Why doesn't the tape trick work with scotch tape?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the effectiveness of a tape trick that allows for easy tearing of tape, specifically questioning why this trick does not work with scotch tape. Participants explore the properties of scotch tape compared to other types of tape, considering factors such as elasticity and thickness.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes a method for tearing tape by folding and pulling it apart, noting that it works with most tape types but fails with scotch tape.
  • Another participant requests more details about the material properties of scotch tape, indicating a lack of conclusive information on its function.
  • A third participant points out that there are many varieties of tape under the Scotch brand, suggesting that differences in types may affect performance.
  • A later reply specifies the type of scotch tape being discussed, describing its behavior as not tearing or stretching but rather snapping back elastically when pulled.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the reasons behind the tape trick's failure with scotch tape, and multiple competing views regarding the properties of different tape types remain present.

Contextual Notes

There is a lack of detailed information on the material properties of scotch tape and how they compare to other tape types, which may influence the effectiveness of the tearing method.

Twigg
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Mods, I know "General Engineering" hardly describes this question, but it doesn't seem to fit anywhere. Move it where you wish.

There's a trick that works with most tape (especially packing tape), where you fold the tape on itself, make a crease, then pull the creased tape apart quickly. The tape will tear neatly apart, and it spares you the effort of finding a pair of scissors. For a video demo, check out "method 3" of this video.

Today, I tried to show off to a coworker using this trick to tear scotch tape, and I made a big ol' fool out of myself. I know I can do it with most kinds of tape. What gives? Is scotch tape more elastic? Thinner? What parameters do you all think are critical? My dignity is at stake here :cry::oldbiggrin:
 
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Twigg said:
scotch tape
Could you please give more details? I could not find anything conclusive about the material or function of this particular tape type.
 
Also, 3M makes a zillion kinds of tape, all branded "Scotch".
 
Sorry about that. Should've known better than to post right before bed.

3/4 inch "Magic^TM Office Tape" under the Scotch brand.

What I observed was that the tape wouldn't tear, it wouldn't even plasticly stretch, it would just elastically snap back to its original shape and resist the pull.
 

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