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How to Easily Load a Packing Tape Gun Set up, use, & adjust a tape dispenser to make packing boxes a breeze Co-authored by Devin McSween Reviewed by Renee Day
Last Updated: January 27, 2026 Fact Checked
Putting in the Tape
|
Adjusting the Dispenser’s Tension
|
Video
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Q&A
|Show more|Show less X
This article was reviewed by Renee Day and by wikiHow staff writer, Devin McSween. Renee Day is a Crafting Expert and Content Creator based in Michigan. She is a master of paper crafts, and also specializes in brush lettering, journaling, embossing, stamping, stenciling, doodling, and crocheting. Her Instagram account, thediyday, has over 300K followers. She published a book called Creative Journaling: A Guide to Over 100 Techniques and Ideas for Amazing Dot Grid, Junk, Mixed-Media, and Travel Pages. The book contains 52 projects, from crafting colorful pages to creating dot grid, junk, mixed-media, and travel journals. She also created Chunky Letter Calligraphy, a 30+ page (PDF) all about lettering. She runs a thriving Amazon Storefront, where she curates craft supply collections for her followers. She previously worked as a photographer, capturing engagement sessions, weddings, boudoir, and landscapes. She received a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 214,217 times.
Whether you’re moving houses or running your own business, using a packing tape dispenser makes sealing boxes quick and easy. If you’re not sure how to load your packing tape dispenser with tape, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll show you how to put tape in the dispenser and adjust the tension so the tape comes out smoothly. Read on to learn more!
How to Load Tape into a Tape Gun
Push the tape onto the dispenser’s wheel with the sticky side facing down.
Push the metal gate down.
Pull the tape between the roller and the gate.
Lift the tape up to the metal blade above the roller.
Twist the knob in the center of the wheel to the right to tighten the tension, or to the left to loosen it.
Steps
Part 1 Part 1 of 2:
Putting the Tape Inside the Dispenser
1 Pull out the old tape roll if you’re refilling the tape dispenser. Lay your packing tape dispenser flat on a table with the wheel facing up. Then, hold down the dispenser with one hand and use your other to grab the underside of the tape. Simply pull up on the tape to remove it from the wheel.[1]XResearch source
For dispensers without a handle: Look for the thin plastic clasp inside the roll. Place your hands on either side of the clasp and pull up to separate the roll into 2 halves. Then, pull out the old tape.[2]XResearch source
2 Locate the end of your roll of tape. On most new rolls of tape, the end is clearly marked with a piece of paper. If you’re loading a used roll of tape, run a fingernail back and forth around the tape to feel for a slight ridge. Then, pull out ¼ to ½ inches (0.6-1.3 cm) of tape and fold it back under itself to create a tab that marks the end of the roll.[3]XResearch source
Alternatively, place a toothpick, paperclip, sticky note, or another small, flat object at the end of the tape to clearly mark the end.
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3 Push the tape onto the wheel with the sticky side facing down. Lay the dispenser down on a flat, stable surface. Then, simply push the roll of tape onto the wheel, making sure the sticky side faces down and the non-adhesive side faces up. Roll the tape so the end of the roll faces the roller and cutting blade.[4]XResearch source
For dispensers without a handle: Pull apart the thin plastic clasp inside the roll to separate the dispenser into 2 halves. Spread the 2 halves apart, slide the tape roll inside, then push the clasp back together.[5]XResearch source
4 Thread the end of the tape between the roller and the metal gate. On most packing tape dispensers, there is a piece that rolls below the serrated blade. Below the roller is a metal gate or flap that covers the gap between the roller. Just push down on the gate to open the gap and pull the tape through it.[6]XResearch source
If the metal gate doesn’t automatically close, push it back up to cover the gap again and hold the tape in place.
Double-check that the sticky part of the tape faces down. If it doesn’t, take the tape off the wheel and flip it over. Otherwise, the tape will stick to the roller.
For dispensers without a handle: Most dispensers simply have 2 prongs on either side of the dispenser just below the serrated blade. Just thread the tape between the prongs and the blade.
5 Lift the tape up so it reaches the edges of the serrated blade. Simply pull the tape up and over the roller towards the metal edges of the serrated blade above it. Keep pulling the tape so it’s about 1 to 2 inches (2.5-5 cm) above the blade. Then, push the tape down against the plastic or metal sheet above the blade to make a neat, even cut.[7]XResearch source
Keep the end of the tape out so it dangles between the roller and the blade.
Some tape dispensers do not have a sheet above the blade. In this case, simply press the tape down against the blade to cut it.
The serrated blade is sharp, so keep your fingers away from it.
When you’re not using the tape dispenser, put the plastic protector over the metal blade.
Advertisement Part 2 Part 2 of 2:
Adjusting the Tension of the Tape Dispenser
1 Test the dispenser’s tension by rolling out a small section of tape. To practice using your tape dispenser, push the dispenser onto the side of a box with the blade facing the cardboard. Then, pull the dispenser across the box to unwind the tape. When you’re ready to cut it, lift the handle of the dispenser up to press the tape against the plastic or metal sheet above the blade.[8]XResearch source
Use an old cardboard box to get the hang of using the dispenser and to make any tension adjustments.
2 Tighten the dial on the wheel clockwise if the tape comes out too fast. Look for the knob or dial in the middle of the wheel; this adjusts the tension of the dispenser. If the tension isn’t tight enough, the tape might unravel quickly and loosely stick to your boxes. So, just turn the dial clockwise, or to the right, to tighten the tension.[9]XResearch source
If the tension dial is too loose, you might also use more tape than you need.
Most tape dispensers without a handle do not have an adjustment knob.
3 Loosen the nut counterclockwise if the tape is too tight to unwind. If you have to pull really hard to get the tape to unravel from the dispenser, the dial’s tension might be too tight. Just twist the dial in the middle of the wheel counterclockwise, or to the left, to loosen it and relieve the tension.[10]XResearch source
Too much tension might also cause the tape to roll unevenly over your box.
Keep tightening and loosening the dial until the tape rolls smoothly and easily from the dispenser.
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Question How do you avoid tape jams in a tape gun? wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer To avoid tape jams in your tape gun, check the rollers and mechanism to make sure everything is working right, and make sure there are no pieces of small debris in the tool (packing dust, small scraps of paper or cardboard, etc). Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question How do you use a mini tape gun? wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer Load the Scotch tape roll into the gun sticky side down, and feed the tape under the roller and past the metal teeth, adjusting the tension if needed. Press the tape gun down onto the surface you want to tape, then roll along the surface until you reach the desired length. Press downward to use the sharp cutting tool to cut the tape. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question How do you use a packing tape dispenser? wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer Once you’ve loaded the dispenser, hold it over the surface you want to tape, then press the roller firmly down. Roll the dispenser along the surface, making sure to keep constant contact, so the tape goes on smoothly. Once you’ve reached the desired length you want to tape, press down and flick your wrist to cut the tape against the dispenser’s metal teeth. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
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References
↑ https://youtu.be/LW8zxoyc77E?t=10
↑ https://youtu.be/i5aqYXTrqdc?t=39
↑ https://www.youtube.com/shorts/upZL0X35AiM
↑ https://youtu.be/u_0mhJhY8_M?t=17
↑ https://youtu.be/i5aqYXTrqdc?t=61
↑ https://youtu.be/KWbjd2I8fJQ?t=16
↑ https://youtu.be/u_0mhJhY8_M?t=29
↑ https://youtu.be/u_0mhJhY8_M?t=54
↑ https://youtu.be/u_0mhJhY8_M?t=41
More References (1)
↑ https://youtu.be/T5E-e4wRvP0?t=78
About This Article
Reviewed by: Renee Day Crafting Expert This article was reviewed by Renee Day and by wikiHow staff writer, Devin McSween. Renee Day is a Crafting Expert and Content Creator based in Michigan. She is a master of paper crafts, and also specializes in brush lettering, journaling, embossing, stamping, stenciling, doodling, and crocheting. Her Instagram account, thediyday, has over 300K followers. She published a book called Creative Journaling: A Guide to Over 100 Techniques and Ideas for Amazing Dot Grid, Junk, Mixed-Media, and Travel Pages. The book contains 52 projects, from crafting colorful pages to creating dot grid, junk, mixed-media, and travel journals. She also created Chunky Letter Calligraphy, a 30+ page (PDF) all about lettering. She runs a thriving Amazon Storefront, where she curates craft supply collections for her followers. She previously worked as a photographer, capturing engagement sessions, weddings, boudoir, and landscapes. She received a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. This article has been viewed 214,217 times. 16 votes - 60% Co-authors: 6Updated: January 27, 2026 Views: 214,217 Categories: Fastening Tools In other languages Spanish Japanese
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Reader Success Stories
Anonymous
Dec 2, 2023
"I hadn't used the dispenser since I moved house over 5 years ago. It's still in perfect condition, but I could not load it properly until a DuckDuckGo search had this article as its top recommendation. In this case, this article tops any video! Thanks."..." more
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Reviewed by: Renee Day Crafting Expert 16 votes - 60% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 6Updated: January 27, 2026 Views: 214,217
Anonymous
Dec 2, 2023
"I hadn't used the dispenser since I moved house over 5 years ago. It's still in perfect condition, but I could not load it properly until a DuckDuckGo search had this article as its top recommendation. In this case, this article tops any video! Thanks."..." more Share yours!
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Reviewed by: Renee Day Crafting Expert This article was reviewed by Renee Day and by wikiHow staff writer, Devin McSween. Renee Day is a Crafting Expert and Content Creator based in Michigan. She is a master of paper crafts, and also specializes in brush lettering, journaling, embossing, stamping, stenciling, doodling, and crocheting. Her Instagram account, thediyday, has over 300K followers. She published a book called Creative Journaling: A Guide to Over 100 Techniques and Ideas for Amazing Dot Grid, Junk, Mixed-Media, and Travel Pages. The book contains 52 projects, from crafting colorful pages to creating dot grid, junk, mixed-media, and travel journals. She also created Chunky Letter Calligraphy, a 30+ page (PDF) all about lettering. She runs a thriving Amazon Storefront, where she curates craft supply collections for her followers. She previously worked as a photographer, capturing engagement sessions, weddings, boudoir, and landscapes. She received a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. This article has been viewed 214,217 times. 16 votes - 60% Co-authors: 6 Updated: January 27, 2026 Views: 214,217 Categories: Fastening Tools In other languages Spanish Japanese 
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1 Pull out the old tape roll if you’re refilling the tape dispenser. Lay your packing tape dispenser flat on a table with the wheel facing up. Then, hold down the dispenser with one hand and use your other to grab the underside of the tape. Simply pull up on the tape to remove it from the wheel.[1] 
2 Locate the end of your roll of tape. On most new rolls of tape, the end is clearly marked with a piece of paper. If you’re loading a used roll of tape, run a fingernail back and forth around the tape to feel for a slight ridge. Then, pull out ¼ to ½ inches (0.6-1.3 cm) of tape and fold it back under itself to create a tab that marks the end of the roll.[3] 
3 Push the tape onto the wheel with the sticky side facing down. Lay the dispenser down on a flat, stable surface. Then, simply push the roll of tape onto the wheel, making sure the sticky side faces down and the non-adhesive side faces up. Roll the tape so the end of the roll faces the roller and cutting blade.[4] 
4 Thread the end of the tape between the roller and the metal gate. On most packing tape dispensers, there is a piece that rolls below the serrated blade. Below the roller is a metal gate or flap that covers the gap between the roller. Just push down on the gate to open the gap and pull the tape through it.[6] 
5 Lift the tape up so it reaches the edges of the serrated blade. Simply pull the tape up and over the roller towards the metal edges of the serrated blade above it. Keep pulling the tape so it’s about 1 to 2 inches (2.5-5 cm) above the blade. Then, push the tape down against the plastic or metal sheet above the blade to make a neat, even cut.[7] 
1 Test the dispenser’s tension by rolling out a small section of tape. To practice using your tape dispenser, push the dispenser onto the side of a box with the blade facing the cardboard. Then, pull the dispenser across the box to unwind the tape. When you’re ready to cut it, lift the handle of the dispenser up to press the tape against the plastic or metal sheet above the blade.[8] 
2 Tighten the dial on the wheel clockwise if the tape comes out too fast. Look for the knob or dial in the middle of the wheel; this adjusts the tension of the dispenser. If the tension isn’t tight enough, the tape might unravel quickly and loosely stick to your boxes. So, just turn the dial clockwise, or to the right, to tighten the tension.[9] 
3 Loosen the nut counterclockwise if the tape is too tight to unwind. If you have to pull really hard to get the tape to unravel from the dispenser, the dial’s tension might be too tight. Just twist the dial in the middle of the wheel counterclockwise, or to the left, to loosen it and relieve the tension.[10] 
wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.