Hook and loop fasteners offer a simple and reusable way to join two surfaces together. They are commonly referred to by the VELCRO® brand name and consist of two separate components.
These components are a hook side that is covered in small and rigid hooks, and a loop side that is made from a softer woven material. When these two sides are pressed together, they create a secure bond that can be opened and closed repeatedly.
The fundamental technology has not evolved since George de Mestral patented it in the 1950s, but the materials and adhesives of today's hook and loop tape have evolved considerably from the original nylon prototypes.
Hook and loop fasteners are mostly used for mounting, organizing and securing but they are also used in a variety of industrial applications.
We stock VELCRO® Brand, 3M™, and TEXACRO® Brand hook and loop products by the yard, the roll, or as pre-cut strips and coins. No minimum orders.
Types of hook and loop fasteners we carry
The right fastener depends on how you plan to attach it and what it needs to withstand:
- Adhesive-backed tape accounts for most of what we ship. Pressure-sensitive adhesive on the back bonds directly to metal, glass, wood, and a fair number of plastics without any drilling or sewing. We stock standard acrylic adhesive for general indoor work, high-temperature acrylic (Type 72) that holds above 150°F, and rough-surface adhesive (Type 15) for textured substrates where standard peel-and-stick won't grab.
- Sew-on fasteners skip the adhesive altogether. You stitch them directly to fabric, canvas, or upholstery, which gives a permanent attachment that washing and heavy use won't peel off. VELCRO® Brand sew-on tape comes in widths from 5/8-inch to 4 inches and a handful of colors for clothing, slipcovers, bags, and mil-spec gear.
- Coins and dots are pre-cut circles with adhesive backing already applied. Overkill for a large mounting job, but they're the cleanest solution for securing remote controls, lightweight signs, or small assembly components where full-width tape looks excessive.
- Straps and wraps fold hook and loop into a single piece: loop fabric on the outside, hook surface on the tail. The tail wraps through a head slot or simply folds back onto itself. VELCRO® Brand RAPID-STRAP® kits are built for cable bundling, and they can be cut to whatever length the job actually calls for.
- 3M™ Dual Lock™ works differently from standard hook and loop. Instead of hooks catching loops, two strips of mushroom-shaped plastic stems interlock with an audible snap. The grip is aggressive and 3M™ Dual Lock™ SJ3441 is rated for 5,000 open-close cycles before performance degrades.
- Back-to-back fasteners carry hooks on one face and loops on the other, so the tape wraps around cables, hoses, or cords and sticks to itself. No adhesive residue. Reusable until the material eventually wears out.
Where these fasteners actually get used
One of the most popular categories for hook and loop is cable management. From server rooms to broadcast studios, home offices, and even car audio installations, they have the ability to keep wiring tidy and accessible.
Control panels, signs, and graphics are mounted on manufacturing floors using adhesive-backed tape. The fastener secures the panel flat against a wall or booth frame, and then pulls free when the graphic needs changing. No drill holes, no anchors, and no damage to the substrate.
Clothing and medical devices are an entirely different class. Sew-on hook and loop handles pocket flaps, shoe fasteners, adjustable waistbands, and orthotic supports. The fastener is strong enough to stay on during motion yet simple enough for a weak hand to open and close which is why it turns up on blood-pressure cuffs and splints for physical therapy.
Automotive and marine applications require more demanding specifications. Heat accumulates rapidly in a car dashboard or behind a lighting fixture, and everyday nylon hook and loop will tend to soften and lose grip. High-temperature adhesive variants handle that. Polyester-based tape resists UV and moisture better than nylon, making it a stronger choice for boat cushions and outdoor enclosures.
Picking the right fastener
When it comes to choosing the right fastener, ask yourself three questions.
- How does it attach? For example, will it be applied to smooth metal, painted wood, plastic or glass?
- What weight or force does it need to hold? For example, is it securing a lightweight sign or a heavier piece of equipment?
- What is the environment? For example, will it be used indoors or outdoors, in high temperatures or in damp conditions?
Standard VELCRO® Brand tape with acrylic adhesive will handle smooth surfaces effortlessly. However, if you are dealing with powder-coated metal, textured plastic, or painted MDF then you should switch to rough-surface adhesive (Type 15) or plastics-specific (Type 19) so the bond actually cures instead of peeling off overnight.
For anything above 150°F VELCRO® Brand Type 72 tape is built to hold.
A wider tape will resist peel forces more effectively. Using a 2-inch or 4-inch strip puts the load across a larger surface area than a narrow 5/8-inch piece, so if the fastener is carrying any real weight, go wider. We stock everything from 5/8-inch to 6 inches.
Frequently asked questions
What is a hook and loop fastener?
It consists of two strips, one rigid with tiny hooks, and one soft with dense loops. Press them face to face and the hooks grab the loops. Pull them apart and it releases. The concept came from a Swiss engineer studying how plant burrs clung to fabric and dog fur in the 1940s.
Is hook and loop the same as VELCRO®?
VELCRO® is a registered trademark and it does not refer to a product type. Velcro Companies is the original and largest manufacturer of hook and loop fasteners, similar to how Kleenex is a brand of facial tissue, not a type. We sell genuine VELCRO® Brand products alongside 3M™ and TEXACRO® alternatives.
How do I apply adhesive-backed hook and loop tape?
Wipe the surface with isopropyl alcohol and allow it to dry thoroughly. Peel the release liner off one side of the tape, press it onto the surface firmly and wait at least 24 hours before putting any real load on it. That cure time is far more critical than many people realize.
Why did my hook and loop stop gripping?
Most likely lint. The hook side gathers fibers, hair, and dust that prevent the hooks from reaching the loops. Run a stiff brush or fine-tooth comb through the hooks. If that doesn't fix it, the hooks may be bent from years of use. Replacing the hook side costs less than replacing both as the loop side lasts considerably longer than the hooks.
Browse our full range
We carry over 180 hook and loop products from VELCRO® Brand, 3M™, and TEXACRO® — adhesive-backed tape, sew-on strips, pre-cut coins, Dual Lock™ reclosable fasteners, and custom-cut parts in shapes and sizes we can produce to your specifications. Everything ships from our warehouse in New Jersey. Orders of $50 or more ship free.