a method of making a roll of adhesive tape that comprises providing a length of tape having a leading end , a trailing end , a first side , and a second side opposite the first side , wherein the second side of the tape is at least partially covered with pressure sensitive adhesive and providing a tab having first and second opposite ends having a length between them , a first side , and a second side , wherein at least a portion of the second side of the tab is covered with pressure sensitive adhesive . the method further comprises advancing the length of tape along a tape path , positioning the leading tape end about a central tape roll axis , and circumferentially winding the length of tape about the axis until a penultimate tape layer having a circumference is wound . the adhesive - covered portion of the second side of the tab is applied to the first side of the tape so that the first end of the tab is spaced from the trailing end of the tape length by a predetermined distance that is at least as long as the circumference of the penultimate layer of the tape roll and no longer than a total distance of the circumference of the penultimate layer and the length of the tab . the final layer of the tape length is circumferentially wound around the penultimate tape layer so that the trailing end of the tape overlays the tab between the first and second ends of the tab .