The hook side of VELCRO® Brand hook and loop is used for grabbing. This is the rigid side of a hook-and-loop closure, made of small, rigid hooks that snag the corresponding soft loops on the other side. VELCRO® Brand HTH High Technology Hook takes that simple concept and develops it into something more accurate, a slim, molded hook system that packs a punch without the added weight.
Combine it with a matching low-profile knit loop such as VELCRO® Brand Knit Loop 3610 and you'll have consistent closure strength in consumer goods, electronics, medical applications, soft goods, and industrial assemblies.
Why Choose HTH VELCRO® Brand Hook?
HTH, or High Technology Hook is precisely molded rather than woven, creating a hook tape that is noticeably slimmer than most conventional types. That can be a significant consideration with tight tolerances or where appearance on the product's surface is important.
Engineers and fabricators ask for HTH when:
- Soft-goods and wearable manufacturing where comfort and low profile are requirements of the final product
- Electronics and OEM assemblies requiring lightweight, re-closable closures that can be opened and re-opened thousands of times
- Medical and orthopaedic devices such as splints, braces, and supports, where contact is made directly to the skin
- Industrial displays, specialty packaging, and assemblies where conventional hook would be too thick
The molded construction of HTH keeps the tensile and shear strength consistent through the long life of service. It offers reliable performance in tough applications and does not add the bulk that traditional woven hooks do. For tight spaces or for a cleaner appearance, HTH is the practical choice.
Hook Construction
The hook is a molded, low-profile design for controlled engagement and extended cycle life. It is compatible with low-profile loops. Standard recommendations are VELCRO® Brand Knit Loop 3610 and 3905. The shear and peel performance is balanced for a wide range of applications including general fastening, lightweight mounting, soft goods assembly, and strap systems for wearable electronics.
Adhesive Backing Options
It is important to select a suitable adhesive for VELCRO® Brand hook tape. The hook remains the same, but the bond to your substrate depends entirely on matching the adhesive to the material, the environment, and how long you need it to last. Below are three adhesive options you will find on HTH products.
|
Adhesive Type |
Details & Best Use Cases |
|---|---|
|
Acrylic Adhesive 72 High-performance acrylic |
Use: Indoor/Outdoor Best For: Stainless steel, aluminium, glass, painted metals, paper, nylon, polyester. High shear strength and temperature stability. Strong UV/solvent resistance. Avoid LSE plastics like polyethylene or polypropylene. |
|
Acrylic Adhesive 19 Modified Rubber |
Use: Indoor/Outdoor Temp Range: Moderate moisture/temp exposure A versatile choice for OEM and general fabrication. Bonds well to most substrates, though vinyl bonds are temporary. More flexible than Rubber 15. |
|
Rubber Adhesive 15 High-tack rubber |
Use: Indoor only Best For: Cardboard, plastics (non-vinyl), painted surfaces. Budget-friendly option for instant bonding. Grabs hard on contact. Not suitable for glass, vinyl, or outdoor environments. |
Hook and loop are sold separately.
How to Apply VELCRO® Brand Hook Tape
Achieving strong bonds with HTH hook tape is all about surface preparation. Skip this step and even the best adhesive won't hold properly. Cleaning your surface first with a 50/50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water is effective.
The surface must be clean, dry, and free of dust, oil, and mold-release compounds. You may need to use a primer if you're bonding to an LSE plastic or a heavily textured surface, or switch to a different adhesive system.
- Surface Preparation
Apply even pressure over the entire adhesive area. Even pressure will improve wet-out and give you a stronger initial bond.
- Application Pressure
Acrylic adhesives require time to develop their full bond strength, 24 to 72 hours depending on temperature and humidity. Rubber adhesives have immediate handling strength.
- Cure Time
Make sure to use a compatible low-profile loop in combination with HTH hooks. Knit Loop 3610 is the recommended match for best shear and peel strength.
- Mating the Fastener
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a VELCRO® Brand hook?
It's the coarse, stiff part of a hook-and-loop fastener. The rough side is covered with small molded or woven hooks, which catch the soft loops on the other side. When you peel VELCRO® Brand fasteners apart, that tearing sound is the hooks letting go.
Is HTH High Tech Hook removable?
The hook itself pulls off the loop cleanly. What dictates removability is the adhesive on the back. Rubber-backed varieties may leave behind some adhesive residue. Acrylic adhesives tend to release cleaner (less residue), however the bond is considerably stronger — heat or adhesive remover may be necessary to remove it cleanly.
Does HTH adhere to powder-coated surfaces?
Acrylic 72 and 19 can adhere well to powder coats, depending on surface energy. Notably, the chemistry used in powder coats can be quite different from manufacturer to manufacturer, so always test with a sample first.
Can I use HTH outdoors?
Yes, with acrylic adhesives. Both Acrylic 72 and 19 will withstand outdoor exposure. Rubber Adhesive 15 is intended for indoor use only and will not withstand outdoor conditions.
What loop should I pair with HTH?
VELCRO® Brand Knit Loop 3610 is the industry standard. Any low-profile loop built for molded hook engagement can work, but 3610 with most HTH products gives you the best combination of shear and peel strength.