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Tips & Techniques

Working with tough, sticky tape

Issue 198

Construction tapes just get tougher and stickier, and harder to cut, and harder to peel away from the roll. Here’s a trick I use to make both tasks easier. As shown in the drawing, I pull back a flap of tape and slip the blade of a single-edge razor under it. The tape sticks to the blade, giving me a handle on the tape when I’m ready to unroll some of it. Then I peel off the razor, use it to cut the tape, and stick the razor back in place until needed again.

Abraham Kyger, via email, None

Edited and Illustrated by Charles Miller
From Fine Homebuilding #198

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  1. agile1 | Aug 15, 2016 05:29pm | #1

    I have been using those little tabs you get with bread, etc. Works the same way and doesn't cost anything.

  2. b0bb0 | Aug 15, 2016 08:27pm | #2

    Abraham,
    That's the same thing I do with the razor blade. I stick my finger in between the tape and the roll when I cut the tape. Once the loose end contacts the roll, it's a pain.

  3. ct_yankee | Oct 30, 2018 08:38pm | #3

    If I don't have it in a dispenser, I'll usually just fold about 1/4" under. Leaves a tab to start with the next time. Many times that 1/4" non-sticky tab doesn't really matter the next time I go to use it.

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