Until recently, my bulk loading has consisted of using either recycled (from minilab - allows me to set the DX in my pocket cameras) or the purpose-made reloadable cans, but not by using tape at all. I've been using the slot in the spool, which catches on a hole that I punch in the film. Each film I load, I cut a 'tongue' shape into the film end, then with a single-hole punch I have, I punch a single hole into the end, and give it a quick 'v' shaped bend to bias it against one direction. Then I simply slot it into the spindle and it catches, then into the can, then bulk loading commences.
This worked absolutely perfectly, easily, not much hassle at all if you're doing a few at a time, and easy to cope with when loading the dev tank (just rip across the 'tongue' embedded into the spool, or catch it from the other side with a fingernail to pop it back out).
This worked perfectly until, that is, a Canon QL25 with ridiculously over-optimistic metering turned up last month (to the day, in fact). This unit seemed to rip the film from the spool every single time, with ease and with no warning or feedback or feel. Each time, I'd advance the film and feel absolutely nothing, but realise too late that it has done the damage by the sound it made.
So I've started to use the tape method, using ordinary Sellotape, on those spools that were designed for tape (ie, no slots). Other than more fiddly to actually do, when bulk loading, and more fiddly to find the ends to peel off in the dark, later, it seems to suffice. I much prefer the 'trim to shape, punch and fold' procedure though.
Plus the tape works for holding down 110 negatives on my scanner bed.
