Question 1

Is this used to apply the tape directly to the joint? How does it work on ceilings?

Accepted Answer

Yes you can. If you need longer lengths (say 16') you can fill a clean bucket with pre-mudded tape to whatever length you can apply in say 20 minutes and carry the bucket to the job to be done. Works very well. This is how most mud applicators (Columbia Super Tape for example) are used and a very common technique.

Question 2

Can you use corner tape w/ this? Something like Strait Flex

Accepted Answer

TapeBuddy tools will run Strait-Flex tape. The tool has two setting for apply compound thickness. When running Strait-Flex use the "more mud" setting. You'll have to measure the tape to cut it at the right length.I only use Strait-Flex on odd angle corners and not for normal corners. It's a lot more expensive and not necessary. The key using a TapeBuddy tool is the coating on the tape. This makes the tape hard with drywall and has no blisters.

Question 3

does this only work with paper tape or can I use a product like perfect 90

Accepted Answer

You can also use this tool with FibaFuse fiberglass drywall tape.  This way the tape is coated with the perfect amount of compound.

Question 4

When i pull the tape from the tapebuddy tool it seems to bind up and pulls hard. sometime it pulls so hard it tears. what am i doing wrong?

Accepted Answer

This is Ron with Buddy Tools LLC.
The previous answers were right on but we are sorry to hear about this so I'll give you a few suggestions.

From what I am reading it looks like there could be a few possible issues causing this:
1: most likely but not knowing the setup...: When using a 500' roll of tape it tends to bind up just a little for the first 100' This is why we suggest placing a 2" piece of PVC (I've used a water bottle as well) through the roll to cradle the roll in the tape compartment. This eliminates the friction of the tape roll on the tool and rolls with ease.
2: The mud may be too thick and need to be thinned down. It should look like sour cream or yogurt and almost be able to be poured into the mud compartment. The mud has to have moisture to work properly so this is important.
3: If the tape sits in the mud compartment too long before you pull it (like you went to lunch and returned to continue taping) then the paper could have gotten too wet by sitting there. Simply pull this saturated section of tape out, cut it off and discard. You are ready to go again.
4: Make sure the bridge insert is placed with the tabs and writing down and not up. The tabs hold the insert in place so this is important. If not positioned correctly it could bind the tape up. Also, the tabs are up this won't allow the tape to coat correctly.
5: Last idea: it is possible that the tape is old or just a bad roll of tape but this would be strange.

Not knowing the setup on the tool it sounds like a 500' new roll of tape was used. Placing a PVC pipe is noted in the FAQ sheet with the tool or can be downloaded from the Amazon page. When a customer has a question, we are here to help.
The instruction & FAQ sheet sent with the tool has lots of helpful instructions on using the TapeBuddy tool. Hope this helps.

ASIN	B0045K53N0
Best Sellers Rank	#43,693 in Tools & Home Improvement ( See Top 100 in Tools & Home Improvement ) #2 in Tape Applicators
Color	Green
Customer Reviews	4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars (1,856)
Date First Available	October 1, 2010
Handle Material	HDPE
Included Components	(1) TapeBuddy
Item Package Quantity	1
Item Weight	1.8 pounds
Item model number	TB-ROM828-01
Manufacturer	Buddy Tools LLC
Material	HDPE
Measurement System	Imperial
Number Of Pieces	1
Part Number	TB-ROM828-01
Power Source	hand_powered
Product Dimensions	6 x 5.5 x 20.5 inches
Shape	Rectangular
Special Features	Easy to Clean
Style	Free-Standing Drywall Tape Dispenser
Usage	Drywall Finishing

TapeBuddy Drywall Taping Tool

Description

Specifications

Common Questions