One of the little struggles that can end up as a huge frustration is finding where a roll of tape begins. Oh yeah. Tape dispensers are one of the best inventions, but I don’t have one for every roll of tape I have at home. Here’s a little trick I learned from my Aunt.
Use a coin to mark where the tape starts. No more feeling around for that little raised edge. No more turning the spool of tape over and over trying to look for where it starts. Just stick a coin to where the tape starts and you’re good to go.
A coin that’s just the same height of the spool works best. This works best for transparent tapes. Feel free to use it on all kinds and colors of tapes. You’ll be saving a lot of time with this little coin solution.
When you need to use the tape, flip the coin towards you and pull. That’s all there is to it. Then re-stick the coin to the end of the tape. Done!
Other markers you can use: Toothpicks help but they can prick — maybe they can work with wider tapes, ex. packaging tape. Also try buttons for an added quirk and cuteness factor.
Hi! I'm Toni Tiu,
and I've been blogging at
at Wifely Steps since 2003. This started as a blog to help newly weds adjust to married life. It has evolved into a home and parenting blog. I write about things close to my heart -- good eats, good reads, family, marriage, and the little things that make everyday happy.
blue rose
August 14, 2008 at 10:46 am (16 years ago)nice idea toni! thanks for sharing this one.
next time gagayahin kita. ako kasi tinutupi ko yong dulo para hindi ako mahirapan hanapin the next time na gagamit ako.
blue roses last blog post..naniniwala ka ba sa P-A-M-A-H-I-I-N?
Dr Emer
August 14, 2008 at 11:05 am (16 years ago)Great idea, Toni!
This has also been a perennial problem for me. What I usually do is fold a small portion of the tip into itself.
Dr Emers last blog post..Allergy From Henna Tattoos
sheng
August 14, 2008 at 11:27 am (16 years ago)ay, galing, hehehe, pero parang adventure na rin kasi ang maghanap ng dulo ng tape, seek and ye shall find, ika nga, hehehe…
shengs last blog post..In Heavenly Bliss, Because of This
Jayme
August 14, 2008 at 12:14 pm (16 years ago)I like the button idea. Must keep it away from the babies though. Thanks for sharing this Toni. 😀
Jeanny
August 14, 2008 at 12:38 pm (16 years ago)This is a great idea. thanks for sharing.
Like Dr. Emer, I fold its tip onto it self but I’ll try your’s it more artistic,
Tc
lady cess
August 14, 2008 at 2:13 pm (16 years ago)ako naman, i fold the edge of the tape. im not very consistent though, hehehe!
Sinta
August 14, 2008 at 3:14 pm (16 years ago)I always wondered why my mom did that! Now I know. It never occurred to me.
Sintas last blog post..Me…a 1930s wife?
drunkenlily
August 14, 2008 at 3:47 pm (16 years ago)i usually fold the tip or stick the tip in an irregular manner so the end is visible, but this looks like a good idea as well
drunkenlilys last blog post..quick recap for the last week of July
Gracey
August 14, 2008 at 5:21 pm (16 years ago)I never do this because I actually like finding the start of the tape. I love tracing the smooth surface with my nail or fingertip to search for that tiny bump. I’m weird like that. Hehe!
Graceys last blog post..Hoi! – 13 August 2008
kayni
August 14, 2008 at 10:11 pm (16 years ago)that’s a wonderful tip. i would never have thought of that. i usually just fold the tip of the tape, and it also works fine. thanks for the tip =).
J.
August 15, 2008 at 4:54 am (16 years ago)I love this tip! I use the pencil for pretty much the same purpose. Yours is a safer version, though…less…pointy!
renin
August 15, 2008 at 7:42 pm (16 years ago)This is a great idea ms. toni! I also fold the edge of the tape to mark the starting point, now I’ll follow your lead…
renins last blog post..Googlympics 2008
Rach (Heart of Rachel)
August 16, 2008 at 3:44 pm (16 years ago)I always hate it when I can’t find the tape end. Thanks for sharing this helpful tip.
Rach (Heart of Rachel)s last blog post..Photo Hunt :: Colorful
Gina
August 16, 2008 at 8:36 pm (16 years ago)Great idea. Something so simple, pero di ko naisip 😉 It always takes me forever to find that darn end of the tape, and now I know what to do! Thanks Toni!
Ginas last blog post..Michael Lee -Chin Crystal