Quick strap: DIY Velcro flash strap

This removable strap quickly and securely anchors bounce cards, diffusers, gels and many more modifiers easily, and non-destructively.

Time: 15-30 minutes
Cost: about $10
Makes: 3-5 straps

DIYflashgripstrapvelcro

Main Ingredient: 2" wide self-adhesive hook and loop fastener, about $7

DIYflashgripstrapvelcro

Second ingredient: tennis racket grip tape, about $2.50.

Tools:
-scissors
-ruler

DIYflashgripstrapvelcro

Cut 2-1/4 inches of hook tape for Canon 550EX. You basically want a piece half an inch shorter than the width of your flash. If that's confusing, cut two inches and be done with it.

DIYflashgripstrapvelcro

Cut about twelve inches of hook tape. (for Canon 550EX). You want enough to wrap around and overlap the top side, as shown. The strap may be cut slightly shorter for smaller flashes, or longer for larger ones.

DIYflashgripstrapvelcro

Unroll the grip tape. Cut off the tapered portion. We want nice, rectangular strips of grip tape here.

DIYflashgripstrapvelcro

Lay out the loop tape as flat as possible. It will flatten out a bit more after you peel off the backing a bit later.

DIYflashgripstrapvelcro

Lay down the hook tape

DIYflashgripstrapvelcro

Lay down the hook tape

DIYflashgripstrapvelcro

Measure and cut grip tape. It should be long enough to go slightly past (and later under) the hook tape piece.

For my Canon 550EX, I used 10" pieces of grip tape.

DIYflashgripstrapvelcro

Cut a second piece of grip tape of the same length as the first.

DIYflashgripstrapvelcro

Peel the backing off the loop tape, then carefully lay it flat on your table, sticky side up.

DIYflashgripstrapvelcro

Peel off the grip tape backing

DIYflashgripstrapvelcro

Apply grip tape to loop tape. Make sure the shiny side is face down, and the grippy, matted side is face up.

EDIT: Oops, the shiny side is actually more grippy, so stick the matted side down.

DIYflashgripstrapvelcro

Attach second piece of grip tape. There may be some overlap in the middle.

EDIT: contrary to the photo, make sure the shiny, grippier side of the grip tape is facing up.

DIYflashgripstrapvelcro

Smooth both pieces of grip tape down. If you get wrinkles, peel off carefully, and re-apply.

EDIT: it's very hard to peel off the grip tape. Make sure you straighten both pieces of tape as much as possible before sticking them together.

DIYflashgripstrapvelcro

Peel off the hook tape backing

DIYflashgripstrapvelcro

Attach hook tape to the end, coverering up the cut ends of the grip tape.

DIYflashgripstrapvelcro

REVISED: shiny side grip tape on the inside, hook tape on the outside. It will work as originally pictured, but the shinier side of the grip tape is more retentive.

DIYflashgripstrapvelcro

Wrap the completed strap tightly around flash. When you're done, you simply peel off the strap. Do not leave the strap on your flash in hot environments, as the adhesive may melt onto your flash.

DIYflashgripstrapvelcro

You can now quickly and securely attach bounce cards, diffusers, gels and many more modifiers easily, and non-destructively.

DIYflashgripstrapvelcro