I use a the packing tape with a tape dispeser too, well, the ones you buy at the store.

Here is what I do, after I tear my needed amount off, I fold over the tiniest bit onto itself, that way, if the tape end attempts to stick itself back to the roll, I have a small "flap" to work with. Hope that makes sense.

Yes, and I have gotten so frustrated I threw the tape across a room once, LOL

Leigh

Tape use is an acquired art.  I'm not all that good at it, but I've learned to use the ones without the dispensers.  And I pre-cut several of the apporximate length and stick one end to the clean edge of a table until I am ready to use it.  The static electricity can be tricky, but this method works best for me.  I do have to clean my scissors blades with alcohol every so often!  ;D

Ruth

ETA - I also do what Leigh suggested and fold over a tiny edge.  It wastes a little tape but makes it much easier to keep using.

I usually package and mail my books when i'm at work(I need something to do during my long 12 hours shifts ha ha) when I first started packing the books I would let the tape dangle and it would get tangled up all the time then I decided to use my desk to hold the end of tape I am not working with.. My desk is laminate so it's works great!

LOL - last night I was doing the same but when I tried to lift the tape it came off in strips.  Well I put the strips down next to me which was next to the book I was reading.  I now have a throw away book because it took two paragraphs with it :(

I use the tape with the dispenser.  I pull out a strip and then hold the sharp edge of the dispenser against my laminate counter top and then tear the strip off.  This leaves the end that's still on the dispenser stuck to the counter top and the dispenser balanced so it doesn't roll around. 

I absolutely second the idea of folding over a small corner of tape when done.  It makes a tremendous difference.  And I actually haven't been using a dispenser for a while.

I secure the paper around the book with small pieces of scotch tape first (like a present). This leaves BOTH HANDS free to deal with the packing tape, because I don't have to hold the paper together with one of my hands.

--Sara

Like Sara P., I use small pieces of scotch tape to secure edges together, leaving both hands free to work. 
I keep a razor blade on the edge of the tape (it's about the same width). I pull the razor blade off, pull the tape and apply it to the package, and apply the blade perpendicular to the tape to cut it and stick the blade right back on the edge of roll of tape before securing the tape which is already on the package. works very well.

I have a small piece of packing tape rolled up that I place at the cut edge of the roll instead of folding over the loose edge.  It sticks up over the side of the roll a bit and gives me something to grap to pull the next pice of tape out.

I used to fold a corner of the roll over, but then I had flaps on my package.  I'm paranoid about anything that could catch while going through media maul.

Ruthy:  Thanks for the cleaning with alcohol tip!  I was about to throw out a pair of scissors because they were so sticky...

I am tape challenged.  Every time I get a request I am determined to make the wrapping experience better than the last.  I stare at the tape dispenser and pray I will find the exact way to use it.  I end up with tape attaching to everything in the general area.  I get ripples and bumps on my packages when I want it smooth.  I wrap and wrap those corners only to have the edges of the tape winking at me.  Today I had two requests.  I almost had it - the perfect package and then my son's report card became attached and there that went.

Next up...I will try ripping a few strips at a time.  I think the dispenser gives one the impression that its zip, zip, rip and its just so.   Not so much.

I don't use any kind of dispenser, just the plain roll.  I keep the cardboard roll from an empty roll of tape laying sideways on my table, and when I have to set the roll down for a second I cut the tape with scissors between the two fingers that are holding the tape (so I'm still holding on to the end of the tape) and stick the end still on the roll on to the ring of cardboard sitting on my table.  It holds it there until I am ready to pick up up again, and I very rarely get the tape tangled up anymore. 

My tape problem now is trying to prevent a loose cat hair or a parakeet feather from sticking to the tape!!

My tape problem now is trying to prevent a loose cat hair or a parakeet feather from sticking to the tape!!

Diane, all my books come with at least one free cat hair (or dog hair) per book. Some come with several! I think of it as a bonus!  :)

My cat doesn't care about my books, but she's allwwways lounging on my desk. She even has, on several occasions, rubbed herself against my hands while I am packing up books!

Hey, my packages also come with the FREE dog hair....either black or white.  I either turn the end over or i also heard you can stick a toothpick at the end of the roll, so all you have to do it pick the toothpick up-the tape should come with it.

I have found the cheaper tapes are next to useless.  I only use Scotch brand mailing tape.   I have a small candlemaking business & have used the scotch brand for over 10 years.  I have a desk top dispenser for a roll of tape.  Really helps.

PamR

I am fortunate enough to have one of those double tape desk top dispensers. Instead of putting 2 rolls of scotch type tape on it, I put one roll of packing tape. It works great. I use this set up at work as well, where  I often have to mail packages.

susan/vt

Another idea for the cut end of the tape roll --- instead of doubleback taping, or putting paper on it, use a big paperclip. My large-sized vinyl-coated paperclip keeps the tape from sticking to itself, and the tape doesn't find it so appealing that it leaves much residue on it either. I have also been using Office Max's 2.6 mm thick tape, and it works very well. Look for tape that "brags" about its thickness.

AlamoLiz

Some tape also "brags" about being easy to restart.  I think it is the thicker kind, too.  It simply peels right up again!  Yet I still will catch it on the edge of the dispenser to save time.  But two free hands are a must to me, too - holding  it in place with scotch tape first works great.    D.