Many people still hook directly into it, me included, since a disposal or a vertical pipe loop forms a reasonable facsimile of an air gap. Sometimes it's enforced, and sometimes it's just not quite so important.
Welcome to the world of construction contradictions. And it is truly a big world, extending beyond construction. I didn't make a complete stop at a stop sign yesterday, and the police officer watching didn't seem to care. It is difficult being a black-and-white person in a gray world, isn't it?
Continuing this same convoluted train of thought, I have found that people who work in computers or other purely scientific fields have a difficult time understanding the imperfect and inconsistent land, labor, materials and methods used in construction. Cars, software, electronics and many other consumer items are put together using exacting specifications, and every one is exactly the same. Houses aren't. And that can be a good thing. And my shoe has dried finally, thank you.
Dear readers: As promised, the tale of the tape:
It arrived in a FedEx package, well-dressed I thought, for a mere two rolls of duct tape. But this was no ordinary duct tape; no sir, this was the highly touted "clear" duct tape.
Clear duct tape is 3M's answer to those of us weary of tape colored like a battleship. Casting aside the packing materials with a vengeance, I discovered to my dismay that "clear" duct tape actually has milky-white stripes running in both directions. Lacking technical standards, a press sheet or any promotional materials whatsoever, one would assume that to give it that distinctive duct tape "rip" (oh, how I love that noise!), the white stripes are a necessary evil.
Despite the initial letdown, I was not to be rebuffed, and quickly got busy ripping and tearing.
The first thing that got the tape treatment was my sagging, torn jeans. As you all are undoubtedly aware, gray duct tape is unattractive on the seat, and has a tendency to get sticky on hot days. Clear makes all the difference in the world, making the torn area not only weatherproof, but also somewhat incognito. A definite improvement.
Next up was the window screen that fails to stay put. Clear tape took care of that in a manner that made me proud to be an American Duct Tape User. It held the screen tightly and still allowed light to enter.
After breezing my way through the honey-do list, the coup de grace was the raggedy old blue tarp on the roof. No, I don't really have a raggedy old blue tarp on my roof, but if I did, you'd better believe I'd be patchin' it with clear, baby!
All the really excellent repair products seem to be gray — duct tape, bailing wire, galvanized nails and gum (caulking and glue, why even ask?). While it was an emotional hurdle to get past the lack of gray, the soul of clear is still true duct tape. Happy taping.
Darrell Hay answers readers' questions. Call 206-464-8514 to record your question |
