I made a bunch of these last Christmas. Harbor Freight will have a coupon for free Tape w/ purchase so I use that. After you cut it, be sure to put duct tape on the end really securely or your tape could sneak back in the case. I don't totally trust the lock on it so I use both. I didn't notice if the tute said to, but I square off the bottom of the bag also. You have to get physical to turn it back right side out. When you put the tape in be sure it goes() not )( when the bag is right side out. I have also used 1" mini blind slats instead of the metal tape and like it fine but it doesn't have the SNAP of the metal tape. PM me if I missed anything. Oh yes, the tape can be cut with old scissors or shears and round off the sharp ends. And I make prarie points of lining fabric and sew them to the center of the outside as the casing is formed. You use these to open it.