Black electrical tape dispenser

[Whiskeymike]

I’m making a lot of wire harnesses and such lately where I use an inch or two of black tape to secure wires together every 6-8 inches. Has anyone modified a tape dispenser to work with electrical tape?

I tried a desk dispenser, but the jagged cutter caught on the tape and ended up ripping instead of cutting. So was thinking of changing the blade out with a razor or exact blade.

There are some expensive dispensers for the workbench that are a push button operation. But I just want something reasonable that I can retrieve tape with one hand.

 

[tarbellb]

Have you check 3M? They have everything, just impossible to find usually.

 

[rlitman]

The electrical tape dispensers I've seen have a double edged triangle blade, with a point that starts the cut in the middle.

The Scotch version uses a plastic blade that I find isn't all that great.

This metal bladed one looks promising:

 

[Toolfool]

Make something out of wood, similar design to a desk tape dispenser, but with a double edge razor blade pushed into a slit at the end.

 

[Whiskeymike]

I've done some googling, but came up with the scotch one above that didn't look very substantial and I don't care for the plastic spork to cut the tape. That excel one does look very promising. I could build a mount for that, it looks like it might work very well.

Thanks for providing a link for that. At a $1.50, it's not bad at all.

Regarding the wood one, that's definitely a possibility. I just figured I could modify an existing desk tape dispenser that has some weight and figure out how to mount the exacto blade(s).

Thanks

 

[PelicanPines]

I've tried multiple things... ended up with a leather holster for scissors... best option for me as I moved about a lot inside rooms the size of football stadiums.

 

[ilovevocs]

I take a roll of tape and dedicate it to that task. Take a razorblade and slice through the roll so you get a circumference length every time.

 

[shedfullatools]

I take a roll of tape and dedicate it to that task. Take a razorblade and slice through the roll so you get a circumference length every time.

Thanks for that tip Storing it away in the list of things I cant believe I never thought of

 

[southalabama]

Ding ding we have a winner.

 

[PelicanPines]

I take a roll of tape and dedicate it to that task. Take a razorblade and slice through the roll so you get a circumference length every time.

Thanks for that tip Storing it away in the list of things I cant believe I never thought of

Ding ding we have a winner.

Winner of the internet challenge.

 

[Slackerzinc]

Such a simple idea, can’t believe I haven’t thought of it either.

I take a roll of tape and dedicate it to that task. Take a razorblade and slice through the roll so you get a circumference length every time.

 

[ilovevocs]

Thanks guys.

 

[Whiskeymike]

Great idea. I imagine if you leave 1/16th-1/8th uncut, it keeps the edge up, so you don't have to dig up the next slice.

 

[aka Larry]

I take a roll of tape and dedicate it to that task. Take a razorblade and slice through the roll so you get a circumference length every time.

Well damn. I could gave used this idea many times over the years, and you're just telling us now? You ****, and thanks for the tip!

 

[Movover]

I take a roll of tape and dedicate it to that task. Take a razorblade and slice through the roll so you get a circumference length every time.

Just be aware the lengths will get shorter as you use it, so 1st piece is 4" and last piece is 1.25" Just as an example.

 

[hh76]

Only cut deep enough to sever a few layers, that way you can avoid the diminishing size of the pieces.

Great idea, but really pisses other electricians off when they end up with your roll accidentally.

 

[gte718p]

Do yourself and anyone who might have to work on the wiring after you and don't use electrical tape. Use loom tape so it doesn't leave that sticky residue.

Or if you for some reason wanted to go to the next level do lacing. It looks amazing when done right and provides strain relief on the wires, but is a royal pain.