Hook and Loop Fasteners Key Terms

Get acquainted with the terminology for hook and loop fasteners

By Howard Robertson

A hook and loop fastener is a special type of fastener that has applications in various industries, such as aerospace, construction, food processing and medical. A hook and loop fastener consists of two layers -- one layer has tiny hooks that engage in the loops on the other layer.

While interacting with the suppliers of hook and loop fasteners, you will come across some technical terms that indicate types, components and processes relating to these fasteners. This guide will explain some key terms, such as coins, dual lock fasteners, hook and loop cable tie fasteners and kiss cutting.

Coins

Coins are round circles of hook and loop fasteners with a peel and stick backing. Coins and dots refer to the hook and loop fasteners that are cut into circular shapes for the convenience of the user or aesthetic needs.
Try: HookandLoop.com, an online distributor of hook and loop fasteners, offers information about coins and cut pieces.

Dual lock fasteners

A dual lock fastener consists of a continuous strip of plastic backing with tiny mushroom shaped stems protruding up from its backing strip. When two pieces of dual lock fasteners are pressed together, the mushroom heads interlock with each another creating an audible snap, which indicates that the fastener is locked.
Try: 3M (PDF), a reputable supplier of adhesives and tapes, explains dual lock fasteners and their characteristics.

Hook and loop cable tie fasteners

A hook and loop cable tie fastener is a soft material fastener that is adjustable and reusable. These cable tie fasteners are useful for bundling soft cables such as fiber optic cables and CAT 5 cables.
Try: For more information about hook and loop cable ties, read through information at Panduit Corp. (PDF). Rip 'n' Grip Hook & Loop Fasteners also provides basic information about these hook and loop fasteners.

Pressure-sensitive adhesives

A pressure-sensitive adhesive is an adhesive that comes pre-coated on the back of hook and loop material. As these adhesives do not require any moistening agents or chemicals, they are commonly used with the hook and loop fasteners.
Try: The California Integrated Waste Management Board, a state agency, explains the importance of pressure sensitive adhesives.

Nylon

Nylon fibers are very strong and abrasion resistant. In addition, these synthetic fibers are elastic, easy to wash and quite lustrous. This makes nylon an ideal material for manufacturing the hook part of a hook and loop fastener.
Try: The Polymer Science Learning Center, an interactive website in the field of polymer education, provides detailed description about nylon.

Kiss cutting

Kiss cutting is a die cutting process in which the die cuts the face material of a laminated substrate in a manner that the support material is not cut. You can peel off the face material to apply the hook and loop fastener coin or strap as per the application requirements.
Try: Diecrafters (PDF), a die-cutting service provider, explains the technique for the kiss cutting process.