Double Stick Tape

[Tom Bender]

Is hard to handle. It can be almost impossible to start peeling the backing off it. Of course it helps to maintain an irregular end but there are times when it is necessary to start. Any tips on this?

And it can be hard to cut.

[Phil Mueller]

Frustrating sometimes, yes. To get the one side to peel up, I scratch it with my thumbnail about 1/16” away from the edge. Seems to work much better than trying to separate it at the very edge.

[Al Launier]

Frustrating sometimes, yes. To get the one side to peel up, I scratch it with my thumbnail about 1/16” away from the edge. Seems to work much better than trying to separate it at the very edge.

This works well for me too.

[Bill Carey]

I use a knife point to pierce and lift the backing. Works well for me.

[glenn bradley]

Switch products. I use Spectape (https://www.amazon.com/Spectape-ST501-Double-Adhesive-Length/dp/B003ASGL02/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=spectape&qid=1602631726&sr=8-1). I do not like the tape with the thick gummy adhesive layer. I do mostly template routing so the movement from the thick adhesive is not desirable for me. I use an X-Acto knife to "pick" up a corner if it is stubborn (when it is hot weather usually) but, the Spectape is pretty easy to work with.

[Paul F Franklin]

I leave the backing longer than the tape on the roll (after the first use, of course). I start peeling the backing off the tape while still on the roll, peel up the end of the tape and stick the backerless tape to whatever I'm taping, and then cut the tape (just the tape) to desired length. Then I trim the backer so it is a couple of inches longer than the tape and store it that way. It's harder to describe than it is to do, but the basic idea is to always leave the backer extend past the end of the tape on the roll so it is easy to grab the backer and peel it off the tape. Once you get used to doing it this way, you never have to peel up a corner to get it started.

[Brian Tymchak]

I just use my utility knife I cut the tape with to pick up a corner and peel.

[David Powell]

I also use an X-acto knife to slide in-between the backer and tape after smoothing an edge down with my finger.

[Eric Arnsdorff]

I've struggled with this too!
I like Paul's method of leaving the backer long. I had never thought of that! Great tip!

[Sam Puhalovich]

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/shopping?q=tbn:ANd9GcRRidLQObrrFFMSNZKPl2mWxxBUZAB M8DnLHhLf0V2gcfnmcjZZyMHmkbuDAJJwjzRME2Sj0l0STQ&usqp=CAcWe've been here before!

[Scott Linge]

Thanks for this tip Paul, great idea!

[Dan Cameron]

Take a safety pin and about .08" from a corner and at a low angle poke through the backing outwards towards the corner and lift. Works like a charm.

[Rege Sullivan]

I also use the pin method or tip of an Exacto Knife on a sharply cut corner. I find myself using 2 pieces of masking tape with cyanoacrylate (super glue) and activator for temporary stuff most of the time.

[mike stenson]

I also use the pin method or tip of an Exacto Knife on a sharply cut corner. I find myself using 2 pieces of masking tape with cyanoacrylate (super glue) and activator for temporary stuff most of the time.

Yea, going to blue tape with cyanoacrylate made everything so much easier.

[Al Launier]

This works well for me too.

This is the tape I use. It's what I use for installing grips on my golf clubs. Works well and is reasonably priced!
https://www.golfworks.com/the-golfworks-industry-standard-grip-tape/p/dftg/

[lowell holmes]

I stick one side on before peeling the cover from the other side.

[Bruce King]

Which type of double sided tape is a problem?
Just got some thin double sided carpet tape but have not used it yet.

[Mel Fulks]

Start wearing a "stick pin"

[Prashun Patel]

I use a utility knife to peel it. The difficulty in peeling seems to be correlated to its sticking power.

Another trick I see luthiers using is: tape each side with masking take - white masking tape. Then use CA glue to bind the two pieces together.

I have yet to try it. But those on 'tube seem to think it superior to sliced bread.

[Tom Bender]

The pinpoint (tiny awl) works great! Thanks.