Hook and Loop Information

It's a question we get fairly often here at hookandloop.com and the short answer is no, we don't offer any physical catalogs of our products. We offer tons of products in various sizes and colors and compiling a catalog just doesn't make sense for us. All of our products are readily available online so the website itself acts as a catalog for us.

With hook and loop, many applications use adhesive backing. Adhesives are useful for applying fasteners to plastics, metals, and various other substrates. Now, sometimes these adhesives are applied with the expectation that they will be in place forever. In these instances, it happens from time to time that they need to be removed or replaced. So how do you do that?

We offer two types of adhesive backing for all of our peel and stick hook and loop products. There's a rubber based adhesive and an acrylic based adhesive. These are pressure sensitive adhesives, or PSAs, meaning that you simply have to apply pressure to the adhesive to stick it to the substrate (the material the adhesive is being stuck to). Each adhesive has it's own pros and cons but much of the adhesive's efficacy comes from ensuring a proper bond to the substrate. So we'll cover some various questions we often have to run through when recommending the best adhesives for VELCRO® and hook and loop to our customers.

Before going over the difference between hook and loop, it’s important to note that what most people consider “Velcro” is a product called hook and loop. “Velcro” is a brand, called the Velcro Companies, and they are the original manufacturer of hook and loop fasteners.

Hook and loop fasteners are one of the most versatile methods of joining objects. The hook side of the fastener has a strong affinity for the fuzzy loop side. Unfortunately, that affinity also attracts a range of items. Over time, the hooks can collect lint, string, hair and other unsightly debris. Dirty hook and loop can make an otherwise clean item look old and tired. Additionally, all the fuzz that collects on the hooks can reduce the bond strength of the fastener. Cosmetic issues aside, it is worth paying attention to the cleanliness of the hook and loop on sports equipment or other items that rely on securing fastening to perform properly. Continue reading this post to learn how to clean hook and loop.

Velcro® brand fasteners are such an ingeniously simple product that we often take it for granted, assuming it will last forever. However, there are factors that will cause VELCRO® Brand's durability to fail. Protecting hook and loop fasteners from the following will maximize its useful lifespan.

Hook and loop fasteners, commonly known by the Velcro^® brand name, come in a variety of strengths and materials to handle everything from home and garden tasks to heavy-duty and industrial-strength jobs. Hook and loop fasteners and straps, as well as specialty versions of hook and loop can be purchased in polyester, polypropylene and nylon materials for use in automotive, medicine, military and many other industries. While each type of hook and loop fiber offers its own benefits, the type of task it will be performing is the best way to make a selection.

Hook and loop fasteners consist of two distinct pieces. The rough, scratchy side is the hook because it is covered with several tiny hooks per square inch. Likewise, the soft, fuzzy side is the loop because it is covered with many small loops. The hooks engage the loops when the two sides are pressed together. This creates a bond that is exceptionally strong and allows for repeated use that lasts for thousands of cycles.

At HookandLoop.com, we're always looking for ways to be more transparent about our process. That includes shipping transit times. Now, how long an order takes to ship depends on the product being ordered, whether we are holding stock on that item, how much is being ordered, and so much more. But once an order leaves our facility, it can take anywhere from 1-5 business days to arrive. But how long will it take to get to you?