# Packing tape dispensers were invented in Hell by Satan **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [December 7, 2018, 10:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/packing-tape-dispensers-were-invented-in-hell-by-satan/825764 "2018-12-07T22:03:18Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2018, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/packing-tape-dispensers-were-invented-in-hell-by-satan/825764/21 "2018-12-08T16:19:25Z")
> [@gotpasswords](#): > > 3M’s tape guns are about as good as they get. Sometimes you can find them bundled with rolls of tape. Don’t waste your money or patience on cheap tape guns. They will misbehave in ways you won’t understand and the cutter won’t cut, the roll won’t stay on the hub, the tape will wander out sideways from the roller, etc. Ok. I have a coupon for Office Depot and I will go in search of the Holy Grail of Tape Dispensers. (Trouble is, I love office/school supplies, so I can never get out of That Kind of Store for under $150 even if I don’t find the thing I went in for… :rolleyes: ) > [@enipla](#): > > Ah, grasshopper, you have not yet seen the real hell of tape until you have tried to master one of these - > > [Easy, it says](https://www.amazon.com/Trimaco-MK004-QM5000-Starter-Masking/dp/B008BOX8V0/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1544249135&sr=8-15&keywords=painting+masker+roll+tape) > > Haha. hahahhahahahhahhhah. > > (they actually work pretty good. But be prepared to use up all of your 4 letter words, you will run out of them) Aaaggh! The picture alone scared the crap out of me! I may never sleep again. > [@commasense](#): > > The important thing to know about the dispensers in the OP is that they are not designed to be used like a desktop tape dispenser: you don’t pull off a length of tape, tear it off, then stick it on the package. Rather, you pull a few inches out, stick that end to the box you’re sealing, then with the dispenser in your hand, you draw it across the top of the box… Yeah, yeah, yeah. I do attempt to use the Satanic dispenser the way its creator intended (i.e., NOT like a desktop dispenser). I am a person who reads and \*follows \*directions. On everything. I think you are right about cheap tape. I’m going to mend my ways (or at least Scotch tape them together) and look for a good dispenser and good tape. “Take that, Lucifer!” \*\ \* ---
**Author:** ![jnglmassiv](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f07891/32.png) [@jnglmassiv](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jnglmassiv)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2018, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/packing-tape-dispensers-were-invented-in-hell-by-satan/825764/22 "2018-12-08T18:39:46Z")
> [@commasense](#): > > That said, as others have mentioned, the really cheap thin tape is hard to use with these dispensers. IMHO, it’s worth spending a little more to get the thicker stuff. If you buy the cheap stuff, it may be easier to do without a dispenser, just tear it off and cut it with your teeth. The tape makes a big difference. Spring for the upgrade and thickness and get the 3 inch stuff. We ship a lot of stuff at work and the 3 inch gun from Uline is a must-have. They throw in [a gun](https://www.uline.com/BL_767/Uline-Side-Loader-Tape-Dispensers) (expand the ‘free offer’ in the list of specs) when you buy a case of some tapes. ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2018, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/packing-tape-dispensers-were-invented-in-hell-by-satan/825764/23 "2018-12-08T20:30:10Z")
> [@commasense](#): > > The important thing to know about the dispensers in the OP is that they are not designed to be used like a desktop tape dispenser… > > …When you’ve gone several inches down the side, a flick of the wrist cuts the tape, and the remaining flap of tape on the dispenser should stay in the two little tabs. Oh, in theory. I’ve found that the ‘flick of the wrist’ invariably knocks the tape out of the two little guides. Every time. Big Honker for me! ---
**Author:** ![DorkVader](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/73ab20/32.png) [@DorkVader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DorkVader)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2018, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/packing-tape-dispensers-were-invented-in-hell-by-satan/825764/24 "2018-12-08T23:52:16Z")
> [@TSBG](#): > > However, the guys who moved me the last time all used the thin brown tape and no dispenser because it’s cheaper and very easy to cut–one guy did it with his fingernail. Also, tools wear out and break and get lost, and its actually faster for us to NOT use a tape gun. That brown packing tape doesn’t stick if it gets to hot or to cold. When the temp drops to much below sixty degrees F it tends to snap when being applied and of course falling back onto the roll where the end of the tape instantly becomes dark matter, you know its there, but it is indetectable. We use the thin brown packing tape because it’s cheap, and it’s barely good enough to do the job most of the time. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2018, 11:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/packing-tape-dispensers-were-invented-in-hell-by-satan/825764/25 "2018-12-08T23:56:46Z")
> [@guestchaz](#): > > … it’s barely good enough to do the job most of the time. I’ve been wanting a new sig line. You just gave it to me. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Bayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bayaker/32/3454_2.png) [@Bayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bayaker)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2018, 3:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/packing-tape-dispensers-were-invented-in-hell-by-satan/825764/26 "2018-12-09T03:10:13Z")
I’ve had one of the “big honking industrial tape dispensers” for more years than I can remember, and have never had a problem with it. I’m sure it didn’t pay much for it either, because that’s not something I would do(but I may have inherited it from an out-of-business workplace). I also use the cheap thin tape, and think it works better that the “good” thicker stuff because it stretches more and creates a tighter seal. Never had a problem with it breaking or tearing prematurely. ---
**Author:** ![NanaMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/e5b9ba/32.png) [@NanaMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NanaMan)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2018, 2:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/packing-tape-dispensers-were-invented-in-hell-by-satan/825764/27 "2018-12-11T02:52:23Z")
I used to hate tape guns, still do actually. But when I had to start doing a lot of taping I found these small tape dispensers and they work so well that I can tape with the best of them. Highly recommended. Very easy to use! [https://www.dollargeneral.com/duck-ez-start-packaging-tape-and-dispenser-15-yards.html?utm\_source=google&utm\_medium=cpc&adpos=1o4&scid=scplp01044603&sc\_intid=01044603&utm\_source=google&utm\_medium=cpc&utm\_term=PRODUCT\_GROUP&utm\_campaign=Mid\_DGE\_Shopping±+SC\_General&gclsrc=aw.ds&](https://www.dollargeneral.com/duck-ez-start-packaging-tape-and-dispenser-15-yards.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&adpos=1o4&scid=scplp01044603&sc_intid=01044603&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=PRODUCT_GROUP&utm_campaign=Mid_DGE_Shopping+-+SC_General&gclsrc=aw.ds&) ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2018, 3:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/packing-tape-dispensers-were-invented-in-hell-by-satan/825764/28 "2018-12-11T03:08:00Z")
> [@NanaMan](#): > > I used to hate tape guns, still do actually. > > But when I had to start doing a lot of taping I found these small tape dispensers and they work so well that I can tape with the best of them. Highly recommended. Very easy to use! > > [https://www.dollargeneral.com/duck-ez-start-packaging-tape-and-dispenser-15-yards.html?utm\_source=google&utm\_medium=cpc&adpos=1o4&scid=scplp01044603&sc\_intid=01044603&utm\_source=google&utm\_medium=cpc&utm\_term=PRODUCT\_GROUP&utm\_campaign=Mid\_DGE\_Shopping±+SC\_General&gclsrc=aw.ds&](https://www.dollargeneral.com/duck-ez-start-packaging-tape-and-dispenser-15-yards.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&adpos=1o4&scid=scplp01044603&sc_intid=01044603&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=PRODUCT_GROUP&utm_campaign=Mid_DGE_Shopping+-+SC_General&gclsrc=aw.ds&) This design is similar to the Tape Dispenser from Hell, but it must have some improved design features if you like it. I needed an excuse to head to Dollar General anyway! ---
**Author:** ![burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/burpo_the_wonder_mutt/32/365_2.png) [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/burpo_the_wonder_mutt)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2018, 3:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/packing-tape-dispensers-were-invented-in-hell-by-satan/825764/29 "2018-12-11T03:09:36Z")
^ I could use some Peanut M&Ms, thanks. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2018, 3:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/packing-tape-dispensers-were-invented-in-hell-by-satan/825764/30 "2018-12-11T03:19:40Z")
I want chocolate covered cherries and poptarts, since you’re going. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2018, 4:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/packing-tape-dispensers-were-invented-in-hell-by-satan/825764/31 "2018-12-11T04:00:35Z")
> [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](#): > > ^ I could use some Peanut M&Ms, thanks. > [@Beckdawrek](#): > > I want chocolate covered cherries and poptarts, since you’re going. 🙂 Good luck getting out of Dollar General for under $50, amirite? ---
**Author:** ![nearwildheaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/90db22/32.png) [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2018, 4:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/packing-tape-dispensers-were-invented-in-hell-by-satan/825764/32 "2018-12-11T04:08:40Z")
> [@scr4](#): > > Fold over?? No, all you have to do is make sure the tape is above the two little tabs. And this is important: when you cut the tape, you need to hold on to the tape roll + holder, not just the holder. This insures that the tape roll doesn’t rotate inside the holder as you cut it (or after). The end of the tape sticks to the two little tabs. > > I ship a lot of stuff (returns and eBay sales) and I’ve always used these simple dispensers, and they work fine every time. My experience is the same, although tape is much more likely to stick to itself if you don’t fold it over, if you use it infrequently. You could also put a tab of paper on the end of the tape to keep from “losing” the end. I always use quality tape, because cheap tape splits, sticks to itself (and you can’t find the ends), doesn’t stick well, etc. It’s not a bargain if you can’t use it. ---
**Author:** ![NanaMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/e5b9ba/32.png) [@NanaMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NanaMan)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2018, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/packing-tape-dispensers-were-invented-in-hell-by-satan/825764/33 "2018-12-11T19:49:11Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > This design is similar to the Tape Dispenser from Hell, but it must have some improved design features if you like it. I needed an excuse to head to Dollar General anyway! I also improved on the design by gluing a short section of chopstick across it where the two little nubs are. The nubs sometimes let the tape slip out and that caused a lot of problems. With the wood chopstick going accross that area now it id a dream to use. I’d post a pic but I am too new to have pic posting privileges… ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2018, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/packing-tape-dispensers-were-invented-in-hell-by-satan/825764/34 "2018-12-11T20:02:15Z")
I’m not a “hatey” kind of guy, but those people that grab the tape dispenser out of my hands and(without even look down) take a long swipe and seal the package perfectly then hand the dispenser back and say “See? it’s that easy!”? Hate them. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2018, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/packing-tape-dispensers-were-invented-in-hell-by-satan/825764/35 "2018-12-11T20:46:19Z")
Re-reading the OP, I hope the Devil ain’t mailing packages. That’s one package I DON’T want. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2018, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/packing-tape-dispensers-were-invented-in-hell-by-satan/825764/36 "2018-12-11T21:42:05Z")
> [@NanaMan](#): > > I also improved on the design by gluing a short section of chopstick across it where the two little nubs are. The nubs sometimes let the tape slip out and that caused a lot of problems. With the wood chopstick going accross that area now it id a dream to use. > I’d post a pic but I am too new to have pic posting privileges… What a great idea! Welcome to the Dope. You have earned your keep already. Ignorance fought! ---
**Author:** ![commasense](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/commasense/32/3017_2.png) [@commasense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/commasense)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2018, 10:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/packing-tape-dispensers-were-invented-in-hell-by-satan/825764/37 "2018-12-11T22:49:50Z")
> [@NanaMan](#): > > I’d post a pic but I am too new to have pic posting privileges… Welcome to the SDMB. FYI, it’s not you: no one at SDMB has posting privileges. If you want to post a picture, put it up somewhere else on the Web (a lot of people use Flickr, Imgur, or Google Photos) and include a link in your post. ---
**Author:** ![Kropotkin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kropotkin/32/18045_2.png) [@Kropotkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kropotkin)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2019, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/packing-tape-dispensers-were-invented-in-hell-by-satan/825764/38 "2019-07-04T21:21:14Z")
I just discovered this tape dispenser and I like it a lot better than the one in the OP or the “industrial” ones mentioned later [Scotch DP-1000 Easy-Grip Packaging Tape Dispenser | staples.ca](https://www.staples.ca/products/741085-en-scotch-dp-1000-easy-grip-packaging-tape-dispenser) The only issue is the tape is a little narrower than standard rolls and comes in much smaller rolls. But for our move and general mailing, that’s not a problem. It really works well, keeps the end of the tape off the roll so no searching for it next time, and is easy to use. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2019, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/packing-tape-dispensers-were-invented-in-hell-by-satan/825764/39 "2019-07-04T22:46:42Z")
> [@Kropotkin](#): > > I just discovered this tape dispenser and I like it a lot better than the one in the OP or the “industrial” ones mentioned later > [https://www.staples.ca/products/741085-en-scotch-dp-1000-easy-grip-packaging-tape-dispenser](https://www.staples.ca/products/741085-en-scotch-dp-1000-easy-grip-packaging-tape-dispenser) > > The only issue is the tape is a little narrower than standard rolls and comes in much smaller rolls. But for our move and general mailing, that’s not a problem. > > It really works well, keeps the end of the tape off the roll so no searching for it next time, and is easy to use. Get one now and be ready for the SDMB Christmas gift exchange! 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Kropotkin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kropotkin/32/18045_2.png) [@Kropotkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kropotkin)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2019, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/packing-tape-dispensers-were-invented-in-hell-by-satan/825764/40 "2019-07-04T22:51:56Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > Get one now and be ready for the SDMB Christmas gift exchange! 🙂 You’re scaring me! 🙂 [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/packing-tape-dispensers-were-invented-in-hell-by-satan/825764.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/packing-tape-dispensers-were-invented-in-hell-by-satan/825764.md?page=3)