How to cut a Zot

[Jim Kottkamp]

OK, what's a Zot (photo 1)?  Zots are clear adhesive dots that come on a roll of none-stick paper.  Think of them as Scotch Tape Adhesive that is placed on a release sheet. 
What do you use them for?  I use Zots primarily for holding wires in place so they don't float around inside a tender or car frame.
They come in small medium and large sizes (photo 1 shows a medium Zot - about 1/4 inch in diameter).
They will stick to anything, which is wonderful and a curse.  The problem I had was I didn't need a circular adhesive strip, I needed a 1/16 inch wide adhesive strip for wires.
After a number of failures, which were all followed with mineral spirit wipes to clean knives and scissors, I finally found a system that works.
First, LIGHTLY oil the scissors - too much will neutralize the Zot's stickiness.  A fine film is all that is needed.  One oiling will accommodate about 3 cuts before re-oiling is needed.
Second, cut the release sheet in a strip and fold it back over the Zot so there is release paper on both sides of the Zot (photo 2)
Third, cut the Zot into strips appropriate for what you are attaching.
Fourth, either stick the strip onto the spot where you need it or carefully peal the Zot off or use tweezers or a knife blade and to place it where you need it (photo 3).
Once in place just press the wire or other object on the Zot strip and it will stay where you put it.  In most cases the wire can be pealed off when you need, and re-attached later.
 
     

[Bill Gill]

Thanks, Jim. I thought "Zot!" was the sound the anteater in the BC comicstrip made.
The adhesive dots should be handy for a lot of things. I found some awhile ago made by Elmer's to use for some around the house stuff, but neat idea to use for models for to hold things securely yet be still be removable if needed.

[finescalerr]

Good information. Thanks. And I'll be careful to avoid leaving Zots on my chair .... -- Russ