Here's a problem that affects millions of people: Needing to tape something but not being able to find the end of the reel. It can be infuriating. After trying unsuccessfully to use the classic technique of "turning the roller until you find the end", you begin to feel frustrated and discouraged. However, don't give up! Use the methods described in this article to succeed in this endeavor.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Using Your Senses
Step 1. Examine the roll closely
Slowly rotate it in your hands and examine every inch of its circumference. The tip will have a small, thick, almost invisible relief running across the tape horizontally. It can be a little darker and much more discreet than the rest of the object. If you don't find it on the first "turn", try again.
If the tape is stamped, find a gap or overlap in the continuous designs. For example, if the roll of masking tape has streaks, examine them closely until you find the point where the material colors don't match
Step 2. Consider the possibility that the end of the tape is not completely straight
If the roller has not been used well, its "tip" may be serrated, irregular, or too long. It may even be gradually decreasing in size.
Step 3. Run your fingertips across the roller
Use them to sharpen your touch. If you want to improve the effect even more, pass your nails. Feel for bumps or dips in the tape. Your tip will look different from the rest of the material. If the edge is big enough, your finger might even catch it lightly. If you think you've identified it with your eyes, swipe the spot for a more accurate examination.
- If your nails are too short, try running a knife blade (or a toothpick, paper clip, wrench, etc. - anything that helps you accurately feel the change in the tape surface) through the rim of the roller. Be careful not to put too much force on the movement and pierce the accessory.
- If you don't feel anything on the first try, go in the opposite direction.
Step 4. When you find the end of the roll, gently pull it up
Choose a spot on the tape that you can hold between your thumb and forefinger. After that, use one of these fingers to pull the tip diagonally from the chosen location. Pull it out until you have access to the entire product. Natural hand oils will help prevent the object from getting lost again.
Method 2 of 3: Using Products to Make Roll Marks
Step 1. Use flour or chalk to mark the roll
If the tape is dark, use a light, contrasting substance to find the tip. With this method, just rub some white crumbly product - flour, chalk and baking soda are good examples - onto the surface of the roller until it "sticks" to the tip. If you are using thicker tape, such as duct tape, this effect may be even more apparent.
Step 2. Put some flour or chalk into a cup or small container
Any material will do, as long as it is lumpy and has a contrasting color to the tape.
Step 3. Put your finger in the cup or container
If you like, moisten it beforehand to facilitate the process.
If you don't want to use your finger, take the roll of ribbon directly into the flour or chalk powder. Make it very soaked. Hopefully, the product will stick right at the end of the tape, fulfilling its purpose
Step 4. Run your finger with flour around the circumference of the ribbon
Travel in a direction calmly and attentively; then go in the opposite direction. This way, your finger will likely reach the tip of the roller. Be sure to explore any part of the tape. The tip will be apparent in a short time, as the product will form a white line in the region.
Step 5. Clean your finger after finding the tip of the roller
Try not to get the product on the sticky side of the tape.
Step 6. Use a pencil to mark the tape
If it's light, try running the pencil lead through the roller. It will have a flour-like effect; the accessory will be embossed when it reaches the tip of the roll, highlighting it.
Method 3 of 3: Avoiding the Problem
Step 1. Using a sharp knife or pair of scissors, make a V-cut across the entire circumference of the roll of ribbon
This way, it will be ripped in the same place every time you use it - and you'll have less trouble finding the tip in the future!
Step 2. Mark the tip of the roller with a toothpick
Whenever you finish using the tape, place a toothpick under the adhesive, about 1.3 cm from the end. That way, when you need it again, you can easily identify the right place. This method is even more useful with transparent tapes.
In theory, any object can be used to mark the end of the tape: a piece of paper, a paper clip, a branch, a card and so on. Wear anything that is small and stands out from the tape itself. Improvise a solution using the materials you have available at home or at work
Step 3. Fold the sticky end of the tape back about an inch
This will create a "tab" which will help you the next time you need the product. Fold at a right angle or at 45 degrees (triangular).
Step 4. Consider purchasing a tape-specific dispenser
These devices include a spool (where the rolls of ribbon are fitted) and a serrated end (for cutting). Pulling the tape to this end cuts it straight and naturally. Afterwards, the sticker is immobile until it is used again.
- Also consider purchasing a "gun" shaped applicator in case you need to pack something. This equipment is a convenient, manual version of the traditional dispenser. Run it across the surface of any box to close it without losing the edge of the sticker.
- Office equipment stores (both physical and virtual) sell dispensers of this type. Keep in mind that many of them are made for "common" tape rolls (about 5 cm wide).
Step 5. If this problem ever affects you, consider getting into the habit of buying stamped ribbons
It is easier and more convenient to find the type roller tip, as it is possible to visually identify changes in the design.
Step 6. Buy marked rolls of masking tape
Some rollers have marks (such as black lines) on the sides, pointing to where the adhesive ends. This eliminates the need to find the tip - just find the tag! The product is sold in physical and virtual office equipment stores.