Reclosable fasteners can be engaged, disengaged, and re-engaged without fatigue. They fall into a different class of fastening than permanent glues, rivets, and other one-shot adhesives. We carry 3M™ Dual Lock™, VELCRO® Brand hook-and-loop, TEXACRO® Brand, and Kontak reclosable fasteners in rolls, pre-cut strips, coins, and custom-cut shapes. Bulk discounts, but no minimum orders, with free shipping on order over $50.
Unlike permanent fastening methods, reclosable fasteners allow for removal, repositioning and access without permanently changing the mounting surface.
What are reclosable fasteners?
Reclosable fasteners use two joining surfaces that repeatedly connect and separate. Some may use interlocking mushroom-shaped stems, such as 3M™ Dual Lock™, while others use traditional hook and loop design such as VELCRO® Brand products.
Once they are pressed together, the fastener will create a secure mechanical attachment without cure time or permanent installation. When using Dual Lock™ you'll also hear a definite click upon contact, which confirms that the closure has engaged. With 3M™ Dual Lock™, you will notice an audible snap when the closure engages.
All require no curing, no heat gun, and no drill.
What sets reclosable fasteners apart is serviceability. They can reduce the need for visible hardware and allow panels, components or assemblies to be removed and reattached without damaging the mount
Adhesive-backed versions are available for a wide variety of substrates including metals, glass, ABS, polycarbonate, and a range of plastics. It is important to note that adhesive selection should always be matched to the surface and application requirements.
Types of reclosable fasteners
3M™ Dual Lock™
3M™ Dual Lock™ is based on mushroom-head interlocking rather than hooks and loops. When under pressure, the stems bend past each other and then lock back in to produce approximately 5X the tensile strength of a comparable strip of hook-and-loop tape. If you need the attachment to hold weight or resist vibration, Dual Lock™ is what you are looking for.
Three stem densities control how much force it takes to open and close:
- Type 170: fewest stems per square inch. Opens with one hand. Best when you are accessing the panel daily or weekly.
- Type 250: the default for most jobs. Products like SJ3550 sit at this density. Solid hold, manageable peel force.
- Type 400: This is the strongest. 1,000 rated closure cycles, designed for spots where you really don't want accidental separation.
It is important to note that some Dual Lock™ products can be paired across different stem densities to achieve different opening and closing functions. For example, a Type 170 strip against a Type 400 strip gives a middle-ground hold strength.
Hook and loop fasteners
Hook and Loop fasteners use hooks on one side and loops on the other. This creates a reclosable and easy-to-use attachment. We stock VELCRO® Brand and TEXACRO® Brand products across a variety of configurations.
Hook and loop is quieter than Dual Lock™, more conformable on curved surfaces, and less abrasive on substrates which makes them a better pick where ease of opening matters more than holding strength.
Options are available with different adhesive systems including standard acrylic, high-temperature acrylic , rubber-based Adhesive 19 for polyethylene and polypropylene surfaces, as well as sew-on constructions.
Low profile reclosable fasteners
For installations where thickness may be limited, low profile reclosable fasteners provide a reduced engaged height while maintaining reclosable functionality. 3M™'s low profile series such as SJ4570 and SJ4575 are designed for tighter assemblies including electronics housing, trim installations and display applications.
Common applications
Reclosable fasteners are used where components need to remain secure, while allowing access:
- Access panels: HVAC units, electrical enclosures, telecom cabinets. Technicians pop the panel, do the work, snap it back.
- Vehicle interior trim: headliners, kick panels, console covers. Automotive, marine, and RV builders lean on Dual Lock™ here because it handles road vibration without loosening.
- Signage and displays: retail POP displays, trade show walls, wall-mounted graphics. The fastener hides behind the surface entirely.
- Office partitions: modular desk dividers, acoustic panels, movable walls. Reconfigurable by design.
- Electronics mounting: routers, cable boxes, remote holders. Low profile Dual Lock™ fits where screws physically can't.
Many products are available for indoor and outdoor environments, although it is important to note that performance should always be confirmed against the individual product data sheet.
How to choose the right reclosable fastener
Three questions will help you narrow the selection process:
- How much does it need to hold? Light items such as signs, remote controls, or small trim pieces work well with hook and loop or Dual Lock™ Type 170. Anything with weight or vibration requires Type 250 or 400. Type 400 is the strongest option as it is 5X the tensile strength of ordinary hook-and-loop, and rated for 1,000 open-close cycles.
- What are you sticking it to? Acrylic adhesive bonds well to metals, glass, ABS, polycarbonate. Low surface energy materials like polyethylene, polypropylene, and powder-coated finishes require a rubber-based or LSE-specific adhesive. SJ3541 (Type 400, rubber adhesive) is built for this.
- How tight is the space? Standard Dual Lock™ engages at 0.23 inches thick. Low profile cuts that roughly in half. Specify a low profile up front if clearance behind the panel is tight as retrofitting later means replacing every strip.
Our product filters allow for browsing by brand, adhesive type, stem density, profile height and colour. This makes your selection process as streamlined as possible.
Frequently asked questions
What is a reclosable fastener?
Any mechanical fastener you can open and re-close repeatedly without it wearing out or losing its grip. The two main types are mushroom-head interlocking (3M™ Dual Lock™) and hook-and-loop (VELCRO® Brand, TEXACRO® Brand). Both attach with adhesive backing and separate by hand.
What holds better than Velcro?
3M™ Dual Lock™. The interlocking mushroom stems deliver roughly 5X the tensile strength of standard hook-and-loop tape, and the snap-lock engagement provides a level of security that hooks and loops can't match.
What is the difference between 3M™ Dual Lock™ Types 170, 250, and 400?
3M™ Dual Lock™ stem types (170, 250, and 400) denote the number of mushroom-shaped stems per square inch. Rather than using matching pairs, different types can be mated together to customize your holding strength. For example, pairing Type 170 with Type 250 offers a light hold for frequently accessed panels, Type 250 with Type 250 serves as the standard general-purpose combination, and pairing Type 250 with Type 400 or Type 400 with Type 400 yields high-strength, semi-permanent bonds for heavy loads and high-vibration applications.
Can reclosable fasteners be used outdoors?
Most can, yes. Acrylic-backed 3M™ Dual Lock™ and VELCRO® Brand products handle UV exposure, moisture, and temperature cycles up to 220°F (104°C). Always confirm the specific product's outdoor rating on its data sheet before committing.
Shop reclosable fasteners at iTapeStore
Browse our full selection of reclosable fasteners. We carry 3M™ Dual Lock™, VELCRO® Brand, and TEXACRO® Brand reclosable fasteners by the yard, roll, or custom-cut.
Free shipping on orders over $50.