3M VHB Vs. Gorilla Tape: Mounting Lightweight Objects in Humid Environments

3M VHB Vs. Gorilla Tape: what’s the difference?

3M VHB Vs. Gorilla Tape: Specs & Uses

Technical Info

	3M VHB	Gorilla Tape
Rating	★★★★★	★★★★
Datasheet	📥3M VHBTM Tape 5952	📥Gorilla Heavy-Duty Mounting Tape
Thickness	1.1 mm (0.045 in)	43 Mils
Adhesive	Modified acrylic	Modified acrylic
Bonding Strength	39 N/cm (peel adhesion to aluminum)	30 lbs per 1″ width
Shear Strength	80 lb/in2	Holds up to 30 lbs per square inch
Application Temperature	50°F min	50°F min
Roll Width	0.25-48 in	1/2″, 3/4″, 1″
Storage	40-100°F, 0-95% RH	Store in cool, dry place 64-72°F, 30-70% RH

My Hands-on Test of Gorilla Heavy-Duty Mounting Tape

✅incredibly Strong Bond

This tape forms an incredibly strong bond that can potentially pull off paint or damage surfaces if you try to remove it later. So think carefully about placement before applying!

That being said, the permanent nature of this tape makes it ideal for a variety of heavy-duty mounting applications, both indoors and outdoors. I’ve used it to permanently mount things like screens, signs, artwork, acoustic foam panels, and more to walls and other surfaces with great success. The key is having enough surface area for the adhesive to fully adhere.

Fix Growth Chart to the Wall

Our kid’s growth chart came loose off the wall and the hole in the drywall was too big for a screw to work again. So we turned to Gorilla mounting tape to help us secure the board in place. Gorilla mounting tape is a double-sided tape that mounts in an instant for a long-lasting bond, and it’s perfect for pictures or DIY projects like this one up to 3 quarters of an inch thick.

First we adhered the tape to the growth chart on the top, and then repeated it on the bottom.

Then we peeled the backer and pressed the growth chart back up onto the wall for about 60 seconds. Gorilla mounting tape holds 1 pound per 4 inches of tape, so this lightboard was no problem.

Now our growth chart should be totally secure in place. Next time you need to hang something, reach for Gorilla mounting tape.

Mounting Objects to Concrete

One area where this tape really shines is mounting objects to concrete, brick, or cinder block. I’ve mounted wooden furniture legs to bathroom floors, plastic sheathing to crawl space walls, and artwork directly to cinder block walls – all with Gorilla Tape holding strong. It can definitely handle moisture exposure too.

For outdoor applications like mounting cameras or lights, Gorilla Tape is up to the task. It can withstand extreme cold down to -40°F without losing its grip. I’ve attached cameras, solar lights, and more around the exterior of my home using this heavy-duty tape.

The tape also works great for adhering to certain plastics, rubber, wood, metal, and more. I’ve used it to reinforce command hook mounting on walls and secure a dash cam to my car’s windshield without any damage upon removal. However, it is not recommended for polyethylene or polypropylene plastics.

❌Cons

There are some applications where Gorilla Tape is not ideal though. It cannot support objects deeper than 0.75 inches, so larger hangings like a medicine cabinet or pelican case are too heavy. It’s also not meant for bonding fabrics, so I wouldn’t use it for hemming pants or similar fabric projects. Gorilla explicitly advises against using this tape inside clothes dryers as well.

If you do need to remove this heavy-duty tape eventually, heat can help loosen the adhesive according to some users. But be very careful, as improper removal could damage surfaces. In general, I recommend planning for permanent mounting with this product.

FAQ of Gorilla Heavy-Duty Mounting Tape

My Hands-on Test of 3M VHB Tape

✅Pros: 3M VHB Tape

One of the standout features of the genuine 3M tape is its ability to adhere to various surfaces. I have successfully used it on smooth surfaces such as glass, wood, and plastic with excellent results. Whether it was sticking my phone mount to the dashboard or holding batteries together for my UPS, this tape demonstrated its strength and durability. It can withstand a wide range of temperatures, from freezing conditions to scorching hot summers exceeding 115°F. I highly recommend opting for the larger 36-yard roll instead of the smaller ones, as the quality is superior and it provides better value for your money.

In my experience, the 3M VHB tape has been a reliable choice for bonding various materials, akin to welding. I have successfully used it to bond powder-coated aluminum parts, providing a strong and secure connection. However, it’s important to note that once this tape is applied, it becomes extremely difficult to remove. It’s a testament to its adhesive power, but it also means that you need to be mindful of the application process and ensure proper alignment before committing to the bond.

❌Cons: 3M VHB Tape

However, I must caution potential buyers about counterfeit products on the market, particularly those falsely labeled as 3M. It’s essential to ensure you are purchasing the genuine 3M tape, as there are inferior imitations available. I have personally encountered such fakes on online platforms like Amazon, and it’s disheartening to see the prevalence of subpar products. Therefore, it’s crucial to verify the authenticity of the tape you purchase, especially when it comes to critical applications.

The length of the tape provided in some cases has also been inconsistent with the advertised specifications. It’s disappointing when expectations are not met, such as receiving a roll that falls short in length. It’s crucial for manufacturers and suppliers to ensure accuracy in their product descriptions to avoid customer dissatisfaction.

FAQ of 3M VHB Tape