Command strips are fantastic devices for hanging things up on the wall without making holes in your walls.
But when you first start using them, you want to make sure you’re doing it right.
You don’t want to try this new tool just to find out that you’re not using it properly and that the pictures are falling down around your home!
9 Tips for Hanging Command Strips & Hooks The Right Way
To help you start using command strips like a pro, we’ve gathered the top 9 questions that people often have about these handy tools.
This way, you can feel confident that you’re using them correctly and that your pictures, shelves, and other decorations stay up!
Table of Contents
- 9 Tips for Hanging Command Strips & Hooks The Right Way
- 1. Why Are Command Strips So Expensive?
- 2. Why Do My Command Hooks Keep Falling?
- 3. Why Do My Command Strips Keep Falling?
- 4. Why Do Command Strips Fail?
- 5. Why Are My Command Strips Not Sticking to the Wall?
- 6. Do You Have to Wait an Hour for Command Strips?
- 7. Do Command Strips Work on Textured Walls?
- 8. How to Make Command Strips Sticky Again?
- 9. Do Command Strips Work on Concrete?
- Final Thoughts
1. Why Are Command Strips So Expensive?
Many people wonder why command strips are so expensive, especially when they can simply use a command strip alternative such as nails at such a reduced cost.
The reason is that each strip contains an adhesive that is incredibly strong and durable. This adhesive allows the strip to hold up a lot of weight without coming loose or falling down.
Plus, they won’t damage your walls or other surfaces, since you can remove the strip without leaving any residue behind.
So, while they may be a bit more expensive than some other options, they are well worth the price tag for their functionality and convenience.
2. Why Do My Command Hooks Keep Falling?
If your strip is staying on but the hook is falling off, you may want to consider changing the amount of weight you’re hanging from the strip.
Some of the strips can only hold up to three pounds while others are rated for five or more.
So, depending on what you’re hanging, it could be too heavy for that particular type of strip. It’s always best to check before purchasing them so that you know which ones will work best with your needs in mind.
For example, we recommend using either the Jumbo Hooks or several command strips to evenly distribute the weight if you want to hang a mirror.
In addition, if the adhesive strip starts to wear down over time, it could also contribute to your hooks falling off. If this is the case, you can simply replace the old strip with a new one for continued use.
3. Why Do My Command Strips Keep Falling?
If you’re having trouble with your command strips staying up, it’s likely because the surface isn’t prepared for the strip.
It’s important to check for debris and particles on the wall to clean the area with soap or rubbing alcohol first. Make sure that the strip is completely flat against the surface before pressing down on the hook.
If there are any bubbles or creases in the strip, it will be more difficult for the adhesive to hold and the strip may fall off over time. Be sure to smooth out the strip before applying the hook for the best results.
In some cases, you may also need a stronger adhesive if your surface is particularly porous or rough. In this case, using outdoor mounting tape as pictured above can provide a more secure hold.
4. Why Do Command Strips Fail?
The main reason command strips fail is that they aren’t properly applied to the surface.
It’s important to take the time to read the instructions and make sure the strip is clean, flat, and dry before applying it.
This way, you can identify if there are any problems such as a weak adhesive or improper surface preparation.
By following the instructions closely, you can help to ensure that your command strips will stay in place for as long as you need them.
5. Why Are My Command Strips Not Sticking to the Wall?
If your command strips aren’t sticking to the wall, you may want to double-check that you have used your strips on a wall that is approved to work with the product.
You can use your command strips on glass, metal, painted wallboard, tile, and painted cinder blocks. Don’t use them on brick, moderately to extremely rough surfaces, non-stick surfaces, or wallpaper.
If you follow these guidelines, you should be able to get your command strips to stick to the wall with no problem.
6. Do You Have to Wait an Hour for Command Strips?
Waiting an hour before you hang anything on your command strips is important to do because it gives the adhesive time to set.
This can help ensure that your command strips will stay in place for longer when you hang items from them.
It’s always best practice to wait the full hour, even if it feels like the strip is holding well enough at first glance.
It’s especially important not to risk it if you’re hanging delicate items or something with a high weight capacity.
You’ll also want to make sure that you apply a lot of pressure when you first put the strip on the wall. The more pressure you apply, the better chance that it will stick to your surface area.
7. Do Command Strips Work on Textured Walls?
In general, it’s not advised to use command strips on textured walls. This is especially true if you have a rough texture or pattern to your wall, as the adhesive may not be strong enough to hold onto that type of surface.
However, it’s worth noting that while they aren’t recommended for use with most textures, some people do report success using them on mildly textured walls.
In general, though, if you have a textured wall, then it’s best to avoid using command strips entirely since they aren’t meant for that type of surface.
If you do choose to try them out on your textured walls anyway, be sure not to hang anything too heavy from them as the adhesive might not hold up well enough to support it.
8. How to Make Command Strips Sticky Again?
In general, strips are one-time-use products. Certain command strips come with re-usable adhesive backs, but using those again will decrease the lifespan of the product.
If you need to use a command strip for a second time, there is one way to try to reconstitute a sticky surface. It involves cutting off a small part of the surface to reveal a new sticky area below.
You can use a hairdryer for 20-30 seconds to blow on the strip, then use dental floss to wiggle it between the adhesive on the strip and the surface it has been stuck to.
With the floss, you may be able to “cut” off a thin layer of the adhesive, and the strip may be successfully removed.
It’s important to remember that by reusing a strip instead of replacing it, you may decrease the lifespan of the product. It may also reduce the weight capacity of the strip.
If you can afford it, it’s probably best to simply replace your strips so that you know they will be effective.
9. Do Command Strips Work on Concrete?
Command strips are not recommended for use on concrete. The adhesive is not strong enough to stick to that type of surface.
This is because concrete is porous, which makes it hard for the strip to form a strong bond.
If you try to use them on concrete, they may come off very easily or even damage the surface. It’s best not to take the risk and avoid using command strips on concrete altogether.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, here are a few things to keep in mind when using command strips. If you follow these guidelines, you should be able to avoid any problems and successfully hang items on your walls with ease.
Just remember that it’s always best to test a strip out first in a small, inconspicuous area before applying it to your desired surface. Thanks for reading and happy hanging!
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