ATG Gun & Tape

Many of you have asked me to post some information about Adhesive Transfer Guns {ATG}. There are a few companies out there that market ATGs for paper crafters... 3M/Scotch and Glue Arts are the first two that come to mind. I have had my ATG for a few years now and I absolutely love it. It works well for me because, well...let's face it, I do a ton of paper crafting. The adhesive seems to last forever... there's approximately 36 yds {or 108 ft} per roll. It is a little bit of an investment at first to purchase the gun {MSRP is in the ballpark of $50} but the refills cost about the same price as your average tape runner and you get so much more. If you do your homework and shop around you can get a pretty good deal on the gun and the refills.

ATG Guns by 3M/Scotch come in a few different models but the two newer models {ATG 700 & ATG 714} are more easily accessible to paper crafters. The one I use is the ATG 700. The main difference between the two {besides color} is the tape width capacity. The ATG 700 is designed to hold 1/2 inch and 3/4 inch tape widths but can be converted to hold the 1/4 inch tape width with an additional purchase of an adapter. The ATG 714 is designed to hold the 1/4 inch tape width only.

   

Refills – 3M/Scotch makes two types of ATG refill tapes: a red liner tape and a gold liner tape. The red liner (refill # 924) tape is NOT acid free, so for all you scrapbookers, this one is out. The gold liner (refill # 908) tape IS acid-free and comes in 1/4, 1/2, and 3/4 inch tape widths. Scapa is another company that makes ATG refills. Their Swiss-made T002 refill IS acid free and comes in 1/2 and 3/4 inch tape widths. All refills described above are 108 ft or 36 yd in length and retail for about $4-$8.

Personally, I prefer the Scapa refills over the 3M/Scotch refills. It is a very minor thing and is just a personal preference of mine. The Scapa refills detach from the applicator more smoothly than the 3M/Scotch refills. The 3M/Scotch refills require a slight wrist action to help it detach from the applicator. The 3M/Scotch refills are easier to find in stores and online while the Scapa refills are only available online. Now don’t get me wrong, I do use the 3M/Scotch refills too… that is when I am out of my Scapa ones and waiting for my order to arrive.

 

Glue Arts makes two models, the Glue Glider Max {right} and the Glue Glider Pro {left}. What I like about these guys is that the handle is removable. What I am not too crazy about is the fact that you have to replace a cartridge and not just tape. 

 

I have tried the Glue Glider Max at a show and it works well. However, at the time I tried it, it was only available in the one inch width. They now make the refill in a 1/2 inch width as well.  The Max is comparable to the 3M/Scotch guns and also retails for about $50. Refill cartridges for the Max are approximately 114 ft/38 yd and retail for about $16-$20.

The new Glue Glider Pro is smaller and easier to hold. This one is probably the best option for the average paper crafter. The gun is approximately 6 inches wide and retails for $15. The refills are 1/4 in wide and approximately 40-60 ft or 16-20 yd in length depending on the type of refill you use {permanent, repositionable, etc.} and retails for $8-9. So for those of you who think the other ATG guns are too big and clunky the Glue Glider Pro is your best bet... unfortunately they won't be available until October. The Scrapbook Garden has a shipment of these on pre-order and they also carry the 3M/Scotch ATG 714 and gold liner refills on-hand.

So, I know that was a lot of info... and I hope that it helps you to make a decision on a new adhesive runner. Feel free to email me or leave a comment with any other questions you may have or any other topics you would like to see covered here. Talk to you soon!

Comments

[Aysha]

Very helpful thanks for sharing this info.

[Jennifer]

Hi Ly,
I've just gotten into scrapbooking and stumbled upon your site. I like your blog of the ATG dispensers...I was set on getting the 714 until I read your post. Now I want the 700 instead. Can you tell me where you order your Scapa tape refills? Thnks. -J

[Sally]

I was looking to purchase the Scotch ATG 714
Applicator on line but didn't want to invest that much money just yet.
I went to a local craft shop and seen the Glue Glider PRO it was only $15.49. I purchased it and really like it. So I am going to buy close to home and help keep this small business open.