Command Strips and Alternatives, are meant to allow you to hang photos, posters, and other flat items on the walls of your house. They cause no damage to these walls and also ensure that your decorative items don’t fall off the walls. They are a better alternative to nails, tacks, and other hanging options that leave holes in your walls when removed. The guarantee here is that they won’t come undone like regular double-sided tape when you put them up. But do they work as well as they claim?
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Do Command Strips Work As They Claim?
Surprisingly, the business of hanging objects on walls is quite large. There was obviously a gap to be closed here, as the typical method of hammering and nailing produces holes in the walls and sometimes results in things tumbling off the wall. Not only are Command Strips apparently effective, but they’re also simple to use, so even if you’re not particularly skilled with a hammer, you can use them without fear of making a mistake.
What Could Cause Your Command Strips To Fail?
Here are several common but avoidable mistakes that could cause your Command strips not to work as they should:
Not Reading the Instructions
Many individuals have a habit of purchasing and using things that appear to be simple enough without reading the directions on the packaging. When it comes to Command Strips, though, this is the number one blunder to avoid. There’s a little more to these adhesive strips than meets the eye. Always check their packages for the correct information and follow the illustrated steps on the back to make them function.
Using Rough Surfaces
Command Strips are meant to work only on a completely smooth surface. Though sometimes you might try them on a brick wall and get lucky, they aren’t designed to function well on rough surfaces. So it is advisable to avoid using them on things like wood, concrete, and popcorn ceiling. Similarly, if you want to use them in moist areas, ensure you get the water-resistant version.
Neglecting to Prep
The majority of surfaces, including your house walls, have some level of filth or dust on them. Command Strips require a fresh, clean surface to begin with to form a healthy bond. It is thus best to start by rubbing the area where you intend to install your Command Strip using rubbing alcohol before installing the strip. It barely takes a second and has a significant impact.
Getting Impatient
There are two things you should not overlook when hanging your artwork or decor. If you recently painted your wall, you will need to wait at least seven days before hanging anything on it. If you don’t do this, your Command Strips will stick to the wall incorrectly.
Second, while using Command Strips, ensure you press them down for a minimum of thirty seconds to allow them to adhere to the surface properly.
Ignoring the Weight Restriction
Each Command item has its size and weight limitations. As a result, it’s critical to ensure you get the correct kind for your job and don’t overburden them with something too heavy or large. The large strips can support objects weighing up to 16 pounds and ranging from 24 to 36 inches in size. The smaller strips, on the other hand, can only support a maximum weight of 4 pounds.
Pulling Out Instead of Down
This is probably the most common mistake people make when using Command strips. When it’s time to take them down, don’t pull the tab out of the wall. You’ll end up causing damage to the wall. It may seem counterintuitive, but you should pull the tab straight down to the floor. If this doesn’t work or the tab is missing, heat the adhesive for a few seconds to loosen it, then work some dental floss in between the strip and the wall.
What Are the Possible Alternatives to Command Strips?
The following are some alternatives to command strips that you can also use to hang your decorations throughout your home:
Adhesive Hooks
Adhesive hooks are a wonderful alternative to Command Strips since they are inexpensive, simple to apply, and leave no residue on your walls. With the adhesive backing provided, they can be placed anywhere you like. Ensure that the area where you wish to install them is spotless before doing so.
Because hooks can hold larger things and come in a wider range of sizes, they may be more useful than command strips. They can also be rather attractive and give a touch of class to your wall. They also make it simple to remove objects from your walls if you want to change your decor.
Nails
Another fantastic alternative to command strips is nails. They’re simple to use and come in a wide range of sizes, so there’s plenty to choose from.
Nails are also incredibly cost-effective, making them ideal for larger tasks requiring multiple items to be hung. They leave little holes in the wall that can be filled and painted over if you wish to change your decoration when they are removed.
Monkey Hooks
The best way to hang anything on drywall is with monkey hooks. These hooks don’t require any tools or studs, and their only effect on the wall is a tiny pinhole.
Puncture the hanger and force it into the wall, then twist it to keep it in place. The component will be secured by a self-locking function, leaving you with a tiny clean hook that can hold up to 50 pounds of weight.
For larger or unusually shaped products, additional hooks can be used.
Other alternatives to Command Strips include:
- Hardwall Hangers
- Corkboards
- Hook and Loop Velcro
- Double-Sided Tape
- Magnetic Dots
Conclusion
While Command Strips may not work for everyone, they do for the majority of individuals. To avoid problems when using Command Strips, be careful to avoid the mistakes listed above.
If Command Strips aren’t an option for you, the options listed above can be used instead.