In the rapidly evolving world of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), customization and modularity have become the hallmarks of a sophisticated pilot. Whether you are a commercial operator complying with strict federal regulations or a hobbyist looking to maximize the utility of a racing quadcopter, the methods used to attach peripheral hardware are just as critical as the hardware itself. This brings us to the concept of Command Strips—a specific category of adhesive fastening technology that has transitioned from household utility to an indispensable tool in the drone accessories market.
Command Strips are a damage-free adhesive solution, primarily manufactured by 3M, designed to secure items firmly to surfaces while allowing for clean removal. In the context of drone technology, they serve as a lightweight, vibration-resistant, and non-invasive alternative to mechanical fasteners like screws or permanent adhesives like industrial epoxies. For drone enthusiasts, “Command Strips” refers to both the physical product and the broader practice of using temporary, high-strength adhesives to manage the growing ecosystem of drone-mounted sensors, lights, and recovery tools.
The Role of Command Strips in the Drone Accessory Ecosystem
As drones become more specialized, the need for “modular rigging” has increased. Most consumer and professional drones are designed with a sleek, aerodynamic profile that does not always provide mounting points for secondary accessories. Command Strips fill this gap by providing a reliable interface between the drone’s chassis and its aftermarket add-ons.
Modular Accessory Integration
The primary appeal of Command Strips in drone technology is the ability to swap accessories based on the mission profile. A pilot might require high-intensity strobe lights for a nighttime FAA-compliant flight, but want to remove them for daytime cinematic shots to reduce drag and weight. Unlike zip ties, which can be constrictive and difficult to remove without a blade, or Velcro, which can be bulky and prone to collecting debris, Command Strips offer a flush, clean mount that can be “de-activated” by pulling the release tab, leaving no residue on expensive carbon fiber or high-grade plastic frames.
Weight Management and Aerodynamics
In flight technology, every gram counts. Heavy mounting brackets or metal screws not only add to the take-off weight (decreasing battery life) but can also offset the center of gravity (CG), forcing the flight controller to work harder to maintain stability. Command Strips are remarkably lightweight. They provide a high strength-to-weight ratio, allowing pilots to secure accessories like GPS trackers or secondary FPV transmitters without significantly impacting the drone’s flight dynamics or power consumption.
Practical Applications for Pilots and Builders
Understanding what Command Strips are requires looking at how they are applied in the field. They are not merely “tape”; they are a structural component of a customized drone kit.
Mounting Anti-Collision Strobes
For many professional pilots, the most common use of Command Strips is the mounting of FAA-required anti-collision lighting (such as Firehouse or Lume Cube strobes). These lights must be visible for three statute miles, but they often lack native mounting hardware for specific drone models like the DJI Mavic or Autel Evo series. Command Strips allow these lights to be mounted on the top or arms of the drone securely enough to withstand high-velocity winds and aggressive maneuvers, yet they remain removable for transport.
External GPS and Recovery Tools
Long-range FPV (First Person View) pilots often use Command Strips to attach secondary GPS recovery units or “beepers.” In the event of a crash where the main battery is ejected, a self-powered GPS tracker can be the difference between a recovered drone and a total loss. By using Command Strips, pilots can tuck these trackers into aerodynamic “dead zones” on the frame, ensuring they stay attached during an impact but can be easily accessed for charging or data syncing.
Cable Management and Routing
Internal drone builds often involve a chaotic array of wires connecting the ESC (Electronic Speed Controller), the flight controller, and the receiver. Command Strips—specifically the smaller, specialized clips—are used to route these wires away from the high-speed propellers. Proper cable management is not just an aesthetic choice; it prevents electrical interference and mechanical failure during flight.
Technical Benefits: Stability and Damage Prevention
The engineering behind Command Strips provides several advantages that are particularly relevant to the high-vibration environment of a drone.
Vibration Dampening
One of the silent killers of drone electronics is “noise”—the micro-vibrations produced by high-KV motors. If a camera or a sensor is hard-mounted (bolted directly) to a frame, these vibrations can cause “jello” in video footage or interfere with the accelerometer data in the flight controller. The adhesive core of a Command Strip acts as a micro-damper. It possesses a degree of elasticity that absorbs high-frequency vibrations, providing a more stable platform for the accessory it is holding.
Preserving Structural Integrity
Drones are often constructed from carbon fiber, which is incredibly strong but can be weakened if drilled into incorrectly. Using mechanical fasteners often requires creating holes that can act as stress-concentration points, leading to frame failure over time. Command Strips require no structural modification. This is especially important for maintaining the manufacturer’s warranty. By using a chemical bond rather than a mechanical one, the pilot ensures that the drone’s airframe remains in its factory-tested state.
Surface Protection and Resale Value
The resale market for drones is robust. A drone that has been modified with permanent adhesives or has scratches from metal clamps will see a significant drop in value. Because Command Strips are designed to stretch and release, they do not mar the finish of the drone. When it comes time to upgrade to a newer model, a pilot can simply remove the strips, wipe the surface with isopropyl alcohol, and the drone will look as though it was never modified.
Comparative Analysis: Command Strips vs. Traditional Fasteners
To fully appreciate the utility of Command Strips, one must compare them to the other common mounting methods used in the drone industry.
Command Strips vs. Industrial VHB Tape
3M VHB (Very High Bond) tape is often used for permanent mounting. While VHB is stronger and more heat-resistant, it is notoriously difficult to remove. In many cases, removing VHB requires heat guns and chemical solvents that can damage the plastic housing of a drone. Command Strips provide approximately 80% of the holding power of light-duty VHB but with 100% more ease of removal, making them the superior choice for “semi-permanent” drone accessories.
Command Strips vs. Hook-and-Loop (Velcro)
Velcro is a staple in the drone world, particularly for securing batteries. However, Velcro has “play”—it allows for a small amount of movement. For sensors like a secondary IMU or a high-resolution camera, any movement independent of the frame can cause errors. Command Strips provide a rigid, movement-free bond that mimics a hard mount while retaining the removable nature of Velcro. Furthermore, Command Strips do not snag on grass or debris during landings, a common issue with the “hook” side of Velcro fasteners.
Best Practices for Drone Integration
Using Command Strips effectively requires more than just sticking them on. To ensure the safety of the aircraft and the accessory, pilots should follow a specific protocol.
Surface Preparation
The high-speed airflow over a drone’s body can create lift, which will rip an accessory off if the bond is weak. Before application, the drone’s surface must be cleaned with 70% isopropyl alcohol to remove any factory oils or outdoor grime. This ensures the adhesive can form a molecular bond with the substrate.
Temperature Considerations
Adhesives are sensitive to temperature. Most Command Strips are rated for a specific range. In extremely cold environments, the adhesive can become brittle, while in extreme heat (such as a drone sitting in a car in summer), it can soften. Professional pilots often opt for the “Outdoor” or “All-Weather” versions of Command Strips, which use a silicone-based adhesive designed to maintain integrity from -20°F to 125°F.
Curing Time
A common mistake is applying a Command Strip and taking flight immediately. For the strongest bond, the adhesive needs time to “wet out” the surface. It is recommended to wait at least one hour (ideally 24 hours) after application before subjecting the mount to the g-forces of high-speed flight.
Conclusion
In the niche of drone accessories, Command Strips represent the perfect intersection of convenience and engineering. They empower pilots to customize their aircraft for specific missions—whether that involves adding extra lighting for safety, trackers for security, or sensors for data collection—without compromising the aircraft’s structural integrity or aerodynamic efficiency. By providing a secure, vibration-dampening, and removable mounting solution, Command Strips have solidified their place as an essential component in every drone pilot’s field kit. As drones continue to shrink in size and grow in capability, the reliance on these smart, non-invasive fastening solutions will only continue to increase.