3M 1" Core Value Tape Dispenser Black 3 Each
- Brand: 3M
- Type: Desk Supplies
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3M delivers the goods with this tape dispenser
Pros
Reliable and so simple a caveman could use it.
Cons
Ergonomics involved don't really allow for pieces of tape less than 1/2 inch long.
Recommended it?
Yes
The Bottom Line:
It's simple and it works. What else could you ask for?
Let's be honest with each other right from the start: a tape dispenser is typically not a high technology item that you are going to put a ton of thought into before you purchase it, right? You are going to get the cheapest one that will do the job and move on without a second thought if you are like the vast majority of purchasing folks. I didn't put any thought into which tape dispenser I was going to buy but now that I've got it I thought I'd share what I know.
What you get:
When you buy this item you'll actually get three tape dispensers for the price that are made to work with 3M 1" wide tape. Basically, the Scotch tape you use for Christmas gifts, birthday packages, and basic tasks around the office will work in this dispenser. It's a fancier, more permanent version of the cheap plastic dispenser that many rolls of Scotch tape come installed in.
This particular pack is molded in Burgundy plastic but you can also get black. Other colors may be available but our office only uses burgundy and black so I'm not 100% sure what other colors may be out there.
Why?
If you buy tape for this dispenser you'll typically get more feet of tape for your dollar than if you buy the disposable dispenser rolls. Not to mention, this has a little weight to it and a wide base so it can sit on your desk and allow you to tug tape off with one hand whenever it's required...you don't even have to pick the dispenser up!
Simplicity breeds durability
When you make a complex piece of machinery it's bound to need maintenance and repair over time. Something simply like a waterwheel can run nearly forever without much maintaining....fortunately for me 3M is aware of this principle and kept it simple. When you pull tape the only thing that moves is the roll of tape and the round piece of plastic it's pressed onto. Nothing to wear out, need lubrication, or replace. It's as simple as a roll of toilet paper in it's operation.
A downside
It's hard to find a downside with a product this straightforward but I have a small one. Sometimes I need a very small piece of tape (for the write protect on an SD card for instance) and this dispenser's ergonomics don't really allow that. As long as your piece of tape is going to be longer than the pad of your thumb you'll be OK and never notice this but shorter than that and you are likely to have to cut it off with scissors.
Believe me when I tell you that this is a tiny issue that won't bother you 99% of the time. When it does arise it's easy to work around so no big deal there either.
Overall:
It's hard to go wrong with something this simple. At this price you can afford to buy the three pack, load them with tape, and sit one on each desk in your office. There is simply no measurable downside.
Building a better office?
The only way to start is to read these reviews:
Simple carpet saver - Rubbermaid cleatmat
Autodesk Inventor took me from 2D AutoCAD to a 3D world!
Wacom Stylus Pen is my mouse substitute.
What you get:
When you buy this item you'll actually get three tape dispensers for the price that are made to work with 3M 1" wide tape. Basically, the Scotch tape you use for Christmas gifts, birthday packages, and basic tasks around the office will work in this dispenser. It's a fancier, more permanent version of the cheap plastic dispenser that many rolls of Scotch tape come installed in.
This particular pack is molded in Burgundy plastic but you can also get black. Other colors may be available but our office only uses burgundy and black so I'm not 100% sure what other colors may be out there.
Why?
If you buy tape for this dispenser you'll typically get more feet of tape for your dollar than if you buy the disposable dispenser rolls. Not to mention, this has a little weight to it and a wide base so it can sit on your desk and allow you to tug tape off with one hand whenever it's required...you don't even have to pick the dispenser up!
Simplicity breeds durability
When you make a complex piece of machinery it's bound to need maintenance and repair over time. Something simply like a waterwheel can run nearly forever without much maintaining....fortunately for me 3M is aware of this principle and kept it simple. When you pull tape the only thing that moves is the roll of tape and the round piece of plastic it's pressed onto. Nothing to wear out, need lubrication, or replace. It's as simple as a roll of toilet paper in it's operation.
A downside
It's hard to find a downside with a product this straightforward but I have a small one. Sometimes I need a very small piece of tape (for the write protect on an SD card for instance) and this dispenser's ergonomics don't really allow that. As long as your piece of tape is going to be longer than the pad of your thumb you'll be OK and never notice this but shorter than that and you are likely to have to cut it off with scissors.
Believe me when I tell you that this is a tiny issue that won't bother you 99% of the time. When it does arise it's easy to work around so no big deal there either.
Overall:
It's hard to go wrong with something this simple. At this price you can afford to buy the three pack, load them with tape, and sit one on each desk in your office. There is simply no measurable downside.
Building a better office?
The only way to start is to read these reviews:
Simple carpet saver - Rubbermaid cleatmat
Autodesk Inventor took me from 2D AutoCAD to a 3D world!
Wacom Stylus Pen is my mouse substitute.
