How to fold a courtesy tab.
October 30th, 2006
The habit of leaving so-called “courtesy tabs” at the ends of rolls and strips of tape is rarely practiced. I’d like to change that. It’s not a tricky maneuver: Just fold a little bit of tape back on itself before you apply it (or let it fall back on the roll). I’ve documented the “triangular* fold” in case you want to see how the pros (and semi-pros) do it. (Sorry for the meager visual aid; I had a Post-It™ on my desk, and that was about it. I’ll complain to the propmaster.)
* Chris informs me that the proper theatrical fold, which helps when you’ve got a ragged edge (from tearing gaffer’s tape with your teeth, say), is actually straight across. Example.