A system for utilizing a tape leader in a tape drive system. The tape drive system receives a first tape leader and buckles the first tape leader to a drive reel leader. Then the tape drive system threads the first tape leader and a second tape leader connected to the first tape leader through a tape path within the tape drive system using the drive reel leader. After threading the first tape leader through the tape path, the tape drive system retracts head protect pins while the second tape leader is still in the tape path. Subsequent to retracting the head protect pins, the tape drive system performs read/write operations on a data storage media, which is coupled to the first tape leader via the second tape leader inserted between the first tape leader and the data storage media.