Dual Lock Strips
3M™ Dual Lock fasteners use strong, interlocking mushroom-shaped heads that snap together with high closure strength but can be reopened—making them perfect for heavy-duty mounting applications. These 3M Dual Lock reclosable fasteners offer a strong, reusable bond ideal for industrial and commercial use.
A standard 3M Dual Lock fastener roll is 50 yards long, but most manufacturers cut the material into dual lock fastener strips, circles, or die-cut shapes before using it in assembly. Halco makes it easy for customers to order custom-cut dual lock strips in the exact length and width needed. Let us handle the cutting! Using the configurator below, you can buy 3M dual lock strips by the yard or in smaller sizes—both mated and unmated. For more unique requests such as die-cut dual lock reclosable fastener circles or shapes, please speak with one of our representatives.
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 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 die-cutting dual lock reclosable fasteners and can cut custom shapes efficiently to match your design. We know how to convert 3M Dual Lock fasteners without damaging their interlocking mushroom heads. We convert both mated and unmated parts—whether you need strips, circles, or 3M dual lock coins.
Dual Lock Features
- Interlocking mushroom-shaped heads have five times the tensile strength of hook and loop fasteners
- Durable — opens and closes up to 1,000 times before losing 50% of original strength
- Temperature, moisture, and UV resistant for outdoor use
- Different stem densities allow for varied closure strength
- VHB pressure-sensitive adhesive forms a strong bond
- Easy to apply and maintain; dust/debris can be cleaned off easily
- VHB adhesive tape helps reduce vibration and noise
- Low-profile dual lock fasteners are about half the thickness of standard 3M™ Dual Lock
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 of the many advantages of 3M dual lock reclosable fasteners is their audible snap when engaged or disengaged. Standard Dual Lock products with a 250 stems-per-inch density (wavy stem pattern) are self-engaging and suitable for most applications—meaning customers only need to purchase one side.
However, when a different level of engagement force is required, 3M offers dual lock fastener variations with either lower (170 stems/in²) or higher (400 stems/in²) stem densities. These are typically mated to the 250-stem version for optimized performance. The table below outlines the engagement and disengagement forces for each 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 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Many customers that use hook and loop regularly have questions about the differences between hook and loop fasteners and Dual Lock as a solution for product closure and attachment.
Q: WHAT ARE THE KEY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN DUAL LOCK AND HOOK AND LOOP FASTENERS?
A: Most Dual Lock customers use products that are self-mating and so only need one component, compared to hook and loop fasteners which use two. It has a more rigid backing and because of its interlocking mushroom cap design, a higher engagement strength. It is used most often for mounting rigid materials, such as panels (transportation panels and trim, floor panels, access panels, architectural panels and rigid signage). It makes an audible snap when connected.
Q: IN WHAT FORMATS IS DUAL LOCK AVAILABLE?
A: Dual Lock strips, Dual Lock dots or circles, sheets, rolls and die-cut parts
Q: ARE THERE DIFFERENT TYPES OF DUAL LOCK?
A: Regular 3M Dual Lock is thicker and heavier duty, providing a engagement strength of 40 lbs per square inch with a fastener thickness of 1/4 inch. Low Profile Dual Lock is much thinner at 1/10 inch and offers an engagement strength of about 25 lbs per square inch. A variety of 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 only one stem density is more similar to hook & loop for light duty mounting applications. It is translucent and is frequently used in point-of-purchase, specialty packaging, graphics and signage applications. Like regular Dual Lock, it does have an audible snap that you do not get with hook and loop.
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 has proven itself for outdoor use and can withstand temperatures -40F to 200F. It also can withstand moisture and damp conditions making it perfect for attaching access panels. Black Dual Lock products, like SJ3550, are slightly more UV resistant than than the clear products. Low Profile Dual Lock is not suitable for outdoor use.
Q: CAN DUAL LOCK ADHERE TO MOST SUBSTRATES?
A: Rubber and acrylic adhesive options are available to adhere 3M Dual Lock to most medium and high surface energy substrates, including metals, glass, composites and plastics. Low surface energy substrates, like thermoformed rubber materials and low surface energy plastics, will need to be primed. Dual Lock is almost never used with porous or very flexible substrates like textiles, plastic films or foils. Low Profile Dual Lock is thinner, more conformable is often used with packaging materials or graphics.
Q: IS DUAL LOCK EASY TO DIE-CUT?
A: It is critically important not to crush or cut the mushroom caps while die-cutting. Halco has specific expertise in how to die-cut 3M Dual Lock and recommend that you work with Halco’s sales and estimating team for Dual Lock die-cut parts.
Q: IN WHAT SITUATIONS IS DUAL LOCK MOST FREQUENTLY USED?
A: 3M Dual Lock is a ‘blind fastener’ that allows an installer or assembly to attach a component, such as an access panel or piece of trim, and have confidence that it is a secure attachment via its audible snap. It then allows that component to be removed later for service and access.
Q: CAN DUAL LOCK BE SEWN IN? HOW IS IT ATTACHED?
A: Dual Lock should not be sewn in as its backing is fairly rigid. Most Dual Lock attachment systems rely on its pressure sensitive adhesive tape, but it can also be attached with structural adhesives or welded.
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: If you’re unable to find the specific width or size of 3M™ Dual Lock™ you’re looking for, there’s no need to worry. Simply reach out to our dedicated sales team for assistance. Send us an email detailing your requirements and our team will work with you to find or create a solution that fits your needs perfectly. We’re here to help you get exactly what you’re looking for.
Q: IS A MEDICAL VERSION AVAILABLE?
A: 3M Dual Lock can be used for certain non-FDA regulated applications, but it generally considered an industrial product.
Q: IS DUAL LOCK USED FOR MILITARY APPLICATIONS?
A: Dual Lock is a preferred solution for attaching rigid panels and is sometimes used to attach plated armor on vehicles.
Q: WHAT ELSE SHOULD I KNOW? ARE SAMPLES AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT AVAILABLE?
A: Halco is the expert in reclosable fastening solutions and has deep expertise with 3M Dual Lock. Samples are available and we provide outstanding technical support to our customers.
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
Blog Articles About Dual Lock
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Industry Standards and Certifications
- REACH & RoHS Compliant
- CALIFORNIA PROP 65