Hook and Loop Performance Measures

Hook and Loop provides a non-permanent fastener method of ‘sticking’ two things together using two sides – a hook and a loop. Four performance measures characterize the strength of the hook and loop bond. An understanding of these criteria, and how they relate to your application, will help you choose the right fastener for your application.


Hook and loop performance peel strength

Peel Strength

This is a measure of the force required to separate the hook from the loop when peeling two pieces apart at a 90-degree angle. This measure best represents the force a user requires to ‘open’ the fastener in most applications.

Hook and loop performance shear strength

Shear Strength

This is a measure of the force required to separate the hook from the loop, when pulling two pieces ‘across’ each other in opposing directions- i.e. sliding one section across the other. This measure is a good indication of a fasteners’ ability to resist separation in strapping and belting type applications such as cable ties, shoe closures and armbands.

Hook and loop performance tension strength

Tension Strength

This is a measure of the force required to separate the hook from the loop when pulling two sections apart perpendicular to the joined plane. Think of separating two rigid boards, joined with VELCRO® Brand hook and loop, by pulling them apart. This measure gives a good indication of the fastener strength in various mounting applications, such as facade panels or sanding pads.

hook and loop performance cycle life

Cycle Life

This is the number of times the fastener can be opened and closed before the fastener loses half of its original closure strength.


At HookandLoop.com our product specialists are well versed in the performance of both VELCRO® Brand and DuraGrip® hook and loop non-permanent fasteners. Call upon our experience for help in selecting suitable fasteners for a wide range of applications in both industrial and consumer applications. We welcome your inquiries and are eager to put our experience to work for you.