Tape guns are as much of a warehouse standard as forklifts and pallets. These dispensers expedite the process of sealing boxes and cartons. As standard as these accessories are, it can be a little tricky for first-timers to try loading one. In this article, we will provide easy instructions on how to properly load your tape gun.

We’ve made a short how-to video for loading your tape gun that you can follow along to here:

1. Ensure You Have the Right-sized Dispenser

Before you load the tape gun, you want to make sure that your tape gun is the right size for your tape. A roll of tape that’s too wide won’t fit, while tape that’s too thin can slide back and forth along the tape reel, resulting in messy taping jobs.

To determine if you have the right-sized dispenser, place your tape next to the serrate blade at the end of the tape gun. If the width of your tape is about as long as the blade, then your tape gun is the correct size for the roll of your tape.

2. Slot Your Tape onto the Tape Reel

Set your tape gun on a flat surface and place your roll of tape onto the tape reel, pushing it down until it is fully inserted.

When you slot your roll of tape into your tape gun, you want to make sure that the adhesive side faces the floor when unrolled.

3. Feed Your Tape Through

First, open the loading gate, or the metal plate located at the front of the tape gun, and feed your tape through the opening until it sticks 2 to 3 inches past the front of the dispenser. Close the loading gate.

4. Prep Your Tape Gun for Sealing

After you close the loading gate, pull the tape over the serrated blade and cut it.

All Sealed Up

And now your tape gun is ready to use! Loading a tape gun is like riding a bike: you do it enough times and it becomes second nature. If you ever feel lost or confused later on when trying to load a tape gun, feel free to use this article and video as a guide going forward.

While you’re here, be sure you take a look at our wide selection of packaging supplies, including tape dispensers for various kinds of tape. All equipment and accessories for tape come with free shipping, so you start practicing loading your tape gun today!

For more information on our packaging accessories, be sure to check out our equipment and accessories product guide.