60 years ago, when ground breaking Velcro fabric was invented, how things were fastened was revolutionized. Over the last six decades, Velcro fabric has been used in an endless amount of applications. Since the time it was introduced, this product has continued to improve through advances in engineering and technology. However, 3M has revolutionized fastening again with their Dual Lock line of re-closable tape fasteners.
Dual Lock tape has four times the gripping power of Velcro fabric and its self-adhesive backing strips will stubbornly not release even under intense temperature applications. The adhesive strips are also designed to bond well with slightly textured or irregular surfaces. These are major improvements over Velcro fabric, which is comparatively weaker and does not remain stuck to objects as firmly as 3M Dual Lock tape. The adhesive backing on Velcro is notorious for loosing its bond to surfaces when temperatures rise. 3M Dual Lock tape will remain bonded in these situations where Velcro fabric cannot.
Unlike Velcro fabric, 3M Dual Lock tape does not use loops and hooks for fastening. Instead, this product uses small plastic "mushroom-like" plastic stems to provide secure fastening. This allows for the handy feature of 3M Dual Lock tape being able to universally mate with most any other piece of Dual Lock tape. This works because where Velcro fabric required mating two different types of fabric strips, there is only one type of Dual Lock tape strip. Also, when pieces of 3M Dual Lock tape are joined properly, an audible snap is heard that gives you assurance the pieces are properly fastened. All of these additional features not found in Velcro put 3M Dual Lock well ahead in durability and reliability. 3M Dual Lock tape is also solvent and flame resistant.
Standard 3M Dual Lock tape comes in three types, 170, 250 and 400. The number refers to the amount of fastening stems in a square inch. Thus, the higher the number, the more thorough the fastening. Some of the different types can be inter-mated. For example, type 170 can mate with types 250 and 400. Additionally, type 250 can mate with type 400. However, types 175 and 400 should not be mated with itself. But it is fine to mate type 250 to type 250, which is the most commonly used type and is sufficient for most applications. 3M Dual Lock tape is also available in a wide variety of widths.
In addition to standard Dual Lock, 3M also offers a low profile Dual Lock that has a massive 700 stems per square inch. The stems in low profile Dual Lock are comparatively shorter than standard 3M Dual Lock tape, thus the jointing between strips is thinner. When mated, standard Dual Lock is about 1/4 inch in thickness, whereas low profile is approximately 1/10 inch. Since the fastening stems in low profile Dual Lock are shorter, the fastening strength is reduced when compared to standard Dual Lock tape. Low Profile Dual Lock can only be mated with itself.
If you need to mount heavy (or light) objects with an adhesive backed tape, 3M Dual Lock tape is the best product to use. It is highly functional, versatile, durable, comes in several variations. It can also be used in countless applications, such as attaching toll tag monitors, seat cushions in boats, computer accessories and removable medical equipment. Dual Lock can be used to reduce vibration and dampen sound, as well. Uses for Low Profile Dual Lock include attaching carpet and tiles, seat cushions, trade show exhibition graphics, point of purchase displays and small electronic devices, such as garage door openers.
3M Dual Lock is sold at FindTape.com in several of the varieties mentioned above.
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