Sunday, January 18, 2015

Tip of the Day: Stop that Dreaded ATG Tape Slip

One of my very favorite tools in my craft room -- something I use every time I'm crafting -- is my "Adhesive Tape Gun" (ATG) by Scotch 3M.  I use the pink one, where the refills are typically 1/4".

From time to time, I sponsor a group "buy-in" of off-brand tape refills which seem to me to be just as great as the brand variety, though they are a lot less expensive.  I buy them from Tape Jungle, where with a purchase of 144 rolls (12 dozen), the price is $1.16/roll, including shipping. 

No matter if you buy off-brand or brand refills, many of my crafting friends say they've experienced the dreaded "tape slip".  Even a perfectly-threaded refill will fall off the applicator roll in the front, causing the tape to jam and the need to rip, disconnect and rethread the tape.




There just HAD to be a solution. Well here it is....












The tape needs a shim over the roll of tape, and you can create your own, either electronically, with punches, or by hand.  I used my Silhouette Cameo 2 (new, this Christmas -- thank you, Hubby!)  to create a disc out of cardboard that is 3" in diameter, with a 1" cut-out in the center, like this:



Just place the shim over the roll of refill tape that you've loaded into the ATG gun. 



Here's my offer to my readers:  If you just don't feel like making one of these shims yourself, just leave a comment here, and send me an e-mail (to cardmonkey@comcast.net) with your address and I will mail one to you, free! 

Be in touch if I can help you with this crafty tip!


DeFiaNtLy DiFfeReNt & CreAtiVeLy Yours,

29 comments:

ScrampingTita said...

I would love one! My address is:
5059 Hook Hollow Circle
Orlando, FL 32837

By the way, do you prefer the Silhouette or the Cricut. I have both and I can't figure out the Explore yet!

Holly M said...

So I didn't leave my address on the first message!!! Silly me!!!
Holly McCracken
441 Grippen Hill Rd
Vestal, NY 13850

NoraNelson said...

Nora Nelson
7227 Cranston Dr
Affton, MO. 63123

Kathy said...

What a great solution to such an annoying problem! I do not eat cereal so wondering what else you could use? I am guessing tha the slick finish on the cereal box keeps the tape from sticking to it. Love to get one from you. Kathy Dunn, 210 A Ellis Ave, Niceville, FL 32578.

the Jesters Court said...

I was just complaining about this very problem to my scrapping friends!! I would love a shim, thank you for sharing your genius with us!
Ruth Jester
3340 Tierra Fertil Dr.
El Paso TX 79938

Anita said...

Awesome! I would love one.
Anita

Unknown said...

I would love one!! I'll send an email with my address. Thank you for doing this.

Unknown said...

Wow! You are wonderful! I have wasted so many rolls of ATG. Could I have your template too. Please mail to:
Pat Ankney
2975 E. Berry Rd.
Rives Junction, MI 49277
Thank you!

Susan said...

Thanks for the great idea.

Bren Hughes said...

This is a brilliant idea!!! Thank you again for sharing!

Lisa's Creative Niche said...

Finally! This is so awesome! Btw would love to know when you hold another group buy in!

D- said...

OMGosh what an amazing cure for our tape dispenser blues. I have 2 ATGs. I keep one filled with general purpose tape and one filled with photo safe tape so I am ready.
I would LOVE one of these.
I'm sending you my addy in an email.
Crafty hugs,
Dawn
Designs By Dragonfly {blogspot}

Unknown said...

I'd love one! Be sure & include your return address so I can send a thank you!
Shelley Goodknight
14025 N Eastern Ave; #2624
Edmond, OK 73013

Connie Can Crop said...

I posted a video a while ago with the same solution but yours is much prettier. Lol!!

Unknown said...

Love this idea!!!

The 3 Funky Divas said...

Well... I love bananas just as much as comments-lol Thanks again for sharing this tip- made one and when I changed my tape tonight, added the shim and WOW- LOVE IT! Makes my life so much easier :-) ~Kathy

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Boopnut said...

I would love one of these shims. My ATG got so tangled up, I don't even want to use it!

Unknown said...

I'd love one too! I'll send an email with my address. Thanks!

Bren said...

How very sweet of you!! I will email my mailing address and thank you so much in advance!!

JoJo said...

That's awesome. Thanks so much..off to email you.

jennyplace26@gmail.com said...

totally brilliant! I just had a knee replacement so really don't know when I will get back to crafting but when I do this will be the first thing I make! TFS!

the life and times said...

I have been using mine since you sent it to me. No problems with my ATG since putting the shim on. Thank you so very very much

Unknown said...

I love this idea omg what a lifesaver I read your info on a comment I would love to have one also 6701 S Pavo Real PL, Tucson, AZ 85746 great idea :)

MelindaH said...

I would like to get your ATG shim please thank you. (: I will email my address. Ty!

41pluspiano said...

Just joined this group and found a solution to that ATG tape coming off....thanks..i would just keep opening the cover and pushing it back on the roll....now you have a REAL answer....please send the shim when you have time...would not mind sending you a 'free-will' offering for doing so....Sylvia Brown, 238 SW Coronado St. Lake City, Fl. 32025

Happy Crafting.

Kaye Lance said...

The tape going off the edge of the roller has always bothered me. Made one of these "shims" tonight and it works perfectly. Thank you very much for letting everyone know about this fix.
Kaye L

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful tip - just found it on Pinterest. This will eliminate a lot of frustration. Thank you! I'll send an email because I would love to have one.

Hindy said...

I just found your tip on Pinterest, and I would love to have your shim if you are still giving them out. Are you??
If you are please e-mail me and I will sent you my address.
Thank you. inkyfingers8@gmail.com