The Best Hook and Loop Combination
Hook-and-loop fasteners offer a wide variety of uses for a broad range of industries, including the military, medical and transportation industries. Available in many styles and strengths, there is a hook-and-loop fastener for nearly every task imaginable.
Material Options
Hook-and-loop fasteners are most commonly made of nylon, polyester and plastic resins. Nylon is lightweight and durable, performing in high temperatures (up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit), but does not hold up well against UV rays. Polyester is very resistant to water and UV rays, but lacks the high temperature performance of nylon. Plastic resins are also water and UV ray resistant, while also easily heat sealable.
Measuring Strength
The strength of a hook and loop combination is measured in three ways. Shear strength refers to the tensile strength of the hook and loop engagement when held on opposite ends and pulled apart at 180 degrees, parallel to the connection. Tension is measured the same way as shear strength, except the sides are pulled apart evenly from each side, perpendicular to the connection. The third way to measure hook and loop performance is with peel strength. This is measured by pulling the hook and loop engagement apart on the same ends at 180 degrees, perpendicular to the connection.
Cycle Life
These measurements of performance and strength are countered by cycle life. Cycle life refers to the number of times on average that hook and loop can be engaged and disengaged before the closure strength is reduced by half. Closure strength and cycle life are counterintuitive ideas and as such, generally the stronger the hook and loop fastening system, the lower the cycle life and vice versa.
Adhesive Options
The adhesive for peel-and-stick hook and loop comes with either a rubber base or an acrylic base. The rubber adhesive is high tack, bonding to many different substrates including rough or uneven surfaces. It quickly reaches full strength and has a good usable temperature range. The acrylic adhesive has a moderate tack, takes about 24 hours to reach full strength, has a higher usable temperature range, and holds up better to moisture and chemical use.
Types of Hook and Loop Fasteners
Hook 88 is the heavy-duty standard and most common variety of hook. It is considered to have the best ratio of strength and cycle life when used with Loop 1000.
Hook 65 is made of woven nylon and has more than 400 hooks per square inch. It has a slightly lower profile than hook 88, and meets the Type I Class 1 specification under military commercial item description AA55126 (Rev. C). It works best when used with Loop 2000.
Hook 81 is made of polyester and resists moisture and ultraviolet light, making it great for outdoor use. It is available in widths up to 4 inches and works best when paired with loop 9000. Hook 81 also meets specification under military commercial item description AA55126 (Rev. C).
Hook 89 meets the Type II Class 1 specification under military commercial item description AA55126 (Rev. B). Made of woven nylon, it is available in military colors, making this military hook and loop versatile. Hook 89 stands up to years of rugged use.
Hook 757 is used in the automotive, computer and medical industries. It is great for rugged use and extreme temperatures.
Hook 805 is less expensive, thinner and great for light-duty jobs. It is made of nylon and doesn’t attract lint as easily as some styles of hook.
MVA8 is a very high-strength molded hook. It has 180 T-shaped hooks per square inch.
Loop 1000 is a standard heavy-duty loop. Made of woven nylon, it is designed for all styles of hook. It is napped, which means that the loops are random throughout the product. This gives it a great hold. Loop 1000 is used for most jobs. Use with hook 88, hook 65 or hook 89.
Loop 2000 is unmapped, which means the loops are placed in neat rows. While it is a tidier looking loop, it has less peel strength than the napped loop.
Loop 3610 is less expensive, knitted and great for light-duty jobs. Use it with hook 805.
There is a type of hook and loop for practically every application in business, home and industry. Ultimately, the best hook and loop combination depends on its intended use and purpose.
