(Un)fun fact, this is the result of tension being too high on the internal mechanism. You have to purchase matching paper towels and dispensers or you’ll get too many or too few towels per pull. For the most part, this occurs because companies purchase cheaper, thinner paper towels.

All cars can fly. The problem is making a car that can fly more than once.

2021...

We haven't even yet achieved the three seashells.

I have this experience with most paper towel dispensers when I follow the directions. Oddly... just grabbing the middle (where there are no vertical edges and less opportunities to rip) works everytime.