Which Velcro / hook & latch for flexible solar panels

[Capt.Don]

Originally Posted by Capt.Don

Just to close off this discussion, McMaster-Carr has polyester hook & loop with acrylic adhesive.

It turns out the McMaster-Carr polyester hook & loop uses "Velcro" adhesive.

[Goodxcharly]

I used the Velcro Brand 2” Heavy Duty 10# rating. Sewed the loop, flexible, to the Bimini. Hook, adhesive to the panel. Totally tenacious attachment and you probably could go with a narrower, 1 1/2” Velcro. Perimeter attachment.
My first try at this was adhesive for both sides with the Bimini side finally releasing in the cold weather in the fall. 1 season.

[MattN]

Personally, I use bungee cords since my flexible solar panels have eyelets all the way around the border. This makes for quick stowing and setting up when I need them.

[Nineteen]

Hi,
3M - simples👍
Cheers

[thinwater]

Originally Posted by Nineteen

Hi,
3M - simples👍
Cheers

Just curious. When do you decide to say "simples" (I always heard of these are basic garden spices) instead of "simple?"


It seems like the use of "simples" for "simple" only goes back ~ 5 years to a stupid commercial. This seems like an odd reason to adopt a word. I guess not even the British defend the English language.



sim·ples

/ˈsimpəlz/


exclamationinformal•British

exclamation: simples

1. used to convey that something is very straightforward.
   "So if you don't like the store, don't shop there! Simples!"
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Origin
early 21st century: popularized by its use as the catchphrase of a meerkat character in advertisements for the price comparison website comparethemarket.com.
---
The section where herbs were grown became the “Garden of Simples”, a 'simple' being an herb used on its own in medical treatment. Even since the 16th century, the University of Bologna was one of the most important centers of Italian Botanical culture.

[Nineteen]

Originally Posted by thinwater

Just curious. When do you decide to say "simples" (I always heard of these are basic garden spices) instead of "simple?"


It seems like the use of "simples" for "simple" only goes back ~ 5 years to a stupid commercial. This seems like an odd reason to adopt a word. I guess not even the British defend the English language.



sim·ples

/ˈsimpəlz/


exclamationinformal•British

exclamation: simples

1. used to convey that something is very straightforward.
   "So if you don't like the store, don't shop there! Simples!"
   
   
   
   
   
   

Origin

early 21st century: popularized by its use as the catchphrase of a meerkat character in advertisements for the price comparison website comparethemarket.com.
---
The section where herbs were grown became the “Garden of Simples”, a 'simple' being an herb used on its own in medical treatment. Even since the 16th century, the University of Bologna was one of the most important centers of Italian Botanical culture.

Thanks for the overview. I was trying to add a Dash of humour to my reply - simple🫣

In addition, I do still find the meerkat ads funny, but they have never swayed me to use their advertised services.

Finally, I still think 3M is the way to go with Velcro hook and loop FWIW.

Cheers

Tom

[thinwater]

Originally Posted by Nineteen

... Finally, I still think 3M is the way to go with Velcro hook and loop FWIW.

Cheers

Tom

3M makes good stuff, but bonding anything SA, to fabric is tough. OK on the panel, but it really needs to be sewn to the cloth.



In fact you can use SA on cloth, such as VHB tape, but you have to coat the cloth first to create a smooth surface. Epoxy is common, other things are less permanent. Sewing is probably easier.

[PegasusPete]

I used 3M dual lock, along with their recommended primer for the adhesive. Not cheap but decided it was easier when I couldn't get my cheap industrial sewing machine to go through the panel. I have been surprised at how well the dual lock has stayed stuck to the bimini fabric. No doubt the primer makes a big difference.
After my flexible panel experience if I could fit solid panels I would and accept the extra weight in exchange for panel longevity.