i have never used it, but with the size of the hdbaset receivers we are using now being so small and our go to TV the XBR Sony having alot of room up top. we want to start using it to attach them to the tvs. any recomendation on brands and sources? looking for maybe 2x2 or 3x3 pads. rather have velcro but if there is an amazing double sided tape that can be removed and not leave a massive mess, i would be open to that as well.

TIA

3M body side molding double sided tape. Best stuff ever. Available at any autobody paint supply.

Just checked. Autozone sells it. That should be easy enough to find.

3M Dual lock with vhb tape

Used to use peel n stick velcro all the time for stuff like that. Trick is to carry some alcohol prep pads and clean the surfaces very well and dry thoroughly and the adhesives will stick great.

what do you use now?

[Link: m.homedepot.com]

I always buy that pack. It's real sticky but like previously mentioned the area has to be clean for it work properly. If you use it make sure to not put it over a label or sticker. I've gone back to jobs where what ever I used it on is hanging because the label peeled off not the Velcro.

Once you use this you wont use anything else. You can practically hang from it

[Link: amazon.com]

I still have a partial roll of velcro left over from when I was in the biz.
I have been out of the business for 5 years, now own a pretty good sized restaurant.
Double sided foam tape has its applications as well, just depends if you want to be able to remove something and put it back easily.
In the '90's I had a car audio shop and used both of them as well.
Installing glass mount 3db gain cellular antennas sold me, as long as you prepped the glass properly they would hold for years!

It is all about the initial surface being clean and free of oils or any contaminants and then pressing firmly to make sure you have complete contact of the adhesive.

Is there an advantage to using double-sided tape plus velcro as opposed to sticky-back velcro? Maybe that you have more versatility if you choose the double-stick instead of tolerating what they put on the velcro?

I use the 3M DST because it works very well. It is removeable with a little persuasion or a little prying. Handles heat well. I first used it in my car audio days. One benefit is you can stack squares of it together for uneven surfaces or to clear a screw or bridge decals.

You don't have to "tolerate" the adhesive on the industrial strength velcro that Zohan and ggarza posted. If you prep the surface you should have no issues with it at all.

We just had a customer move all of their own TV's without first removing the extenders, surge protectors, etc. from the backs of the TVs. When they showed up at the new house every single device was still attached. It just works.

Be sure if you sticking velcro or other sticky stuff on back of TV it not the type sticky that gets all gooey from TV heat, then runs down the back of TV and creates a sticky mess.

Never a problem

This is absolutely key to having it work.

Most electronics with plastic or metal surfaces will have some kind of mold release or oil on them. You have to get that off or the double sided tape/velcro will not stay up there long term.

Personally, I use the 3M double sided velcro. The gnarly double sided velcro like stuff that Crestron ships with some devices works great too.