Abstract: A hand held tape applicator operable with one hand for holding and applying pressure sensitive adhesive tape to a receiving surface from a roll of tape and for severing the roll of tape from the tape applied. In operation, the tape is pressed against the receiving surface by a tape-applying roller until a desired length of tape is unrolled and applied to the surface. After the desired length of tape has been applied to the receiving surface, a thumb actuated slide button actuates a serrated cutting edge so as to cut the tape. If desired, the tape applicator can be operated in the conventional manner of stripping off a length of tape to be applied to a receiving surface by the use of both hands holding both ends of the tape strip as obtained from the roll.