are still quite durable and able to withstand years of workplace abuse. When combining this quality with overall comfort, this is clothing that will not only hang around your closet for a long time, but also make you feel glad to wear them throughout the work day.

For great information on clothing and styles for women and men, please visit clothingappareltips.com, a popular site offering overviews on apparel options, such as Carhartt Jeans, big men’s clothes, and many more!

The Importance of Good Industrial Tape

Written by AlistairKeys on Monday, October 6th, 2008 in Opinions.

Adhesive tape was first patented in 1848 by Henry Day and, 34 years later, a German pharmacist named Paul Beiersdorf created an adhesive bandage; two early examples of the different uses for adhesive tape. Things changed in the twentieth century, when new advances in adhesive technology saw the development of synthetic materials. Many natural adhesives, including glue made from animal and plant proteins, dextrin pastes, starch pastes, latex pastes, natural rubber, resin and bitumen are still in use today, but synthetic adhesives now dominate the industry.

In 1926, Richard Drew of the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company (also known as 3M) developed Scotch Tape, possibly the most famous adhesive tape across the world. It was originally created for use in car-painting, to create defining lines between different colours. Earlier, gummed tapes removed paintwork as it was peeled off, so Drew set about inventing a pressure-sensitive tape that would not scar paintwork. Further developments saw him coating cellophane with adhesive and, in 1930, the domestic tape we are all so familiar with, was released.

Since then, the basic principles of adhesive tape have been applied to other uses. Now there are a diverse and assorted range of tapes for different applications, including gaffer tape, pipeline identification tape, plumber’s tape, electrician’s tape and packaging tapes. Tapes can now offer protection against electrical current, temperature and the escape of gas or liquid, as in the case of foam tape, which uses open or closed-cell sponges for protection as well as the bonding together of different surfaces.

However, natural occurrences have provided many inspirations for the advances in industrial tape technology; in 1948, a Swiss engineer named George de Mestral returned from a walk to discover some plant burrs clinging to his jacket. By 1956 he had perfected the notion of using tiny hooks to fasten things together, by creating two strips of nylon fabric – one covered in hooks and the other consisting of thousands of tiny loops. His invention is now used worldwide in a variety of industries and applications. It is strong, lightweight, durable, washable and easily separated and is known as Velcro. Initially, Velcro was used in the fabric industry; sewn onto different materials to provide easy opening and closing. Recently, this has been updated and it can now be bought as an adhesive tape, offering a variety of other uses.

Once the potential of adhesive tape had been recognized, research went in to its durability and strength. Early tape offered little of either, but research and the development of synthetic materials offered more advances. Initially, cloth fibres were used to create Duct tape which was used by the military to repair aircraft, rifles and jeeps. Unlike medical tapes that were being used at the time, Duct tape is waterproof and, after the Second World War, it was used in the housing industry to connect heating and air conditioning ducts together. Industry also saw the potential for adhesive tape and researched its tensile strength. The result was a plastic-based tape that is commonly known as packing tape. As well as being waterproof, it also offered an unprecedented strength that has now made it one of the most versatile tapes in the world.

Directa (UK) Ltd supplies a range of essential Industrial Supplies to many businesses from all sectors. We offer thousands of products, FREE product advice, packaging tape and free delivery. 35 years of fast friendly service. http://www.directa.co.uk/ For interviews, images or comments contact: Alistair Keys, Web Sales Manager, Directa (UK). alistair@directa.co.uk



Site Navigation