Better Pack ® 555 Complete Service Guide

Tigerseal® Products - The Tape Machine Company since 1983

Better Pack® 555

Tape Jams

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Better Packages 555. Please visit our on line Replacement Parts Guide

A common problem that is usually easy to correct. What are the possible causes of tape jams? In order of frequency

A.. Worn / Dirty Moistening Brushes  - 800MB3X (Ref E107X)

B.. Lower Tape Plate  - 700LTPSS (Ref FM11AX) out of adjustment

C.. Debris In & Around Shears (small enough it may not be clearly visible)

D.. Glue Build-Up Under Top Heater 

E.. Bent Upper Tape Plate - 700UTP  (Ref FM12EL)

Before Any Maintenance Procedure - UNPLUG THE MACHINE

A. Cleaning/Replacing Moistening Brushes

1. Remove Water Tank & Bottle

2. Inspect Moistening Brushes. Is there a glue build up on the tips? 

    Before replacing them, try cleaning them in warm soapy water. 

    Let them soak over the weekend..

3. By cleaning the moistening brushes, they can "stand up" better and 

    support the Top Heater. This can eliminate tape jams (and improve 

    moistening)

PLEASE NOTE: Moistening Brushes slightly lift the Top Heater up. This provide clearance so the tape can feed under the Top Heater and over the brushes.

If the brushes are too worn, the Top Heater rests on the lower tape plate and 

the tape will jam. If the brushes are that worn, replace them.

B. Lower Tape Plate Out Of Adjustment

1. The lower tape plate comes out under the Top Heater. Note that the 

    Top Heater pivots on rod  700PRC (Ref E580SA).

2. Lift up the Top Heater.

3. Using a slotted screw driver, insert the tip of the screw driver between the 

    lower tape plate and lower heater plate. Insert the screw driver near each  

    of the 2 small brass rollers 700THBR (Ref FM18). Gently "twist" the screw driver to 

    create a gap between the lower tape plate and lower heater plate.

    This allows the tape to flow out over the lower tape plate and over the

     lower heater plate.

C.  Debris In & Around Shears

1. Remove Water Tank & Bottle

2. Lift up Top Heater. Carefully check for any pieces of tape.

3. Next, push up on yoke assembly. This is a gray metal shelf located just 

    inside the front of the machine. It holds the Upper Shear. Carefully look for 

    any debris, pieces of cut tape, etc.. Remove all debris in & around shear area.

D. Glue Build Up On Lower Heater Plate

1. Lift up the Top Heater

2. Look for any dry glue that has built up on the lower heater plate -800SHLTP (Ref FF609AX).

3. Carefully scrap the glue off with a razor or knife. Careful note to cut the heater cord!

E. Bent Upper Tape Plate

    Surprisingly, a bent Upper Tape Plate -  700UTP (Ref FM12EL) can cause tape jams. 

    Over time, the Upper Tape Plate can fall and bend. Simply test, remove the 

    Upper Tape Plate. It should slide out easily. If it doesn't, or if it is bent, 

    replace it. A bent tape plate restricts the tape feed and can cause jamming!

If you have any questions regarding these, or any other, maintenance procedures, please call us toll free at 1-800-899-9389.

For more information on these models, please call us at 1-899-899-9389.

TIGERSEAL PRODUCTS sales & service

13093 Old Ridge Road

Beaverdam VA 23015

Tigerseal Products is not affiliated with MCM/Phoenix

Tigerseal Products is not affiliated with Better Packages Inc