Double the Stickiness = A Firm Hold
Written: Mar 31 '04 (Updated Mar 31 '04)
|
Product Rating:
|
|
|
Pros: sticky on both sides, lasts a long time, many uses, better than a glue stick!
Cons: more expensive than a glue stick
The Bottom Line: This Scotch Double-Coated Tape is great for adhering the Bottom Line to this Epinions page.
|
|
|
| dlstewart's Full Review: Scotch 665 Double-Coated Film Tape 1/2" x 900" 1" ... |
I can remember when my mother introduced me to Scotch Double-Coated Tape when I was a little girl. It seemed like magic to have a tape sticky on both sides. I wanted to use it on everything! Now at work when a project requires adhesive, one sure office essential is Scotch Double-Coated Tape.
Description
The Scotch Double-Coated Tape currently on my desk is Item # 665 -- 1/2" x 900" (25 yards). This roll of permanent tape comes in a distinctive yellow and black square box. On the top side of the box is a small area labeled "Push to Open". I use my fingernail to break the cardboard to peel open the top of the box.
Once the box is open, pull out the roll of tape. This roll of tape has a 1" core for inserting onto a tape dispenser. (This is a refill roll and does not come with a dispenser.) The roll of tape has a total diameter of 2 516". Around the outside edge of the tape roll is a clear plastic strip that says: " Unwind this Protective Wrap". A red rectangle at the end of the tape has an arrow pointing to the edge that needs lifting. A fingernail inserted beneath this red rectangle will release the protective wrap, which is 8" long.
Inserting the Roll of Tape into a Dispenser
I recommend inserting this roll of tape into a dispenser before removing the protective wrap. This tape is sticky and much easier to handle when it is in a dispenser. Not all dispensers are created equal either. This tape is thicker than ordinary tape and is sometimes tricky to cut.
At first I used the double-coated tape in a cheap plastic dispenser with a plastic cutting edge. Not a good idea. I had to arm wrestle with the tape every time I needed a piece. The plastic cutting edge did not cope well with this thicker tape.
Now I have the tape in a desktop tape dispenser with a metal cutting edge. Much nicer! Pull the tape from the roll and give it a sharp downward tug against the metal cutting edge to snap the tape free from the roll. This works great.
Handling Sticky Tape
I must have extra clumsiness in me when it comes to tape. If I'm not careful, I end up looking like a mummy. I've caught tape in my hair (not a pleasant experience!) and more than once have had this tape fold on itself or catch awkwardly around my hand. I'm a magnet for this stuff! So I've learned a few survival techniques.
First of all, make sure your hands are clean. If your hands are even a bit dirty, dusty or oily, this transfers to the tape making it less sticky.
Before removing any tape from the dispenser, make sure the project you are working on is in front of you. Using a desktop dispenser, grasp the end of the tape with one finger. Pull the amount of tape needed free, and with the other hand, grasp the tape and sever it on the dispenser's metal cutting edge. Now you are holding a strip of tape in both hands. Move the tape to your project, and keeping the tape taut, place it where it needs to go. Repeat this process if more tape is required. When finished applying the tape, then lift the paper (or whatever you are taping), turn it upside-down and gently rest it against the surface you wish it to adhere to. Press firmly and smooth the paper out to assure a firm bond.
Uses for This Tape
This transparent tape is excellent for projects where "invisibility" is needed.
* Mount pictures
* Scrapbooking
* Paper & cardboard crafts
* Presentations
* Wrap packages with no tape showing
* Adhere to back side of a bow or ribbon
* Repair books
* Temporarily anchor something in place for photography
* Hang lightweight items (test the mounting surface first to make sure the tape doesn't harm it)
Purchasing
I buy this tape from staples.com for $3.45 a roll. OfficeMax sells this same tape for $3.49, and amazon.com sells it for $3.46. As you can see, there isn't much difference between these retailers in pricing. This tape is also available in a variety of widths and lengths. Choose between the refill rolls or buy it in a disposable plastic dispenser.
Summary
Once upon a time, I used glue sticks for adhering paper to paper. But eventually the glue dried out, and the papers separated. This Scotch Double-Coated Tape is strong and lasts a long time. Despite my sometime-challenges in using it (okay, I admit that I'm a tape klutz!), I like this tape. I can't imagine not having this tape available. It has so many uses. Give this tape a try and see how it works for you.
I hope you have found this review useful.
Enjoy your day,
Dawn
http://dlstewart.com
Additional Information
3M Commercial Office Supply Division
St. Paul, MN 55144
Toll Free Phone # 1-888-364-3577
(Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. CST)
The packaging this tape arrives in is made from 100% recycled paper and paperboard containing at least 35% post-consumer waste.
Please read my other reviews.
Fellowes Metal Copyholder
Stanley Contemporary Electric Pencil Sharpener
Stanley Heavy-Duty Stapler for up to 120 sheets
Gateway 500X Desktop Computer
Rubbermaid 3-Drawer File Cabinet on Wheels
Rubbermaid Chair Mat
Sharpie Twin-Tip Permanent Marker
Stanley Quick Point Knife
Cramer Stop-Step Aluminum Ladder
HON Metal 47" Bookcase
Belkin UPS Emergency Battery Backup
Copyright 2004 Dawn L. Stewart
Recommended:
Yes
|
|
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.