Abstract: A hand-held adhesive tape dispenser/applicator comprising a housing shell (1) including a hub (2) for mounting adhesive tape rolls, a tape discharge opening (13) and a lever mechanism (3). The lever mechanism (3) comprising pivotally mounted levers actuated by movement of the dispenser housing during the tape application and cutting process providing means for locking the tape whilst cutting, preventing roll back of tape end and an anti-locking function enabling smooth passage of tape whilst dispensing. Dispensing tape passes over a tape guide applicator (4), when a requisite length of tape is applied a user tilts the housing shell (1) engaging a cutter lever (6) with the tape actuating a tape depressor lever (5) which depresses and adheres a section of tape to the housing shell (1). As tape is severed a new tape end remains adhered until released by the next application. When inverted, the dispenser/applicator is freestanding and dispenses tape in desktop mode.