3M™ Dual Lock® — Rolls, Strips, Dots & Die-Cuts
3M™ Dual Lock® reclosable fasteners use interlocking mushroom-shaped heads that snap together with an audible click, delivering high closure strength while remaining reusable. This makes Dual Lock an ideal solution for heavy-duty mounting and attachment applications across industrial and commercial environments.
Halco supplies custom-converted 3M Dual Lock fasteners, allowing customers to order pre-cut strips, circles, dots, or die-cut shapes instead of cutting material in-house. While standard 3M Dual Lock rolls are supplied in 50-yard lengths, most manufacturers convert the material before assembly. Halco makes this process simple and repeatable.
Using the configurator below, customers can purchase 3M Dual Lock strips by the yard or in custom lengths, available mated or unmated. For specialized requirements—such as die-cut Dual Lock circles, coins, or custom shapes—our team can support precision converting to your exact specifications.
Market
- Transport
- Industrial
- Display & Graphics
Colors
- Black
- Transparent
Our New Calculator makes it easy to order dual Lock Strips to improve productivity!
Manufacturers often need to buy 3M™ Dual Lock® fasteners by the inch or yard to streamline production. The calculator below helps you quickly determine cost and submit a request. Try it now to simplify your ordering process!
Price and order 3M Dual Lock strips by the INCH or yard, mated and unmated
Dual Lock® Circles, DOTS and Die- Cuts
Halco specializes in precision die-cutting 3M™ Dual Lock® reclosable fasteners, converting material efficiently without damaging the interlocking mushroom heads. We produce mated and unmated parts in a variety of formats, including:
- Custom-length strips
- Circles and dots (Dual Lock coins)
- Custom die-cut shapes
Our converting capabilities ensure consistent performance, clean edges, and assembly-ready components.
Dual Lock® Features
- Interlocking mushroom heads deliver up to 5× the tensile strength of traditional hook and loop
- Durable and reusable, with up to 1,000 open/close cycles before losing 50% of original strength
- Resistant to temperature extremes, moisture, and UV exposure for indoor or outdoor use
- Multiple stem densities available to control engagement and disengagement force
- VHB™ pressure-sensitive adhesive provides a strong, long-term bond
- Helps reduce vibration and noise
- Easy to clean—dust and debris can be removed to restore performance
- Low-profile designs are approximately half the thickness of standard Dual Lock configurations
3M™ Dual Lock™ PRODUCT SELECTION
| Product Family | Adhesive Type | Substrates | Type 170 | Type 250 | Type 400 |
 |  |  | |||
| SJ3540 (Black) | Rubber-based | Indoor Use with: Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Acrylic, PC, ABS, Powder Coated Paints, Polypropylene | SJ3542 | SJ3540 | SJ3541 |
| SJ3550 (Black) | Conformable Acrylic | Indoor/Outdoor Use with: Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Glass, Acrylic, PC, ABS | SJ3552 | SJ3550 | SJ3551 |
| SJ3560 (Clear) | Firm Acrylic | Indoor/Outdoor Use with: Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Glass, Acrylic, PC, ABS | SJ3562 | SJ3560 | SJ3561 |
| SJ3870 (Black) | Conformable Modified Acrylic | Indoor/Outdoor Use with: Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Acrylic, PC, ABS, Powder Coated Paints | SJ3872 | SJ3870 | SJ3871 |
selecting the right dual lock stem density
One key advantage of 3M Dual Lock fasteners is the audible snap that confirms engagement. Standard Dual Lock products with 250 stems per square inch (wavy stem pattern) are self-engaging, meaning only one side is required for most applications.
For applications requiring different engagement forces, 3M also offers:
- 170 stems/in² for lower engagement force
- 400 stems/in² for higher engagement force
These variants are typically mated to the 250-stem version to fine-tune performance. Refer to the table below to compare engagement and disengagement forces for each stem-density combination.
| Stem Density Combination | Engagement Force (Tensile) | Disengagement Force (Tensile) |
| 170 to 250 | 13 lbs/sq in | 27 lbs/sq in |
| 250 to 250 | 22 lbs/sq in | 43 lbs/sq in |
| 250 to 400 | 31 lbs/sq in | 60 lbs/sq in |
| Low Profile Dual Lock to Itself | 27 lbs/sq in |
APPLICATIONS
Interior Panel Attachments
– Passenger rail cars
– Buses
– Ambulances
– Marine vessels
– Elevators
Removable Access Panels
– Water and natural gas valves
– Electrical junctions
– Elevator control boxes
– Recessed lighting
Mobile Mounting
– Windshields
– Vehicle dashboards
– Electronics, sensors or trackers
– Motorcycle or RV accessories
Signage and Display
– Free-standing signage
– Kiosk assembly
– Point-of-sale system attachment
– Placards or retail price tags
Frequently Asked Questions
Many engineers, designers, and manufacturers ask how 3M™ Dual Lock® reclosable fasteners compare to traditional hook and loop for closure and mounting applications. Below are answers to the most common questions Halco receives.
Q: WHAT ARE THE KEY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN DUAL LOCK AND HOOK AND LOOP FASTENERS?
A: 3M™ Dual Lock® is typically self-mating, meaning only one component is required, whereas hook and loop fasteners require two mating sides. Dual Lock features a rigid backing and interlocking mushroom-shaped stems, delivering significantly higher engagement strength and an audible snap when engaged. Dual Lock is most often used for mounting rigid components, such as transportation panels, trim, access panels, architectural panels, floor panels, and rigid signage. Hook and loop is generally preferred for textiles, flexible materials, and strap applications.
Q: IN WHAT FORMATS IS DUAL LOCK AVAILABLE?
A: Custom-cut strips, dots / circles / coins, sheets, rolls and precision die-cut parts
Q: ARE THERE DIFFERENT TYPES OF DUAL LOCK?
A: Standard Dual Lock: ~40 lbs/in² engagement strength, approximately ¼″ thick, designed for heavy-duty mounting. Low Profile Dual Lock: ~25 lbs/in² engagement strength, approximately ¹⁄₁₀″ thick, designed for lighter-duty mounting and thinner assemblies. Multiple adhesive options are available to match different substrates.
Q: WHAT IS DIFFERENT ABOUT LOW PROFILE DUAL LOCK? HOW IS IT FREQUENTLY USED?
A: Low Profile Dual Lock has a single stem density, is more conformable, and is visually closer to hook and loop while still providing the audible snap characteristic of Dual Lock. It is commonly used in point-of-purchase displays, specialty packaging, graphics, and signage applications.
Q: DOES IT COME IN DIFFERENT COLORS?
A: It is only available in black and transparent colors and cannot be dye-matched.
Q: IS DUAL LOCK TEMPERATURE AND UV RESISTANT? CAN IT BE USED OUTDOORS?
A: 3M Dual Lock with VHB™ acrylic adhesive is suitable for outdoor use and performs in temperatures from –40°F to 200°F. It is resistant to moisture and humidity, making it well suited for access panels and exterior installations. Black Dual Lock products (e.g., SJ3550CF) offer slightly better UV resistance than transparent versions. Low Profile Dual Lock is not recommended for outdoor applications.
Q: CAN DUAL LOCK ADHERE TO MOST SUBSTRATES?
A: Yes. Rubber- and acrylic-based adhesive options allow Dual Lock to bond to most medium- and high-surface-energy substrates, including metals, glass, composites, and many plastics. Low-surface-energy substrates may require surface treatment or priming. Dual Lock is generally not recommended for porous or highly flexible substrates, such as textiles, films, or foils. Low Profile Dual Lock is often used with graphics and packaging materials due to its thinner construction.
Q: IS DUAL LOCK EASY TO DIE-CUT?
A: Dual Lock must be die-cut correctly to avoid crushing or damaging the mushroom stems, which can compromise performance. Halco has specialized expertise in converting 3M Dual Lock and routinely produces precision die-cut strips, dots, and custom shapes. We strongly recommend working with Halco’s technical and estimating teams for die-cut Dual Lock components.
Q: IN WHAT SITUATIONS IS DUAL LOCK MOST FREQUENTLY USED?
A: Dual Lock is commonly used as a “blind fastener” for applications where components must be securely attached yet removable for service. Typical uses include access panels, trim panels, signage, enclosures, and architectural elements, where installers rely on the audible snap to confirm proper engagement.
Q: CAN DUAL LOCK BE SEWN IN? HOW IS IT ATTACHED?
A: Dual Lock should not be sewn due to its rigid backing. Most Dual Lock systems rely on pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA), though it can also be attached using structural adhesives or welding methods, depending on the application.
Q: CAN DUAL LOCK BE USED TO MAKE A STRAP?
A: This is exceedingly rare as 3M Dual Lock does not come in a back-to-back version or allow for other features like tabs, grommets and buckles. We recommend Halco’s back-to-back or AGR back-to-back hook and loop fasteners for most strap applications.
Q: WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES OF USING DUAL LOCK IN ASSEMBLY?
A: Many customers rely on their operators to cut 3M Dual Lock to length on the production floor, resulting in lost productivity and safety issues. This is why Halco is offering a program that pre-cuts these Dual Lock strips for its manufacturing customers. It is also important that the substrates attached be parallel and close enough to provide a secure attachment.
Q: WHAT SHOULD A CUSTOMER DO IF THEY NEED A SPECIFIC WIDTH OR SIZE OF 3M DUAL LOCK THAT IS NOT LISTED?
A: Halco regularly supplies custom widths, lengths, and die-cut Dual Lock components. If you don’t see the size you need, contact our sales team with your requirements and we’ll help develop the right solution.
Q: IS A MEDICAL VERSION AVAILABLE?
A: 3M Dual Lock is primarily an industrial fastening product. While it may be used in certain non–FDA-regulated applications, it is not typically specified as a medical-grade fastener.
Q: IS DUAL LOCK USED FOR MILITARY APPLICATIONS?
A: Yes. Dual Lock is sometimes used for attaching rigid panels and components in military and defense applications, including vehicle armor and access panels, where high strength and removability are required.
Q: WHAT ELSE SHOULD I KNOW? ARE SAMPLES AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT AVAILABLE?
A: Halco is a recognized expert in reclosable fastening solutions, with deep experience converting and supporting 3M™ Dual Lock® fasteners. Samples are available, and our team provides hands-on technical support, material selection guidance, and converting expertise to ensure successful implementation.
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Industry Standards and Certifications
- REACH & RoHS Compliant
- CALIFORNIA PROP 65