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How to Use Suction Tape

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How to Use Suction Tape

Introduction

Go to step 1 ↓

Follow these instructions to use suction tape during Anti-Clamp opening procedures.

Suction tape has two uses: to buffer a difficult surface and to secure one side of a two-panel device. If you don't have the suction tape included with the Anti-Clamp, you can also use smooth adhesive strips like packing tape.

Difficult surfaces can be broken screens, slippery back covers, or anything that prevents the Anti-Clamp from securing properly.

Most devices open from only one side (or "panel")—but some, like the iPhone 14, give you the option of opening either side. Since the Anti-Clamp pulls on both sides simultaneously, it may accidentally separate the wrong side, or both sides.

Note: this guide uses the iPhone 14 as an example; your device may vary in length, roundness, and button placement, but the procedure should be the same.

What you need

Tools

    1. How to Use Suction Tape, Choose the tape: step 1, image 1 of 2 How to Use Suction Tape, Choose the tape: step 1, image 2 of 2
      • If you want to secure one side of your two-panel device, skip to this step.

      • If you want to buffer a difficult surface on your device, move to the next step.

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    2. How to Use Suction Tape, Measure the tape: step 2, image 1 of 3 How to Use Suction Tape, Measure the tape: step 2, image 2 of 3 How to Use Suction Tape, Measure the tape: step 2, image 3 of 3
      Tool used on this step:
      Clampy - Anti-Clamp
      $24.95
      Buy
      • Measure the length of tape you want and mark it with a pen. Consider the following:

      • You need enough tape for the Anti-Clamp's suction cups. Don't leave gaps, or the cups won't stick.

      • Don't use too much tape so it folds over your phone's edges. This may interfere with the opening procedure.

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    3. How to Use Suction Tape, Cut the tape: step 3, image 1 of 3 How to Use Suction Tape, Cut the tape: step 3, image 2 of 3 How to Use Suction Tape, Cut the tape: step 3, image 3 of 3
      • Use scissors to cut the tape to the desired length.

      • Repeat the measuring and cutting procedure for each piece of tape required.

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    4. How to Use Suction Tape, Peel the tape: step 4, image 1 of 2 How to Use Suction Tape, Peel the tape: step 4, image 2 of 2
      • Peel the tape off its plastic liner.

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    5. How to Use Suction Tape, Apply the tape: step 5, image 1 of 3 How to Use Suction Tape, Apply the tape: step 5, image 2 of 3 How to Use Suction Tape, Apply the tape: step 5, image 3 of 3
      • Apply the tape to the panel of your device where you'll attach the Anti-Clamp.

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    6. How to Use Suction Tape, Secure the tape: step 6, image 1 of 3 How to Use Suction Tape, Secure the tape: step 6, image 2 of 3 How to Use Suction Tape, Secure the tape: step 6, image 3 of 3
      • Use the flat end of a spudger, or your finger, to completely secure the tape to your device.

      • Use a spudger to press out any large bubbles.

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    7. How to Use Suction Tape, Open the device: step 7, image 1 of 2 How to Use Suction Tape, Open the device: step 7, image 2 of 2
      • Repeat the tape measuring, cutting, and applying process for the opposite side of your device.

      • You're now ready to open your device!

      • Follow this guide for general instructions on how to use the Anti-Clamp.

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    8. How to Use Suction Tape, Measure the tape: step 8, image 1 of 3 How to Use Suction Tape, Measure the tape: step 8, image 2 of 3 How to Use Suction Tape, Measure the tape: step 8, image 3 of 3
      • The remaining steps show how to secure one side of your two-panel device.

      • Choose which panel of the device you don't want to open, and the following steps will show how to secure it.

      • In this example, we want to open the screen, so we'll secure the blue back cover.

      • Measure the length of tape you want and mark it with a pen. Consider the following:

      • You need to leave room for the Anti-Clamp's suction cups—don't place tape under them, or they won't stick.

      • Use enough tape to ensure a good hold on the panel you don't want to open.

      • Don't cover the power button with tape, or you might accidentally turn on the device.

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    9. How to Use Suction Tape, Peel the tape: step 9, image 1 of 2 How to Use Suction Tape, Peel the tape: step 9, image 2 of 2
      • Peel the tape off its plastic liner.

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    10. How to Use Suction Tape, Cut the tape: step 10, image 1 of 2 How to Use Suction Tape, Cut the tape: step 10, image 2 of 2
      • Use scissors to cut the tape to the desired length.

      • Repeat the measuring and cutting procedure for each piece of tape required.

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    11. How to Use Suction Tape, Apply the tape: step 11, image 1 of 3 How to Use Suction Tape, Apply the tape: step 11, image 2 of 3 How to Use Suction Tape, Apply the tape: step 11, image 3 of 3
      • Apply the tape to the edges of your device nearest to where you'll attach the Anti-Clamp.

      • Don't fold the tape over the panel you want to open, as this might hinder the opening procedure.

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    12. How to Use Suction Tape, Fold the tape: step 12, image 1 of 3 How to Use Suction Tape, Fold the tape: step 12, image 2 of 3 How to Use Suction Tape, Fold the tape: step 12, image 3 of 3
      • Fold the tape onto the panel you don't want to open.

      • Use your fingers to press down the tape and firmly secure it to your device.

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    13. How to Use Suction Tape, Open the device: step 13, image 1 of 2 How to Use Suction Tape, Open the device: step 13, image 2 of 2
      • You're now ready to open your device!

      • Follow this guide for general instructions on how to use the Anti-Clamp.

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Conclusion

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5 Guide Comments

Does anybody know the brand/type of tape? Searching for "suction tape" online leads to a different product.

Arturo - Reply Share

I suggest "carpet tape", used to join carpet sections together and often used for temporary joins in wood and metal working setups; or maybe Gorilla brand gaffer tape which is very grippy and has lots of reinforceing fiber strands for low stretch, (useing it now to hold the hinges of a laptop together till I get it fixed properly). Both can be found in most hardware/home care stores in USA. Cleanup of adhesive residue maybe a pain, requireing "goo gone" or WD-40 followed by alcohol wipes.

Kevin Smith - Reply Share

I would like to check the material of this product. Anyone can help me?

Nguyễn Thị Vân Anh - Reply Share

I got ifixit suction tape with the anti clamp, but I cannot seem to find the tape in the shop (package for refill). What is the name please?

Sebastian Körner - Reply Share

@seb_koerner Hello! I've added it to the guide, and you can find it here: Suction Tape

Nick Schultz - Reply Share

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