Craft Critique Wannabe

So, you girls all know how much I LOVE Craft Critique! I am sure they won't mind if I become a 'wannabe' for one blog post!

Over on SCS, there has been a lot of talk about ATG guns and which one is better, etc, etc. I decided to do a comparison of the generic Tape Depot version (ATG-50) and the full-up Scotch 714. Up front, I will disclose that I currently own the Tape Depot version, but I promise I will not let that guide my 'research'!

To start, I thought I would give the specs of the guns.

ATG-50:

• Color: teal


• Weight loaded with a full roll of tape: 14.1 ounces


• Dispenses 1/4" or 1/2" tape

Scotch 714:

• Color: Red


• Weight loaded with a full roll of tape: 14 ounces


• Dispenses 1/4" tape

Below you will see a series of pictures of the guns next to one another. It will give you a good idea of how they compare to one another.









As you can see, the Scotch 714 has a larger body, but interestingly enough, it weighs essentially the same at the ATG-50.

There are some minor differences in the guns.

• The trigger on the Scotch 714 is much smaller than the one on the ATG 50.


• The ATG-50 has a wider handle width by 1/4".


• The Scotch 714 has groves on the handle, where as the ATG 50 is smooth.

• The ATG-50 does not have a cover over the take up spool like the Scotch brand does.
• The ATG-50 can dispense both 1/2" and 1/4" adhesive
• Price: The ATG-50 is $25 and the Scotch is between $42 and $58

For me, the cover over the take up spool has not been as issue at all. As you can see from the picture below, the used tape winds just fine without it. This has been a reported problem on the message board, however. In my own use, I noticed that if I did not have the tape roll loaded correctly, I had problems with my take up spool. Once corrected, it was winding pretty again. (And, let's face it...pretty is good!) Incidentally, if you are having issues loading your ATG-50, check out this YouTube video. She does an awesome job explaining how to load it correctly!

The biggest difference I can see is related to the side of the tape roller that the tape is dispensed from. The ATG-50 dispenses from the right of the roller, whereas the Scotch 714 dispenses from the left.

I will say that as a right handed person, the Scotch was easier to dispense from, as it was really easy to gauge where I was laying the tape. I would imagine the ATG-50 might work better for a left handed person. I do think that one gets used to their tape gun so this may become a non-issue over time.

I do like the feel of the ATG-50 better. The handle feels better in my hand (less floppy?), perhaps because it is a little wider. I also think I prefer the larger trigger. I just feel like I can control the gun better. The handle of the ATG-50 is almost 3/4" shorter which may contribute to a greater feeling of control as well.

What is the bottom line? I like both guns (that was highly conclusive, wasn't it?)! I went with the ATG-50 initially because of the cost. I could not justify spending $50 including shipping on a tape gun when I could get the ATG-50 and 12 rolls of tape for $43 including the shipping. If you are on a budget, the ATG-50 will suit your needs just fine and I can't see you being disappointed in the investment.

You can find the ATG-50 from Tape Depot here.

The cheapest place I have found the Scotch 714 is here.

If you have the opportunity to try out both guns, please let me know and post your findings here! I would love to hear what you think!