How to Thread a Tape Gun

You can avoid waste and work more quickly using a tape gun.

Whether you're packing boxes to move or you're in a business where you mail a lot of packages, a tape gun can save you a lot of time. Tape guns can be purchased at any office supply and hardware stores. They eliminate the tedious job of finding the end of the tape roll. They're tricky to load at first, but with a few basic instructions, most people can use tape guns with ease.

Instructions

1. Lay the tape gun on a flat surface and press roll of tape onto the tape wheel. The tape should unwind to the left with the sticky side facing down.

2. Pull about six inches of tape off the roll and thread this between the roller and the metal rolling gate at the front of the gun. If the tape sticks to the roller, you've inserted it onto the wheel incorrectly. Remove and repeat Step 1.

3. Pull the threaded tape over the roller and press against the cutting blade to trim excess.

4. Place the tape gun so that the sticky side of the tape is against the box, and press lightly.

5. Pull the tape gun along the surface of the box. Press lightly as you guide it along the box seam. You don't have to press hard, as the smoothing wheel aids in pressing the tape to the box as you roll it out.

6. Tilt the tape gun forward and twist slightly to tear the end of the tape. The metal cutter at the top of the gun will cut the end.

Tips & Warnings

• Tape guns can be used with several kinds of tape. Clear packing tape is the most common, but duct tape, Kraft tape, and masking tape can also be used.

• If the tape begins to twist (indicating too much tension) or bunch at the roller (indicating not enough tension), pull down on the metal rolling gate to remove. Adjust the tape gun's tension using the knob on the side of the tape wheel (on most guns) and then rethread the tape. Turn the knob clockwise to increase the tension, and to counterclockwise to decrease it.

• The cutting blade on your taping gun is extremely sharp and should be handled with care to avoid injury.

References

• Webstraunt Store: Standard Pistol Grip Packaging Tape Dispenser Instructions (PDF)