Overview

The rear tab folds or forms a hoop during the sealing process when the blade fails to cut at the right moment or the rear roller arm loses tension. This guide walks through three main causes and their fixes.

Step 1 — Clean or Replace a Dirty or Dull Blade

A blade covered in residue or dulled by use will not cut cleanly or on time, causing the tab to fold.

What to do:

• Clean the blade with a cloth or soft brush to remove any tape residue or debris.
• If cleaning does not restore sharpness, replace the blade with a new one.

Step 2 — Lubricate or Free the Rear Roller Arm

If the rear roller arm is stiff or not snapping back, the blade cannot wipe the tape cleanly and the tab folds.

What to do:

• Apply a light machine oil or grease to the pivot points of the rear roller arm.
• Work the arm by hand to distribute the lubricant and check for smooth motion.
• Look for any bent parts or trash blocking the arm—remove any interference.

Step 3 — Adjust Spring Tension on the Rear Roller

If the main spring is too loose, the rear roller cannot hold the tape firmly during the wipe, and the tab folds or hoops.

What to do:

• Turn the spring tension adjustment screw clockwise one half-turn.
• Test with a carton. If the tab still folds, increase tension further in small increments.