Pro-tip: new rolls come with a little paper tab on the end of the tape to make it easy to find the start. Once you’ve removed that, started the roll, and you’re ready to put the roll away, throw it away instead and get a new roll next time.
this post was submitted on 24 Jul 2026
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You were so close. I just fold it back so that the end of the tape sticks to itself on the last 2mm. Next time you need it there will be an easy to find tab.
Too difficult. 😮💨
Why am I laughing at everything today:?!... Oh wait, not.agian
The super-thin tapes are the worst, can't even feel the edge.
I never remember to fold the end over, either. That's a future-me problem, like a minute from now.
I usually remember to fold over the edge, but I don't tape many things, so usually by the next time I try to use it it's been ruined in some way.
I've had good luck with tape dispensers. I know one might think of them as mostly for scotch tape (I know I used to) but, scaled up effectively, they're great.
I haven't tried them for duct tape, but i imagine its gluiness would interfere with functionality.
But duct tape is quite thick such that you can feel the edge then you just need to successfully pull it up without ripping it.
Jokes on you!
*Pulls out pocket knife*
Until the tape rips diagonally as you pull it up with just a sliver left on the edge that hangs on
Glad I have this extra roll right here where I'll just slap a strip over where it sheered diagonally and force it back to true.
*Pulls out pocket knife again because I can't find the line on the extra roll*
If my grandfather taught me anything, it was the importance of knowing when to start over, as long as you persist, until it's done right.
And I’m a V shaped tear.
And I’m gonna break again right here.
Love is like a roll of tape
It's real good for making two things one
But just like that roll of tape
Love sometimes breaks off before you are done
Another way that love is similar to tape
That I've noticed
Is sometimes, it's hard to see the end
You search 'round the roll
You search 'round the roll
You search 'round the roll
With your fingernail
Again and again and again and again
And again
I am the only one that does not have this issue? I run a nail along the surface, then you can tell which way the tape is by the direction of the bump.
If only tap was flexible so you could put a fold in the end when you're done. I heard NASA is hard at work trying to make this dream a reality if the Chinese don't beat them to it.
I learned about this at one of my previous jobs, they called them "buddy tabs". Kind of a game changer
If only...
I'm perpetually amazed that cheap packing tape is so bad, "optimized" to the point of becoming almost, but not quite, completely useless. And the good packing tape costs so much, considering it's just a one-time-use strip of plastic. It's a little thicker than the cheap stuff, it costs ~5x as much. Worth it, I guess. Ugh.
Maybe, in the best possible future, we've moved away from tape entirely.
People say duct tape (duck tape) is the best tape and can do anything. I disagree. I think it’s packing tape. The former certainly has its uses, but packing tape is super versatile. I recommend getting some good packing tape. It comes on self dispensing rolls.
You can laminate things. I create tabs for pages in notebooks or binders by folding it over a label you write or print. You can make anything you print a sticker or label. “To” address “From” address on an envelope, just print it, cut it out and stick it. Labels for usb sticks. Cut it to size quickly you can label keys. I use that shit for so much office stuff. Once you stick it to itself it holds pretty much forever.
Yep, the writeability of packing tape is good.
But gaffer tape is the tape I use every day.
I've only really seen brown packing tape I'm guessing yours is transparent though? Other than the things that require transparency I do think duct tape beats it most of the time.
I’m talking about transparent plastic packing tape. If you’ve only seen brown tape then I think we are talking about different things here.
You can laminate things
I once made an inscryption keychan (perfect to hang the keys on a pocket inside my backpack btw) and i used packing tape, the only problem i had is that it wasn't wide enough to cover the entire card and so it had an ugly line
The other problem is that with the heat it will seperate on certain materials 💔
Usually it won’t separate on itself, so leave enough extra margin on the sides, then sandwich it back on top of itself.
I see, thx
The trick is to leave a tiny bend at the end to easily pull it out next time.
This post just reminded me to fix my roommate's bank card.
The magnetic strip layer was starting to peel off pretty bad, so I carefully applied packing tape over around the front and back side along that edge. As long as you don't cover over the chip contacts, and apply it really good and flat with no creases, it'll work just fine.
Of course I folded the end of the tape on the roll before I put it up 👍