Abstract: In a device for unwinding from a roll a backing tape having double-sided adhesive tape adhering thereto, comprising a housing containing a wind-off and a take-up sleeve operatively connected to one another by unlockable cogwheels and, projecting from the housing, a freely rotatable application roller around which the tape unwinding from a supply spool on the wind-off sleeve to the take-up sleeve is looped, easy operation can be achieved if a spring-loaded supporting plate is provided which carries the complete unwinding mechanism and is arranged in the housing so as to pivot about an axis in the housing floor and if a pin, fixed to the housing floor can be engaged in a tooth gap of a cogwheel.