How to use Command™ Hooks and Strips
Command™ adhesive holds strongly to a variety of surfaces including wood, tile and glass as well as solid, hollow and painted walls. It removes cleanly using 3M stretch-release technology, leaving no cracks, holes, damaged plaster or sticky residue.
Master the how to with our step-by-step videos and instructions.
First select which type of Command™ Products you are using:
Find out how to use Command™ Hooks and Strips correctly!
Watch our short step-by-step videos showing you how to use Command™ Hooks correctly, and remove them without any damage to the wall.
KEY TIPS: You must wait 1 hour before hanging. When removing, stretch straight down, slowly.
Step-by Step Guide: How to use Command™ Hooks
Read through our step-by-step guide with diagrams on how to use Command™ hooks to make sure you get it right first time.
Important tips to follow when applying Command™ Hooks: Wait 7 days after painting before use. Do not hang over beds. Do not use on wallpapers, vinyl surfaces or other delicate or weak surfaces. Do not hang valuable items. Use indoors +10°C to +40°C. Failure to follow instructions carefully may cause damage.
Step 1: Prepare
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First, clean the wall with isopropyl rubbing alcohol by wiping gently. Don't use household cleaners like wipes or sprays because they leave behind a slippery residue.
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Separate the strips and remove the red liner. Press the strip onto the backside of the hook.
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Now press the hook firmly against the wall for about 30 seconds. The harder you press, the stronger the adhesive bond will be.
Step 2: Apply
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In order to get the adhesive to really stick, you need to slide the hook up and off the mounting base.
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Now press the base firmly against the wall for 30 more seconds.
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Slide the hook back on. Wait 1 hour before hanging anything on the hook. This allows the adhesive bond to reach maximum strength. Check your package for the correct weight limits.
Step 3: Remove
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If you don't see the Command™ Strip poking out of the bottom of your hook, then slide the hook up to reveal the mounting base and strip.
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Hold the base gently in place (so it doesn't snap your fingers!), but don't press it against the wall.
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Remember to never pull the strip towards you. Always pull straight down as slow as you can.
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Slowly stretch the strip straight down, keeping your hand against the wall as you go. Keep stretching up to 30 cm until the hook releases from the strip.
How to Apply a Command™ Clear Hook with Clear Strip
Read through our step-by-step guide with diagrams on how to use Command™ Clear Hook with Clear Strip to make sure you get it right first time.
Command™ Clear Hooks with clear strips blend in seamlessly allowing you to show what matters most, your decor, (not how it's hung up). To apply a clear strip correctly the strip should be placed on the wall first. This is because Command™ Clear strips are thinner and flatter (more like a tape than a foam strip), so they need a bit more direct pressure to make sure they have full adhesion to the wall.
Step 1: Prepare and Apply
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Clear strips work best on smooth surfaces. Clean with isopropyl rubbing alcohol by wiping gently. Don't use household cleaners like wipes or sprays because they leave behind a slippery residue.
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Separate the strips and remove the black liner—it's the one marked "Wall Side". Now press the strip directly onto the wall where you want to hang your hook. Press along the entire strip for 30 seconds.
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Finally, remove the blue liner and press the hook onto the strip firmly for about 30 seconds. The harder you press, the stronger the adhesive bond will be. Wait 1 hour before hanging anything on the hook. This allows the adhesive bond to reach maximum strength. Check your packaging for the correct weight limits.
Step 2: Remove
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Hold the hook gently in place (so it doesn't snap your fingers!) but don't press it against the wall.
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Remember to never pull the strip towards you. Always pull straight down as slow as you can.
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Slowly stretch the strip straight down, keeping your hand against the wall as you go. Keep stretching up to 30 cm until the hook releases from the strip.
What surfaces can I use Command™ Strips on without causing damage?
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Great for surfaces notoriously difficult to drill!
Command™ adhesive holds strongly to a variety of surfaces including solid, hollow and painted walls, and those difficult to drill - such as tiles and glass.
Command™ Strips are easy to remove – leaving no cracks, holes, damaged plaster or sticky residue.
Holding power and damage free removal make Command™ Strips perfect for rented homes and accommodation where drilling isn't allowed, helping you ensure you keep your deposit!
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All our Command™ Products and strip types have a maximum holding power.
Not sure which Command™ Product is right for you? We weighed some common household objects to give you a better understanding of the amount of weight you’re hanging on your walls. Explore our Command™ Weight Reference Guide to find the best Command™ Product for your project.
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Even the lightest items need the right support. Our smaller hooks will hold the equivalent of a small jar of your favourite jam or choccie spread. Sweet!
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Flour, rice and pasta usually come in 500 g, 1 kg or 2 kg options. Think of a medium sized bag of flour when using our medium sized hooks.
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For more heavy items you want a damage-free hanging solution that’s up to the task. 2 kg is around the weight a standard box of washing powder. If you're unsure how much weight your hooks can hold, just check the weight stated on the box.
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3.6 kg / 8 lbLooking for a solution to hang your heavier objects? Just compare your item to a mega 6-pint bottle of milk, as that weighs about 3.6 kg!
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5.4 kg / 12 lbItems such as picture frames and pinboards can start to get really heavy and this is where our Picture Hanging Strips step in. Medium hanging strips will hold the equivalent of a 5 litre can of paint. Once the paint has dried, start hanging!
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The holding power of our large picture hanging strips almost defies belief! The heaviest ball in the bowling alley is the equivalent to 7 kg, which is pretty impressive and means these hooks are reliable enough for your biggest frames and pictures.
Command™ Hooks frequently asked questions
Have a question? Take a look at our frequently asked questions by our customers, or click the link to see all frequently asked questions.
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Q: Why do I have to wait an hour before using the product?
A: The one-hour wait ensures that the adhesive has had enough time to build strong adhesion to the wall or surface before any weight is placed on it. After initial application we always recommend that you remove the frame (Command™ Picture Strips) or Hook Piece (Command™ Hooks) from the wall, in order to press firmly on the strips for 30 seconds. Leave for at least one hour before rehanging/reattaching.
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Q: Can I use Command™ Products on wallpaper?
A: You should not use Command™ Products on delicate or paper wallpaper. It may not adhere well to some vinyl wallpapers. Due to the wide range of wallpaper finishes available, some types may be particularly delicate. It is important to note Command™ adhesive is only as strong as the wallpaper's adhesive bond to the surface below.
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Q: What happens if I pull too hard when removing, and the strip breaks?
A: Simply heat up the base plate with a hair dryer to soften the adhesive. Then use dental floss to gently cut through the foam to remove the hook or hanger from the surface. Stretch or peel off the remaining adhesive.
Looking for some inspiration and home hacks?
Take a look at our organising projects to inspire your own.
