Abstract: A tape spool including two flanges interconnected by a hub providing a cylindrical tape winding surface is adapted for mounting on and rotation around a cylindrical pin extending from one of two spaced, parallel walls of a data cartridge by providing a bore extending through the hub and one of the flanges which closely but freely fits said pin, and a bearing protrusion extending from the other of the flanges into the bore wherein the extension of the pin from its cartridge wall is greater than the length of the bore to the bearing protrusion so that the spool is suspended above the wall for free rotation about the pin. Oscillation of the spool on the pin may be prevented by also providing a wear-button protrusion extending from the other of the flanges opposite and coaxial with the bore and a spring which extends from the remaining cartridge wall to contact the wear-button protrusion and force the spool into contact with the pin.