Are they terrible or am I using it wrong?

  • tisktisk@piefed.social
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    4 months ago

    If you don’t have the tape facing the wrong direction, it should work effortlessly. Many fail to understand the razor and plastic shield mechanism that leverages tension to make a clean tear tho. The tape can melt and be tough to use. You could also have a low quality item technically but even cheap ones are fairly manageable for a while
    Source: An embarrassing amount of exp honestly

  • blattrules@lemmy.world
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    4 months ago

    The only way I’ve been able to get these things to work is to put my thumb on the tape roll so it stops rolling out and I can cut it with the blade part. I have historically had the same issue as you though.

      • scutiger@lemmy.world
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        4 months ago

        You shouldn’t need to do that, but a lot of people do.

        Instead, when you apply the tape, roll it away a little bit to get the end to stick, and then pull on it to unroll. When you’re done, press the flat end down and twist the tape gun into the tape to cut it cleanly.

        Once you’ve the the technique down, it’s very efficient.

      • blattrules@lemmy.world
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        4 months ago

        I felt the same way for the longest time and then I decided to try that. It’s probably like training wheels, but it at least works for me now.

          • blattrules@lemmy.world
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            4 months ago

            My issue is that it was always the wrong angle no matter what I tried and would never rip on the teeth. Holding my thumb on the tape stops me from looking like an idiot and accidentally pulling way more tape out when I try to cut it.

  • scarabic@lemmy.world
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    4 months ago

    It takes some practice, and you have to understand how the blade engages based on the angle you’re holding it at. If you can figure that out, these are awesome. It doesn’t even have to be a fancy one or more expensive tape.

    • SloppyJoe@toast.ooo
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      4 months ago

      100% and figuring out how tight that tension bolt needs to be for the tape you are using.

  • 0li0li@lemmy.world
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    4 months ago

    A triangle shaped thumb nail and the tape roll alone is all you need to be lightning fast. Seen pros do it for a living, so I had to try. Beats these things by a mile!

  • shoe@feddit.uk
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    4 months ago

    Managed to perfectly perforate my chin with one of these as a foolish 16 year old in my first job. Entirely user error (I’ll let you guess how) and left my chin looking like you could tear it off like a postage stamp for weeks after.

    Safe to say I wasn’t allowed to use it again after that, so my only experience with these is that they’re terrible - though that’s probably not a fair judgement given the circumstances 😂.

      • shoe@feddit.uk
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        4 months ago

        Very sage advice, though in this instance the issue was more me trying to tear off a small piece of tape by holding the dispenser at face level with the blade facing towards me… Whilst pushing the strip of tape away from me to try and tear it. I learned an important lesson about physics that day.

  • Macaroni_ninja@lemmy.world
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    4 months ago

    Bought one when moved to a different country and had to pack a lots of big boxes.

    Its great time saver, only downside is how god awful loud they can be.

  • EvilFonzy@lemmy.world
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    4 months ago

    The ones where the plastic shield pressing against the box makes the little teeth plunge into the tape are friggin’ orgasmic.

    • Jarix@lemmy.world
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      4 months ago

      I prefer static blades imo there are better for a wider variety of situations.

      But I’ve that could be the dynamic nature of things I use tape on. The pressure ones are absolutely wonderful for their intended task though. Although not Jean creamingly if you are me

      • potoooooooo ☑️@lemmy.world
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        4 months ago

        Although not Jean creamingly if you are me

        Edit: I finally understand. “Jean-creamingly.” Ejaculating in denim, not a first name. 10-4.

        • Jarix@lemmy.world
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          4 months ago

          Did not realize it capitalized that word. I really need to remember to proof read the shit I post online… Maybe I’ll learn my lesson … One day