This project was built and designed by Tom from Alley Picked. It’s a simple, functional tape dispenser that helps keep multiple types of tape organized, accessible, and ready to use in any workshop.
If you’ve ever wasted time hunting for a roll of tape—or dealt with tape sliding around your workbench—this is the kind of build that pays off immediately. It’s quick, low-cost, and highly useful.
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Why Every Shop Needs a Tape Dispenser
Tom’s shop was becoming cluttered with scattered rolls of masking, painter’s, and duct tape. His solution was to build a custom dispenser that not only stores tape rolls but also makes dispensing and cutting easier.
Creating a simple fixture to hold multiple rolls allows you to streamline your workflow. No more digging through drawers or climbing shelves—your tape is always right where you need it.
Using Scrap Materials for a Quick Build
One of the best parts of this project is how scrap-friendly it is. Tom uses leftover wood from past projects, proving you don’t need fresh lumber or expensive supplies to make a great shop addition.
The build focuses on simplicity, so you can use whatever wood you have on hand. As long as the material is sturdy and flat, it’ll work. Pieces from old shelves, pallets, or plywood offcuts are all fair game.
Creating the Base and Frame
The structure of the dispenser starts with a solid base. Depending on your workspace, this can sit on a benchtop or be mounted on the wall. Tom opts for a benchtop model for flexibility and ease of access.
The frame supports multiple dowels, each acting as an axle for a roll of tape. Spacing between the dowels is critical—you’ll want to leave enough room for each roll to spin freely and for your hand to reach in and grab what you need.
Building the Tape Holders
Tom creates his tape holders by drilling clean holes into wood squares and fitting them with dowel rods. These dowels support the tape and must match the size of the core to allow smooth movement.
A key tip is to dry-fit each roll before final assembly. Different tape brands have slightly different inner diameters, so adjusting the dowel thickness or sanding the edges can make a big difference in usability.
Assembly and Pre-Drilling
With the holders and frame cut to size, assembly begins. Tom pre-drills all screw holes to prevent splitting, especially near the ends of boards where wood is more prone to cracking.
The dowels are secured into side supports and spaced out evenly, making each roll easy to spin and remove. The layout is flexible, so you can adjust spacing based on the sizes of the rolls you use most often.
Adding a Blade for Easy Dispensing
To make the dispenser even more functional, Tom installs a cutting edge. He repurposes an old hacksaw blade, cutting it down to size and screwing it to the front edge of the dispenser.
This small addition eliminates the need for scissors or utility knives when pulling tape. It speeds up repetitive tasks like masking, packaging, or labeling, especially when switching between different tape types.
Improving Function with a Finger Notch
To make grabbing the tape easier, Tom carves a shallow notch near the edge of each tape roll slot. This lets you easily lift and pull the tape without pinching or digging with your fingernails.
It’s a simple solution that makes a big difference, especially if you’re using the dispenser often. This little ergonomic detail adds comfort and polish to the build.
Options for Customization
The beauty of this project is how customizable it is. Tom leaves his raw, but there’s plenty of room to paint, stain, or label each dowel for different tape types.
You could also build a small handle on the top for portability or add more dowels for specialty tapes like double-sided or gaffer’s tape. The frame design is easy to modify based on your needs.
A Shop Upgrade Worth the Effort
The final product is compact, durable, and incredibly helpful. It clears clutter, improves workflow, and adds a touch of order to your workspace—especially if you work on multiple projects at once.
Tom’s version holds four to five rolls of tape, but it could easily be scaled up or down. Whether you’re a woodworker, DIYer, or general tinkerer, this kind of shop upgrade will quickly earn its keep.
Watch the full video and subscribe to Alley Picked: