Resource Article

We've spent a lot of time on a lot of products over the past year and few have prompted as much ongoing debate and sharp disagreement as Duct Work Armor. What follows is our site's first collaborative product review - an accumulation and organization of commentary on this particular product.

Brianchild of the creative problem solving folks over at Big Sprig, Duct Work Armor is exactly that - additional protection for your central air duct registers covers, in the form of a soft magnetic sheet that overlay and protect your vents. Available three to a package, in two sizes (10" x 4" or 12 x 4"), installation is very straightforward, with the register handle/thumbwheel slot providing enough give to push through an old t-bar handle without difficulty. In two rooms tested, one in old construction and one in very new, the register covers were non-magnetic (aluminum and stained wood respectively), requiring the easy addition of double sided tape. Duct Work Armor's soft sheet is easily cut to fit (for 10" x 2" narrow vents, for example) and in preliminary testing cleans up easily and does take paint readily.

So what's the big review broo ha ha all about? Some of our early testers liked the product, but didn't see the need. One even complained that her cat had no interest in vent covers, until the sheet was applied - and then it spent a great deal of time trying to pull it off. Turns out none of these naysayers have ever had to have an ancient fixture removed, in the hopes of rescuing a heirloom ring.

Further questioning also revealed that none of them owned my cousin's parrot. That 'oh what a cute bird', given half a chance, likes nothing better than to grab the closest metal object ( loose change and paperclips are the current favorites) and fly over and drop it in the floor vent with a triumphant klang. A sheet of Duct Work Armor has temporarily frustrated that particular percussionist. Two months on, however, he's still not chewing on it or trying to rip it off either (doesn't like the taste?). Problem solved.

A neighbor saw the Duct Work Armor in use and 'borrowed' sheet for her sunroom floor vents, which are under periodic attack from twin three year old grandsons, when they come visit. She's intent on ordering several sets of the larger size to protect a wall vent or two, as the sheet's hole size is small enough to prevent a pen or pencil from getting through as well.

The consensus opinion is that this an effective and even instinctual solution for a very specific problem - one look and you'll know whether Duct Work Armor is the its the right solution to your slot vent blues.