Hand-Held Tape vs Machine Tape - Swiftpak

There are many who get the differences between machine and hand-held tape confused. Even though the actual materials the tapes are made from are often the same, there is a difference when it comes to the length of the rolls. Hand-held packing tapes are small rolls for hand applications whereas machine tape rolls are large and need to be used on an automatic taping machine.

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In this article, we will be discussing hand tape vs machine tape, the differences between them, the benefits, and discovering which is best for your packaging operations.

Hand-held packaging tape

Hand-held packaging tapes are small rolls of adhesive tape to suit a hand dispenser for manual packaging sealing applications. The benefit of hand-held tape is that with the rolls being smaller, it means hand-held tape is more flexible and so allows you to carry it around wherever required.

Hand-held packing tape is produced in 75m, 100m, and 150m length rolls to fit a manual hand dispenser. The rolls are available in a variety of widths to suit a range of different applications with 48mm width being the most common size. It is also available in different adhesive types which are hybrid, acrylic, hot melt, and natural rubber.

Some of the benefits that come with hand-held tape with the tape dispenser include:

• Hand-held tapes are portable and easy to use.
• They are relatively inexpensive and appear to be a less expensive carton sealing option.
• Most people are familiar with them so little training is needed.

At Swiftpak we supply both desktop and hand-held dispensers to support a range of self-adhesive tapes. Our hand-held dispenser has a built-in brake that adjusts easily to accommodate tapes of varying unwinding speeds, allowing you to add extra tension for more secure bundling, reinforcing, and sealing of your products. It is important to note that with hand-held dispensers you should always double check that your tape is compatible with it as the cores of the tapes are different and so it is not one size fits all.

Machine Packaging Tape

Anyone who works in packaging or in a warehouse knows there is nothing more important than efficiency. Machine packaging tape is longer than hand packaging tape and is ideal for packaging high volumes of boxes. It is generally available in m length rolls to be dispensed on an automatic packaging sealing machine and comes in different adhesive types such as Hybrid, Acrylic, Hot Melt, and Natural Rubber.

There are many benefits to adding a taping machine to your packaging operations. Some of these benefits include:

• Increased productivity: allows workers to apply tape faster than they would manually, it’s more efficient as it can be perfectly taped with just a push of a button and there is less scope for packaging errors.
• Consistent sealing: Eliminates the potential of over-taping and messy finishes and creates a more professional looking package.  This is because with an automated taping machine, the perfect amount of tape needed can be set so it can automatically seal the box the same way every time.
• Cost saving: Applying the tape manually can lead to over taping which contributes to material waste. By using a taping machine, you can reduce costs by shrinking material wastage and the increasing productivity.
• Reduced damaged returns: With the stronger, more secure sealing that automatic taping machines provide, it means the chances of the tape peeling off during transport and storage is reduced, so there is a much higher chance that your product will remain protected.
• Lower injury chances: Repetitive strain injury risks are much lower if you use a taping machine as automation removes a lot of input usually required by someone to complete the manual tasks.
• The Government Relief: From 1st April until 31st March , companies investing in new plant and machinery assets will be able to claim a 130% super-deduction capital allowance on the plant and machinery investments, as well as a 50% first-year allowance for qualifying special rate assets.

As you can see there are many more benefits that come with a taping machine when compared with the standard manual hand tape. The main cons of using a taping machine are they are of course more expensive to invest in when compared to a hand-dispenser, also if your packaging operation

uses a variety of different shaped boxes then one taping machine might not be the right solution as you would need to change the settings for each box size. Apart from that, when you weigh up the pros and cons, it is a very worthy investment.

At Swiftpak, we would recommend using our high performance Supatak Machine Tape as it performs well throughout all temperature ranges including deep freeze, and is resistant to splitting, abrasion and moisture. 

Hand-held and Machine Tapes from Swiftpak

Whether you choose hand-held packaging tape or invest in a taping machine depends on your individual packaging operation. If you are looking for a tape that is more flexible that you can carry around with you then hand-held tape could be the option for you. However, a taping machine would be a worthwhile investment, particularly if you are trying to pack high volumes of boxes.

At Swiftpak, we have a range of automated taping machines that are easily adjustable and provide consistent quality seals for your products. Contact our packaging experts today to find out more about how our hand-held tape and machine tape can be used to benefit your packaging operation.

Welcome to your quick-start guide for using tape guns, including packaging tape gun essentials. If you're new to sealing boxes or shipping packages, mastering a tape gun can transform this task from frustrating to efficient. With the right techniques and understanding of your tool's features, taping becomes swift and secure.

Let’s dive into how a simple hand-held dispenser elevates packing tasks, whether in high-volume warehouses or during casual home move preparations. Prepare yourself. By the end of this guide, wielding a tape gun will feel second nature!

Understanding the Tape Gun Components

Your thumb should rest easy on the top lever. This is your control point for when you want to tape out quickly or slowly. Now, look ahead to the roller and blade. These are key! The metal teeth wait at the end of our path, ready to cut your tape clean without fuss.

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Each piece helps make packing up boxes simple work, with no messes left behind. Remember how we use tools like these every day? Just so here, even a packaging gun can be mastered with ease by anyone willing to learn its parts well.

Loading The Roll Correctly

To load the tape gun right, start by placing your roll on the holder so it unwinds with the sticky side down. Next, pull a small length of tape and feed it under the roller and over the cutting blade. Make sure to tighten just enough tension using both knobs for smooth action. This avoids slack or snapping during use.

For job types, match your tape choice carefully. Clear tapes work great if you need to show box labels through them. Brown is strong for heavy boxes. Remember that width and adhesive strength are key in picking out what works best for every task at hand.

Adjusting Tension for Smooth Application

To ensure you get a smooth tape glide as you seal boxes, focus on adjusting the tension control. This knob fine-tunes how tight or loose your packaging tape unwinds from the roll. Remember, hot melt tapes peel off more easily. They need more resistance set by tightening the knob.

In contrast, acrylic tapes require less tension because their release is tougher. Dial in that setting for consistent performance with each swipe across box tops. It secures a lasting stick between adhesive and surface - vital for shipment-ready packages every time! Check our line of dispensers online to find one fit for all your packing needs.

Proper Grip and Handling Techniques

To hold your tape gun, place your hand on the grip, thumb pressed against it. Your fingers should wrap around its curve, resting but firm. Ensure the tape roll is free to turn. This prevents jams as you work.

When ready to seal a box with Technopack's tool, apply slight pressure at the start of the flap edge and keep it steady along the length for a clean finish. Always pull across in one smooth motion. Quick jerks can cause uneven lines or breaks. After use, rest your wrist. Proper handling will reduce strain over time and boost efficiency in all packing tasks.

Sealing Boxes with Precision

To seal boxes with a tape gun, first feed 4 to 5 inches of tape through the 'gate,' a metal clip you can hold back, and onto the 'roller.' Watch your fingers. They'll be near a sharp blade. Once fed, gently pull more tape until it stretches past this cutting edge. Next up is adjusting tension in the center of our dispenser wheel, the "tensioner." This step ensures a smooth application.

After tweaking that tensioner (you might need to fiddle with it), press down on some box surface and slice by pushing forward. If, after adjustment, things aren't just right, test out sticking another piece before going full-on packing mode.

Maintaining Your Tape Gun

Taking care of your tape gun will keep it ready for action. Always check that the roll is set right; a snug fit stops snags and eases pulls. If you spot dirt or stickiness on the blade, wipe it clean to ensure sharp cuts each time.

Look at the tension knob, too. A quick turn can mean smoother use with no extra pull needed. Remember, keeping these parts in check means less hassle during those big packing jobs or even small fixes around home, like using tape as a temporary lint remover! Plus, by maintaining your tool well, you won't need replacements often!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

When your tape gun jams, start by checking for a sticky mess. Bits of old tape stuck inside can stop the new roll from rolling right. Clear out all that gunk with care. Use a simple tool like a screwdriver to scrape it gently away.

Next, look at how the tape is set on its path through the rollers. If it is not aligned straight, reposition it correctly so it sticks only where you want it when pulled out across boxes or packages. If cutting's tough and requires more muscle than should be when squeezing that handle down, investigate! The blade might just need swapping out for sharp action once again. Don't forget safety gloves!

For smooth working, give things a quick wipe-down before starting work each day using basic cleaning supplies to ensure nothing blocks up moving parts, which could lead to bigger problems later. Remember, consistency in practice makes perfect over time!

Mastering a tape gun can streamline your packing process. First, slide the roll onto the spool with the adhesive facing down. Pull the end through slots and across the roller/tape guide.

For use, press firmly at the box start and unroll over seams while maintaining tension for smooth application. At the finish, tilt to cut with a guard blade. No excess waste or fussing about stickiness on hands!

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