How much weight can Command Strips hold? In pounds and kg
For someone like me who loves to hang wall decor and other stuff like plant holders and mirrors on my walls, the advent of the 3M Command Strip is a boon for me.
Not only are they super easy to install and hold a very decent amount of weight, but they also do not leave behind ugly holes that need repairing later on.
There’s just one tiny issue people sometimes face: How much weight can Command Strips hold?
There is a huge number of products under the 3M Command line, including items such as Jewelry Rack, Clothes Hanger, Hooks, Caddy, Outdoor Window Hooks, and of course, the Picture Hanging strips, which we will examine in detail here.
Within the Command Picture Hanging series, you get to choose from small, medium, and large sizes, as well as several other specialized hanging strips such as sawtooth sticky nail hangers and picture clips.
In this post, you will find out more about this nifty little tool and the weight limits you should stay within in order not to have all your precious decor dropping off!
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What are Command Strips?
Command Strips are a product made by the company 3M, which makes many different types of products spanning from abrasives, adhesives, and many common household consumer electronics components.
With Command Strips, you can easily put up wall decor such as picture frames and mirrors without the need to use any nails.
This makes them a great product to use around the house for decorating and organizing without causing damage.
The way it works is that the strips have 2 sides of adhesives and they click together just like how velcro does.
You peel off one side and stick it to the object you’re hanging, and then peel off the other side and stick it to the surface where you are hanging.
You have to be careful though, as they do not work on every kind of surface imaginable.
The good thing is that they stick to most of the common surfaces found in our homes, such as wood, glass, metal, tiles, and other smooth surfaces.
They do not work well on rough surfaces, for which you need to consider alternatives to Command Strips.
Why is the weight limit of Command Strips important?
I would assume that you would want to keep your picture frames hanging on your walls for as long as possible unless you are someone like me who likes to tinker with them once too often.
If you are like me, the good news is that you can easily lift the picture frame off and replace it with another.
And if you are changing the location completely, you can easily remove the strips without leaving behind any marks or risk damaging the surface.
But if you intend to leave them on for some time, it is important to adhere to the Command Strips weight limit.
Although I have tested hanging things that are heavier than the weight limit, I do not recommend doing that at all.
The simple reason is that the object simply won’t hold up!
The heavier the object, the more pressure it applies on the Command Strip, and over time, it will peel away and drop down with an unglamorous thud.
If you use a lighter object than the recommended weight limit, the Command Strips will be able to last a much longer time.
Although the brand seems to claim that it will last indefinitely, I think it is more reasonable to think it will last 5 years or so.
So how much weight do Command Strips hold? In pounds and kg
Earlier, I mentioned that Command Picture Hanging Strips come in 3 main sizes. Here is a table that shows the weight limit of each size in both pounds and kg.
| Model/Size | Pounds | Kg |
| Command Small Picture Hanging Strips | 1 pound/set, up to 4 pounds | 0.45kg/set, up to 1.8kg |
| Command Medium Picture Hanging Strips | 3 pounds/ set, up to 12 pounds | 1.36kg/set, up to 5.44kg |
| Command Large Picture Hanging Strips | 4 pounds/set, up to 16 pounds | 1.81kg/set, up to 7.24kg |
What should I avoid hanging with Command Strips?
Anything precious! To be more accurate, you shouldn’t hang anything beyond the weight limits of each type of Command Strip.
They are there for a reason unless you want the strips to start peeling off quickly and damage the item you are hanging.
When it comes to objects, you really do not want to risk hanging precious items like antiques, expensive paintings, or anything that is irreplaceable.
As much as Command Strips are reliable, I would never risk hanging my most precious decor.
Over time, the strength of the adhesive will deteriorate and interaction with the environment will also dull its effectiveness.
I would also suggest that you do not hang anything above expensive or easy to break such as glassware and any fragile items, as well as not over your bed!
Tips on the best way to use Command Strips
To make the best use of your newly bought Command Strips, I would recommend following the tips here.
They can help you get the most out of it and reduce the risk of something going wrong.
Tip 1: Prepare the surface before sticking on Command Strips
This step is critical and often overlooked by homeowners who want a quick and easy way to hang their wall decor.
The thing is, if you skip this step, it is highly likely that the adhesives will not stick well and cause your frames to start dropping very quickly.
Take a few minutes to prepare the area and you will see great results.
First, wipe the area with rubbing alcohol as this cleans the surface and removes any dirt or grime that the naked eye might miss.
DO NOT use cleaning solutions such as sprays or wipes as they will cause the surface to become slippery, which means no stickiness.
Tip 2: Add pressure to the installation
After you have prepped your site, leave it to air dry for a minute or two.
Before you stick the frame onto the wall, remember to remove any hanging frames as they are not needed.
As you stick the frame on, apply firm pressure on the top part for at least 30 seconds, and then do the same in the middle.
Remove the frame by lifting it from the bottom, and now, you use your fingers to apply pressure to the Command Strips for another 30 seconds each.
Let it sit for at least an hour before attaching the frame back.
Check out this video to get a better understanding:
Tip 3: Surfaces to avoid
I have mentioned the type of surfaces that will work well with Command Strips, and here are a few that you should 100% avoid as they will almost certainly cause damage after removal:
- Paper
- Fabric
- Any soft surfaces
Tip 4: Removal
If you decide to remove the Command Strips one day, you first peel the picture frame off the wall by lifting it from the bottom.
Next, and most importantly, use one hand to pull DOWN on the strip while another hand presses on it so that it “releases” itself.
Do not pull up or towards you as that will not work!
Commonly used Command products
Searching for a Command product to use in your home? Check out the most popular ones here!
Command Large Picture Hanging Strips
Command Medium Picture Hanging Strips
Command Poster Strips
Command Jumbo Plastic Hook
Command Medium Caddy
Command Hand Towel Bar
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can multiple command strips hold more weight?
How much weight can 2 large Command Strips hold?
Can command strips hold shelves?
What Command Strip holds the most weight?
How much weight can Command Hooks hold?
In conclusion: How much weight can Command Strips hold?
As you can probably tell by now, Command Strips are highly versatile and useful tools to use around the home.
When using it the next time, I hope you have learned how to fully utilize it, install it safely in the right way, and just how strong are Command Strips.
Keep in mind what items you will be hanging, the type of surface, as well as stay within the weight limits and you will get the most out of them.
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