3M™ Dual Lock™ Reclosable Fasteners - Plain Back/NO Adhesive

Hook-Free, Adhesive-Free Mechanical Fastening for Demanding Applications

3M™ Dual Lock™ Plain Back Reclosable Fasteners provide the strength and durability of the Dual Lock mushroom-head system without any pre-applied adhesive. This gives engineers, fabricators and product designers maximum flexibility. You can sew it, staple it, RF or ultrasonic weld it into polypropylene assemblies, or bond it with a liquid adhesive system suited to your substrate. It is a high-strength, repeatable mechanical fastening method that replaces screws, snaps and other conventional hardware.

Why Choose 3M™ Dual Lock™ Plain Back Fasteners

3M™ Dual Lock™ delivers a powerful, audible “snap” when the interlocking mushroom heads engage. This creates a consistent and reliable closure with exceptional shear strength compared to standard hook and loop. With no adhesive on the back, the plain back format is ideal when you need:

• Bonding flexibility. Use your preferred adhesive system (acrylic, urethane, epoxy or hot melt) matched to your substrate’s surface energy.

• Heat welding or sewing compatibility. Integrate directly into textiles, polypropylene components, automotive trim, and OEM assemblies.

• High durability. Rated for thousands of open-and-close cycles with strong tensile and shear performance.

• Vibration and rattle control. Suitable for panels, access doors, interior components and lightweight structural connections.

Available in multiple stem densities (e.g., 170, 250 and 400 stems/in²) to fine-tune engagement strength.

Technical Specifications

Mechanical Strength

• Shear strength significantly higher than hook and loop. Designed for semi-structural fastening.

• Tensile strength depends on stem density. Higher densities increase holding force.

• Engagement. Mates with itself. Stem-to-stem engagement forms a robust closure with minimal compression.

Temperature & Environment

• Performs well across typical indoor and many controlled outdoor conditions.

• Resistant to moisture, solvents and UV when paired with the correct adhesive system.

Material Compatibility

With no adhesive, fastening depends on your attachment method. Suitable for:

• Polypropylene (excellent for ultrasonic welding)

• ABS and other automotive plastics

• Fabric assemblies (sewing or stitching)

• Composite panels

• Metals when paired with an appropriate adhesive

Widths Available

Plain back Dual Lock is available up to 6 inches wide. iTapeStore offers flexible cut-to-length options and bulk pricing.

Application Guide

1. Choose your bonding method
   Acrylic adhesives accommodate HSE substrates like metal and glass. Urethane adhesives help with LSE plastics such as polyethylene or polypropylene.

2. If using a liquid adhesive

   • Clean substrates with IPA

   • Apply adhesive evenly and allow appropriate cure time

   • Ensure full wet-out for optimal shear performance

3. If sewing or stapling

   • Use reinforced stitching or industrial stapling to distribute load.

4. If ultrasonic welding

   • Match energy settings to polypropylene-grade components for predictable fusion.

Engage the Dual Lock pieces by pressing together until you hear the characteristic “snap”.

FAQs

Is 3M™ Dual Lock™ Plain Back removable?

Yes. The closure engages and disengages repeatedly but is not considered a temporary adhesive. The bond strength depends on the adhesive or mechanical attachment you choose.

Does it stick to powder-coated metal?

With liquid acrylic adhesives designed for medium-to-low surface energy coatings, yes. The plain back version gives you full control over adhesive selection.

What stem density should I choose?

170 stems/in² is easier to open. 250 is the most common all-purpose option. 400 is the highest strength and requires greater force to disengage.

Can I replace screws or rivets with this?

Yes for many applications, particularly interior panels, access covers and removable components. Verify load requirements and shear strength before replacing hardware.