VELCRO® Brand HI-GARDE® Fasteners

VELCRO® Brand HI-GARDE® Fasteners as the “nothing phases me” version of hook and loop. Instead of nylon or polyester, they’re made from stainless-steel hook and loop, which means they can handle some seriously harsh environments—peak temperatures up to 800°F (426.6°C) and continued operating temperatures up to 650°F (343.3°C). They also shrug off corrosion like it’s no big deal.

One thing to know up front: because they’re stainless steel, they aren’t meant for lots of opening and closing. Their cycle life is low by design. So if you need something for repeated daily use, these probably aren’t the right fit.

But if you need a fastener that’s all about surviving heat, chemicals, and punishing conditions, HI-GARDE® shines. They’re perfect for jobs like securing insulation blankets and jackets on high-temp industrial equipment—places where durability matters way more than reusability. And beyond performance, they help protect workers and keep operations safe in environments where failure isn’t an option.

When Should You Use HI-GARDE® Fasteners?

Use HI-GARDE® when your application involves:

• Extreme heat
• Chemical or corrosive exposure
• A need for long-lasting reliability, not frequent reuse

VELCRO Companies notes that HI-GARDE® is the only VELCRO® Brand fastener capable of withstanding temperatures up to 800°F. If that sounds like your world, these stainless-steel closures are exactly what you want.

Who Can Help With Custom HI-GARDE® Solutions?

VELCRO Companies also maintain a list of specialized partners—called Platinum Converters—who are qualified to fabricate custom solutions using these materials.

Steve Pope, VP of Speedtech International, puts it nicely:
“We’re proud to be one of the few Platinum Converters in North America. As one of the first custom fabricators working with HI-GARDE®, we’re uniquely equipped to help you build a solution that can stand up to extreme heat or chemical exposure.”

Common Applications for HI-GARDE® Fasteners

These fasteners show up anywhere high heat, harsh chemicals, or tough environments would destroy a typical hook and loop. Some of the most common uses include:

• Semiconductor heating & cooling units: Holding insulation blankets and jackets in place
• Oil refineries & chemical plants: Securing high-temp insulation on pipes, tanks, and equipment
• Power plants & metalworking shops: Staying put through extreme heat and vibration
• Aerospace & transportation: Fire protection, thermal insulation, and electrical resistance
• High-temperature plenum spaces: Tool-free installation for insulation and cable management
• Electrical insulation garments & panels: When you need both heat and electrical protection, such as in control rooms and compressor stations

Key Features & Capabilities

• Woven from 100% stainless-steel yarns—both hook and loop
• Withstands operating temperatures up to 800°F (426.6°C)
• Can be sewn, welded, or adhesively mounted
• Built to resist corrosion and harsh environments
• Low cycle life, making them ideal for applications where reliability under extreme conditions matters more than frequent reopening

Things to Keep in Mind

A few practical considerations:

• They’re built for extreme environments, so expect a higher cost than typical consumer hook-and-loop.
• They’re not for high-cycle applications. If you need to open/close something dozens or hundreds of times, look elsewhere.
• Because they’re stainless steel, they feel and behave differently from standard fabric fasteners—you’ll want to test them for your setup.
• High-temp performance is just one part of the equation. Make sure your substrate, mounting method, and environment (chemicals, abrasion, etc.) all work together.

To avoid guessing—and to make sure your solution is safe and reliable—it’s always smart to talk with a VELCRO® Brand Fastener expert who can guide you toward the right material or help build a custom configuration.