I get that it’s bulk packaging, but instead of a clear bag mine came in something that gives off a used/returned vibe. Plus, it’s the only recent Amazon order that COULD have shipped in a plastic bubble mailer, but they mailed a box! I'm used to FRAGILE items tossed in bags instead of boxes, and this is the order that finally comes boxed.
As you can see, some of strips were miscut… possibly factory mistake, possibly sloppy box-cutter work by the distributor. Either way, someone stuffed damaged goods into my Nixie Bag, and we haven’t even tried them out.
Instructions say to stick the frames first, but they don’t make you wait an hour or prep with alcohol (I noticed these didn’t come with wet wipes like other packages). It’s the same adhesive on all the strips! Prep one surface but not the other?
Okay so sticking the frame first makes for easy alignment without measuring, but you’ll probably want to measure the hanging height to get the center at the standard 57” eyeline and measure again to make sure it’s centered or spaced correctly. And if you can’t rest a level on the top of your frame, you’ll probably have to draw a line to mount the frame level since it won’t tip like a nail/hook installation.
Once you’ve mounted the frame you have to mash on it for 30 seconds at each tape, so hopefully your frame is sturdy enough. I imagine some decorative frames that aren’t prohibitively heavy wouldn’t be up to the task (you could always measure and stick the wall instead).
Now that it’s mounted, you have to take it down! The tape needs an hour to fully stick to the wall (and presumably your frame), and you’re supposed to yank the frame off the wall! The tape is loose so you want me to pull on it?
This is my biggest beef with Command products. No matter how carefully you prep or how long you press your thumbs purple, there’s a good chance that tape is coming off of one or both surfaces. If it’s old stock (hey 3M, how about some born-on dates?) the chances increase. I really shouldn’t have to buy extras, because the same batch is likely to have the same problems, and you can’t really save them for future use as they dry out.
In practice, you need to wait at least a day (not an hour) before you complete hanging and another day before using any shelves, baskets, or hooks. If it lasts the week, it should stay until removed.
It should be much easier to remove the backing from the strips. You sometimes have to use a knife or razor blade to try to lift the film away from the foam. Having tweezers or a needle now pliers can also help once you’ve a corner peeled up a bit. In a pinch, a pin (straight or safety) can work: bend up a corner with the point and harpoon that corner to pull up the rest.
Since theses strips hook together not too unlike Velcro, there is some ability to adjust the frame. The further out of registration the frame is moved, the less grip the tapes will have. The wall tapes may also become viewable if the frame is moved over too much.
| Manufacturer | 3M |
|---|---|
| Part Number | PH206-14NA |
| Item Weight | 1.49 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 9.63 x 7.5 x 0.75 inches |
| Country of Origin | USA |
| Item model number | PH206-14NA |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Size | 14 Pairs |
| Color | White |
| Style | 14 Pairs |
| Finish | white |
| Material | Strips |
| Pattern | Striped |
| Shape | Rectangular |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Included Components | Strips, Bag, Product Detail Card/Instructions |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
