September 22, 2004

7:44 PM

When I replaced cars recently, I kept my EZ-Pass (toll paying thingie, for anyone living where it has a different name) device, but of course couldn't keep the velcro strips that went on the old car's windshield. I tried buying generic velcro stick-on tabs at Pep Boys, but they all proved too lightweight for a heavy bulky EZ-Pass unit. I need the extra-durable ones that come with the pass, but two e-mails and a phone message to EZ-Pass has left no response... is there anywhere I can buy the velcro strips on their own, without having to order an entire new device?
posted by XQUZYPHYR to (12 comments total)

Fabric shops, or even the local kMart.
posted by Smart Dalek at 7:50 PM on September 22, 2004

I cross a toll bridge almost daily, and the folks that work the toll booths there have the strips on hand. I had a placement issue with tolltag in my car due to an in-the-windshield antenna, and went through about six strips before it worked properly.
posted by samuelad at 8:05 PM on September 22, 2004

In Illinois, you can reorder the strips from getipass.com. I used that when I traded in my truck because I couldn't get the strips off the windshielf without melting the glue. Maybe in your state, you can do the same?
posted by JollyWanker at 8:55 PM on September 22, 2004

Damn - I need to due the same! I'm watching this thread for the Velcro source.,
posted by troutfishing at 9:03 PM on September 22, 2004

I had the same problem and ended up buying a suction cup-based holder like this (though not from them). Many gas stations sell them, and you don't have to gunk up your windshield.
posted by sad_otter at 9:16 PM on September 22, 2004

As far as I know they send you new passes for free, so you could get a new pass, yank the strips and then send it back in. I had 3 passes for a while, 2 cars 1 motorcycle. I never used the strips so when I turned them in I retained them. Just for this purpose.
Should I put them on ebay? hehehehe

Or maybe troutfishing would like them? Provided I can still find that that is. I think I can. I have a haunting recollection in my mind of them, which means I have seen them recently.
posted by a3matrix at 6:47 AM on September 23, 2004

We have a local office that has an envelope with the velcro strips outside, just for the taking. If you don't have a local place like that, and want me to send you a set (if a3 can't find'em), drop me an email.
posted by thatothrgirl at 8:51 AM on September 23, 2004

Update: a non-Mefite reading the thread sent me a private e-mail, he gave me permission to reprint it:

I'm a long (long long) time lurker at metafilter but alas, no login. I saw your recent question about the EZ-Pass.

The product you're looking for is 3M Dual Lock. Most people assume it's a velcro product, but in fact the technology was invented by 3M.

I just happen to be a 3M Engineered Adhesives Specialist (i.e. Account Rep) up in Connecticut and deal with this product, among many others, on a daily basis.

Here's a link to 3M's product site I asked him to send me. This looks like it.
posted by XQUZYPHYR at 9:02 AM on September 23, 2004

On my EZ-Pass provider's web site (e470.com but you have to log in to access the request) they'll mail you a set for nuthin'.
posted by m@ at 9:18 AM on September 23, 2004

Just stick it in your glove compartment - it should still work there.
posted by gottabefunky at 10:29 AM on September 23, 2004

Gottabefunky, I can vouch that that's a good way to get a letter from the toll authority, complete with picture of you and your license place, looking to collect on an unpaid toll. Just sayin'...
posted by delfuego at 11:06 AM on September 23, 2004

I have one of these devices and I bought plenty of this velcro-style stuff from Staples / Business Depot not so long ago. I hate the stuff because it's a pain in the ass to work with. :-)

It is indeed dual-lock 3M stuff.

It was on a real super duper sale so I bought all of it there. You should check yours.
posted by shepd at 12:18 PM on September 23, 2004