How to Use the Tape Dispenser - Step-by-Step Guide
Correctly packing and sealing boxes is the most important aspect of moving, shipping packages, and/or organizing storage, therefore learning how to properly use a tape dispenser will save you time, reduce your stress, and ensure that your boxes stay securely sealed. Packing fragile items; packing large boxes; packing multiple items at once all require you to have mastered the use of this helpful tool; this will help you in all your packing needs.
What Is a Tape Dispenser?
Tape dispensers are used for holding a roll of tape and to be able to cut it smoothly without tearing it by hand. There are 2 main types of tape dispensers. Handheld Dispenser for Packing Tape is a popular choice for closing down boxes. It has a handle, a cutting blade and sometimes a roller to help hold the tape down evenly. Best used for packing and moving larger size boxes.
- A Desktop Tape Dispenser is used mainly for crafts or office work. It is more suited for use with lighter tapes on lighter-weight packages.
- The most effective way to use these two types of tape dispensers for use when packing and moving, is to properly know how to operate them so that your boxes stay secured, and your items are protected while in transit.
Why Learning How to Use the Tape Dispenser Is Important
While using a tape dispenser may seem simple, knowing the proper technique provides several advantages:
- Efficiency: Boxes can be sealed quickly, saving time during large packing tasks.
- Finishing Touch of Perfection: Tape that is properly applied will look clean/professional.
- Regulating Waste: Using the correct technique will reduce any tape waste and help eliminate mistakes.
- Safety: By utilizing a dispenser you lower your chance of getting injured by trying to rip the tape by hand or with a pair of scissors.
- Security: Taping a box properly helps to protect the contents of the box from being damaged and keeps all of the contents of the box secured while in transit.
- Mastering: The technique of tape dispenser use becomes especially useful if you’re going to be working with multiple boxes/pieces of very expensive items.
Step 1: Loading the Tape
To begin using your tape dispenser, you need to properly load your tape in order to correctly do so. The following outlines how to load your tape into the dispenser properly:
- First, remove all empty rolls of tape from the dispenser.
- Find a new roll of packing tape and place it on the spindle with the sticky side of the tape facing down towards the blades.
- Next, make sure the tape will spin freely on their spindle without being too loose or too tight on the spindle to ensure that the tape does not tear while being applied due to being too tight or prevent the tape from being applied due to being too loose on the spindle.
Loading the tape properly into the dispenser is the first step to learning how to effectively use the tape dispenser.
Step 2: Threading the Tape
- The tape will need to be threaded to the cutting blade after you load it.
- If your dispenser has a roller, thread the tape under the roller; if not, you can thread it directly to the blade.
- You will need to push very lightly on the roller while pulling on the tape so that the tape moves easily.
Pro Tip: To keep the tape from curling back on itself, pull it from the side at an angle.
Properly threading the tape is a very important part of learning how to use a tape dispenser.
Step 3: Applying the Tape
- Once the thread has been applied, you will have to apply tape over the box or surface.
- You will now need to hold the box using one hand to steady it.
- With your other hand, hold onto the tape dispenser handle,
- then apply the tape to your surface and pull the tape dispenser along the line in which you want the tape to seal.
- To keep your tape from not sticking
- Make sure to apply even pressure onto each side of the tape as it is being applied to seal your box.
Tip: To avoid wrinkles or uneven adhesion, begin at one end of the box and roll on evenly across the length of the box.
By following through on the correct procedure to apply the tape at this point in time will assure that the boxes are properly sealed and ready for delivery.
Step 4: Cutting the Tape
It’s essential to cut the tape evenly so that you have an accurate finished product.
- When cutting to the end of the roll, hold the dispenser at a slight angle while cutting the entire length of tape and then apply pressure to the blade to cut off.
- Pull back slightly on the tape dispenser after you have cut to ensure a clean finish.
- Once the tape is cut, use your fingers to smooth the edges of the tape for a finished look.
Note: Be careful when using a tape dispenser on delicate surfaces, because if you apply too much pressure it can damage the surface.
Completing this step successfully will allow you to learn to use the tape dispenser without too many problems.
Step 5: Practice Makes Perfect
Using a tape dispenser may seem weird the first time you do so; however, with practice, you will improve speed and accuracy in using a tape dispenser. In addition to:
- Sealing up boxes faster
- Minimizing waste when you tape up boxes, and
- Make packing boxes easier
Once you have had continuous experience with the tape dispenser you will feel at ease and be prepared to use it with large or small boxes.
Additional Tips for Using a Tape Dispenser
- Clean the Blade: Use a clean cloth to remove any sticky residue so that you get good clean cuts.
- Use Proper Width of Tape: Standard packing tape with a width of 2 inches works great for most box types.
- Use Steady, Smooth Motion: Pulling tape quickly can cause misalignment, or result in tearing.
- Keep Tape Dispenser Out of Reach of Children: The blade may cause injury if children get hold of it.
Together with the appropriate packing materials such as bubble wrap or packing peanuts or large moving totes, you will provide your fragile items with sufficient protection while at the same time providing means for sealing your shipping package.
Using these suggestions along with the proper method of using a tape dispenser should help you to have a successful packing experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even when someone is an experienced packer; they may still make common mistakes when working with tape dispensers:
- They apply the tape too quickly and create wrinkles.
- They apply pressure to the blade and will damage the box.
- They are using inferior-quality tape.
- They have loaded the tape dispenser incorrectly.
By avoiding these errors, you will ensure your boxes stay secure and the moving process is completed safely.
Why a Tape Dispenser Is Essential
the tape dispenser is not only an item that assists you with preparing your box for your move; it is an important item to have when packing/moving.
It saves time by eliminating the need to tear off tape by hand, provides you with a neat and straight cut on the tape for every box, prevents boxes from coming apart during transport, and helps you to properly organize and stack your boxes for delivery to your new location.When used correctly, your tape dispenser will guarantee that the boxes you are preparing are properly sealed and ready for transporting to your new home or storing in another location.
Conclusion
Mastering how to Use the Tape Dispenser can enhance packing efficiency. If used properly, the tape dispenser will allow for the proper loading, threading, application and cutting of the tape to create boxes that are secure, neat and easy to transport.If you are planning a move, rely on the expertise of Swift Mover for an efficient approach to packing and moving your possessions safely and successfully.
