How can I reuse or recycle tape dispensers?
We’ve had an email from Jen, saying:
So I was wondering if you knew any good ways to reuse Tape Dispensers when it runs out of tape.
The tape dispenser that I use can just be “refilled” – just slotting another roll of tape onto the wheel – but I did break manage to break the wheel while doing the swap at one point so it’s not as useful as a dispenser now.
I suspect Jen’s dispenser is less easily refillable though so does anyone have any non-tape reuses for a generic reasonably heavy contraption with a cutting blade thing at the front?
(Photo by Nbauer)
It occurs to me that you might be able to create a new wheel out by using a dowel rod cut to size.
I suspect that Jen might be talking about this kind of tape dispenser, which would be quite different.
You can buy the spare wheel at any Office Supply place. Cost – about 50 cents.
Wih paint, cardboard horses and Santa, turn it into a Santa sled.
Attach to a surface, where you want a fountain coming out, drilling the hole in advance. Water will nicely slide down the narrow edge.
Use it as paint scraper.
Plant small plants in the cavity.
Use as a doughnut holder.
It will hold nicely round stick notes, or other office miscellaneous.
Write “Donations” on it and collect small change.
Fill it with candy canes.
Use as a pretense phone, when caught unexpectedly doing nothing.
I don’t suppose anyone is still watching this discussion but Detta where abouts did you find that you could buy these wheels? Any office supply place I look at doesnt seem to, not online anyway…
my tape dispenser’s wheel is fine, but the cutting blades in front are blunt, hopefully manufacturers can design reusable ones
You can purchase the wheel from Quill.com. I just did this and it cost just .66 cents http://www.quill.com/catalog/browse/sku.aspx?sku=UNI06761837&Effort_Code=UNI&Find_Number=MMMC15CORE
I am sure there are many other places too. I just typed in Scotch extra core and mine happened to be “1 size. Hope this helps!