Anyone who works with heat tape on a regular basis knows that you can’t go without a dependable dispenser. It can give you easy access to neatly-cut tape without all the hassle, and if you work in a sublimation workshop or just want efficiency, having a good heat tape dispenser can make all the difference.
What are the best heat tape dispensers? Ideally, you’ll want a weighted or mounted multi-roll cut tape dispenser that can automatically cut your tape to length. However, there are several different designs that meet different needs.
In this article, let’s take a look at some of the things that you will need to consider when you’re looking for a good heat tape dispenser. We’ll also recommend some good options available on the market.
Why Use A Heat Tape Dispenser?
Heat tape is a type of heat-resistant tape that is used to hold heat transfer designs in place while they are being pressed under high heat. It can endure extremely high temperatures, which are typically around 400°F.
Heat tapes usually come in 3-inch rolls with 10 mm width, so when you’re looking for a tape dispenser, not every type of tape dispenser will do. You’ll want a tape dispenser that can support a 3-inch core roll of tape.
Why use a heat tape dispenser? Well, cutting tape one by one can be quite annoying. If you regularly work with heat press designs, you’ll need a large amount of tape in a very short time.
Having a tape dispenser can really reduce the amount of manual work you will need to do, and it can also increase your efficiency when it comes to producing your products.
As you can imagine, this is hugely impactful if you are mass-producing prints, but that’s not the only case where you’ll need a heat tape dispenser. Even if you are a hobbyist, cutting down the amount of work you’ll need to do can also be a big plus that allows you to enjoy your hobby more.
Buyer’s Guide
A quick search for a tape dispenser, and you’ll find a ton of options, but not all of them will suit your purpose. When you’re buying a heat tape dispenser, besides getting the right size to support the 3-inch core tape, you’ll also need to consider the following aspects.
Cutting Mechanism
A tape dispenser can help you cut tapes more efficiently, but there are actually two different mechanisms that allow you to do this.
A traditional tape dispenser has a small blade on one side and a roll of tape on another, and you can manually cut the tape on the blade while adjusting the length of tape that you want. While this mechanism is convenient in some instances, you can only get one piece of tape at a time.
In comparison, there are new tape dispensers that allow you to semiautomatically cut the tape using a rotary controlled by a knob. By rotating the knob, you can cut multiple pieces at the same time or cut multiple times with just one rotation.
If you need access to a few pieces of tape very quickly, then this design is far superior, but you won’t be able to adjust the length of the cut tape. Usually, each piece of tape will come out to about 1.5 inches.
This automatic cutting design is also safe since the blade is safely shielded away inside the machine itself. There’s no exposed blade, so it’s quite friendly to children if they need access to it.
Some heat tape dispensers actually come with both an automatic cutting mechanism and a manual cutting mechanism, giving you the flexibility needed for your project, so you don’t need to choose just one option.
Multiple Roll Vs. Single Roll
While the traditional tape dispensers that you’ve seen in the office can only handle one roll of tape at a time, there are new designs that can allow you to manage and cut three or even four rolls of tape at the same time.
Multi-roll dispensers can come in both a manual and semi-automatic cutting mechanism. However, this design is more convenient with a semi-automatic cutting mechanism since the blade allows you to cut multiple rolls at the same time without making a sweat.
Again, if you need a lot of tapes very quickly, then getting a multiple-roll tape dispenser may be more efficient.
Core Size
Most tape dispensers come with a 1″ or 3″ core, or both. Since heat tape usually comes in a 3″ roll, you’ll want to opt for the 3″ core option so that it can fit with your type of tape.
Additionally, since heat tape usually comes in a 1-centimeter wide roll, the core should be at least 1 centimeter wide to accommodate this size.
Stability
If you’re using a stationary heat tape dispenser, then you’ll want the dispenser to be truly stationary. You don’t want the dispenser itself to be lifted from the table every time you pick up a piece of tape!
A lot of manufacturers add stability to the tape dispenser by using a heavy material such as steel for the dispenser’s body. Some dispensers even have a weighted body or even a mount to secure them on the table.
The design and material of the tape dispenser will decide how stable it is, and this can be a deciding factor in how comfortable it is to use as well.
The Best Heat Tape Dispensers
| Rank | Product | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Multiple Roll Cut Heat Tape Dispenser | 1" and 3" core, multiple roll cut |
| 2. | OFFNOVA Heat Tape Dispenser | 1" and 3" core, single roll cut |
| 3. | Echomerx Large True Weighted Heat Tape Dispenser | 1" and 3" core, single roll cut, weighted |
| 4. | HeavyDuty Automatic Tape Dispenser | 1" and 3" core, multiple roll cut |
| 5. | Tach-It B3-TC 2" Wide Multi-Roll Tape Dispenser | 3" core, multiple roll cut, mounted |
1. Multiple Roll Cut Heat Tape Dispenser
This multi-roll dispenser is the ideal solution for automating your heat tape cutting.
This dispenser can cut 2 rolls of tape with a manual cutter on the side and simultaneously cut 3 rolls of tape with a semi-automatic cutter in the front.
There are two types of core that you can switch in and out to use 3″ core tape or 1′ core tape. This makes the dispenser convenient to use with heat tape as well as other types of tapes that you need to access in your work.
The design includes child-proof features to avoid unwanted access by children. This is a super convenient and versatile dispenser that you can have in your printing workshop or even just on your office desk!
2. OFFNOVA Heat Tape Dispenser
This OFFNOVA Heat Tape Dispenser is a traditional, no-brainer tape dispenser that everyone knows and loves.
With a single roll cut, you can just insert the 3″ tape into the dispenser and adjust the tape to the desired length and cut conveniently with the sharp blade. It doesn’t get easier than this!
Many people enjoy the straightforward function of the traditional tape dispenser. If you don’t have a large volume of tape cutting, then you can’t go wrong with using an old fashion tape dispenser.
3. Echomerx Large True Weighted Heat Tape Dispenser
The Echomerx Large True Weighted Heat Tape Dispenser is engineered to minimize the amount of time it takes to work effectively.
This weighted tape dispenser is handy and portable yet still stable enough to make the job effortless. This Heat Tape Dispenser has been designed with a sharp blade to cut each length of tape easily and quickly.
Its weighted body keeps the dispenser steady, making cutting fast and simple.
Thanks to the stable body, you won’t face the risk of dragging the tape dispenser or pulling it upwards as you pull the tape.
This makes it easy for one-hand operation, and access to your heat tape will be much more seamless.
4. HeavyDuty Automatic Tape Dispenser
The HeavyDuty Automatic Tape Dispenser is the easiest way to get your tape at the speed you want.
The dispenser automatically cuts the tape to 1.5″ pieces, giving you easy access to multiple pieces at the same time. This tape dispenser can handle 1″ and 3″ core rollers and has a large capacity, allowing it to cut 3 rolls at once.
The stable construction and easy-to-use design are also highly convenient features that make dispensing tape easy and accessible.
Thanks to a knob, it can cut multiple pieces and multiple rolls of tape at the same time. The design shields away from the blade, making this tape dispenser super friendly to children.
5. Tach-It B3-TC 2″ Wide Multi-Roll Tape Dispenser
This heat tape dispenser takes stability very seriously. It is a manual tape dispenser that allows you to handle 3″ core tape, and the 2″ wide core allows you to handle two rolls of tape at the same time.
The sharp blade at one end of the dispenser allows you to manually adjust the desired length for the tape and easily cut it to the desired size.
However, the best feature of this tape dispenser is the C-clamp that comes with it, which allows you to mount the tape dispenser on any table or surface that you want.
This means the tape dispenser won’t go anywhere when you pull and cut your tape, making it extra dependable!
Related Articles
Best High Heat Paints For Fireplaces
