A Duct Tape Kindle Cover…

Duct tape is a versatile and useful substance, from temporary repairs to leaky hoses, (garden and engine) to mending torn jeans, canvas, holding interior parts in place on POS cars and trucks, removing cat fur from clothing, repairing book bindings and making book-covers, keeping assorted things and people properly restrained. Oh, yeah, and even occasionally sealing duct work. There was an old joke around the boatyard that all you needed for most repairs were two things: duct tape and a BFH. (For those unfamiliar with the term, a BFH is a ‘Big F#cking Hammer.) The theory was simple: If it wouldn’t move, hit it with the BFH. If it wouldn’t stay put, use some duct tape… or hit it with the BFH, depending on what ‘it’ was.

Everything you need to make a duct tape kindle cover

I’d like to add to that list of uses creating a duct tape Kindle cover. It’s not for me; actually, a friend asked if I’d make her one. I’m taking a moment out from a much bigger and far more complicated project on the boat (which doesn’t involve duct tape; posts to follow,) to do this. And while I can attest that making a duct tape Kindle cover is not a difficult process, I figured I’d add it to the list of DIY kindle covers I’ve featured on my blog as one more option.

Step 1: These poly file folders are still an excellent starting point, as Command Strips hold to them superbly but let you remove the Kindle at any time. Cut the folder to a size that will easily cover your Kindle. You can use scissors, though I prefer cutting with a straight edge and razor on a cutting board. This folder has holes in it for clipping inside a binder, so I placed some tape on the inside to cover them and keep the tape adhesive from sticking to the Kindle once tape is added to the outside.

Step 2: Lay the folder flat on the cutting board and begin taping. I told you it’s not complicated. If the tape goes down crooked you can pull it up and straighten it. Lay the tape beyond the edges, which will make it easier to lay each row neatly, then simply trim the excess with a razor or scissors.

Cutting the duct tape

Step 3: While duct tape has a silvery charm all its own I’ve come to appreciate an even better substance… Gorilla tape. Think of it as duct tape on steroids. While duct tape will eventually wear and break down when exposed to sun and rain, Gorilla tape is weatherproof, stickier, tougher and all around amazing. I’ve actually used Gorilla tape to wrap dock-lines as chafe gear before hurricanes, and found it still holding strong a year later. On this cover I’ve chosen to trim the edges with some Gorilla tape both for added toughness and style. To lay it straight a few discreet guide marks are a great help; once Gorilla tape goes down you won’t find it willing to move so you want to get it right the first time. Now, just attach your Kindle with some Command Strips and you’re good to go!

duct tape kindle cover - complete

There you have it. A duct tape Kindle cover. Stylish, simple and cheap. What more could you want?