Binder Clips for Fixing Leaky Velcro Pouches

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33
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1388
Sue Feldman
Aug 16, 2025 3:40 am

Has anyone had problems with the Velcro on the pouch leaking? I did once, and my husband, who is an engineer, gave me some binder clips. Lol. I have been using them ever since. I did not know you could order them on Amazon in different colors, so I placed an order. They work great; even my surgeon said, "What a great idea" on one of my visits.

Ben38
Aug 16, 2025 5:30 am

No, I've been using Velcro closure for around 25 years and have never had one leak from them, but everyone has their own experiences. Good tip from your hubby! My uncle used to use those metal clips over 30 years ago when bags had the old plastic slam-down clips for ostomy bags.

Hugo

This site has been a blessing for me in learning how to cope with and navigate this journey as an ostomate. I have a colostomy as a result of a perforation in my colon since May of this year. I don't know yet if it will be permanent or reversible. The people on here have provided me with so much advice and information about living with an ostomy that I don't think I could get anywhere else. You all have given me hope and a place to come to for support. I still struggle with acceptance, but know that it will come if I am patient. Patience has never been my strong suit! Also, I love all the humor, although it really pissed me off when I first came on here. Thanks to all of you.

Axl
Aug 16, 2025 6:10 am

Hello Sue

I use B. Braun bags, and they never, ever leak, but apparently some others do. Anything that helps you is good.

Bill
Aug 16, 2025 6:49 am

I've been using foldback binder clips since the beginning. They just seemed an obvious solution to several problems. I have some on a piece of string around my neck so that I don't lose them down the toilet whilst I'm fumbling about with arthritic hands.
Best wishes

Bill

eefyjig
Aug 16, 2025 7:26 am

Hi Sue, I've used binder clips since my surgery and never worry about a leak at the bag opening. Just remember to take it off should you need an MRI.

 

Living with Your Ostomy | Hollister

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Hugo
Aug 16, 2025 2:26 pm

Is a binder clip similar to the Iggie clip?

warrior
Aug 16, 2025 2:57 pm

Iggie!! You're up, dude!

Redondo
Aug 16, 2025 3:35 pm

Great idea about the binder clips. I don't use Velcro closures because, to me, I have a problem with keeping them clean. I use an old-fashioned tail closure with rubber bands. I started using this method many years ago. I haven't liked any other method. But, I might try the binder clips.

Beachboy
Aug 16, 2025 4:46 pm

The IGGIE clip.


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Don't leave home without it.

Superme
Aug 16, 2025 6:00 pm

Hi, I use binder clips, and they do a good job of securing Velcro bags. I just sometimes forget to put them back on after being in a public restroom. On the other hand, for bags with clip closures, I use a rubber band to secure them.

vanestag
Aug 16, 2025 10:37 pm

Such a good idea. I'm older and just started having hand issues, and that thought just entered my mind the other day! Thanks, I wonder what I would do!

gardengirl
Aug 17, 2025 3:07 am

I use blue painter's tape! One piece vertical to the bag—it works great!

Donavon
Aug 17, 2025 5:00 am

I often wonder if older, more feeble folks have trouble closing these Hollister Velcro bags. If you don't align them just right, it takes a huge amount of pressure to fully close them. My grip strength is still very strong, and I find myself using all of it when sealing them.

MizNola
Aug 17, 2025 10:20 am

I despise the Velcro closures. I use Hollister 18902 pouches that have a nifty swivel end. But then I am only dealing with very thin output.

tonybrown777
Aug 17, 2025 10:50 am

Yes, we in the UK call them small bulldog clips. I had a leak on the very first night. NEVER again! I had them in my desk. Nurses laugh, but hey, they work.

tonybrown777
Aug 17, 2025 10:53 am

Yes, we in the UK call them small bulldog clips. I had a leak on the very first night. NEVER again! I had them in my desk. Nurses laugh, but hey, they work.

rlevineia
Aug 17, 2025 2:39 pm

Yes, Ben. I hated those plastic clips. They break (in a public restroom) or fall into the gooey poop beneath you.

rlevineia
Aug 17, 2025 2:47 pm

Sue, every brand has a different Velcro sealer. Hollister is the best, but many find it hard to open and close. Coloplast is good, but poop gets on the two round Velcro pads. I like Convatec, although a bit of liquid leaks into the folds only. I keep wipes by the toilet. Colored clips are stylish, but who sees them?

msmacs50
Aug 17, 2025 3:56 pm

I use a smaller version of this clip; I have a box of them in various colors! The good news is I have been through TSA scans, and it does not attract attention.

I can also keep it on in X-ray machines. I learned that last month when I had an ER visit.

Sue Feldman
Aug 17, 2025 3:57 pm

Since it only happened one time, I felt uncomfortable with the thought that it could happen again, so that's why I clipped the bottom. It could have happened because I am having to empty a lot more than six times a day, and then changing the bag every two days, the Velcro that folds probably got weakened. I'm not sure exactly what happened; I'm just speculating, but I sure did not want it to happen again, so that is why I am using the binder clips.

Sue Feldman
Aug 17, 2025 4:06 pm

Yes, you're right. That is what I use. It is just another protection or security. I live life "To be safe than sorry."

Sue Feldman
Aug 17, 2025 4:11 pm

For me, using the binder clips because I am an older person helps with my security. If it happened once to me, it could happen again. I love these binder clips, and even the Dollar Tree sells them. I keep extras in my purse.

Sue Feldman
Aug 17, 2025 4:14 pm

Since I am an older person on Medicare, yes, mostly all my products I use are covered. If there is something that they don't cover, I usually can find it on Amazon. Also, I do have an ostomy nurse.

Sue Feldman
Aug 17, 2025 4:17 pm

Never had a binder clip break on me, but I did have one end up in the toilet, so I carry extras in my purse or pocket.

Sue Feldman
Aug 17, 2025 4:20 pm

I do have an ileostomy, and yes, it is reversible, but in my case, that would not benefit me, my surgeon discussed with me.

richardsonpatrick2022
Aug 17, 2025 5:31 pm

Try using micropore tape if you want to prevent leaks.....

It is strong enough yet easily removable.

richardsonpatrick2022
Aug 17, 2025 5:39 pm


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Try using micropore tape if you want to prevent leaks.....

It is strong enough yet easily removable.

Milford
Aug 17, 2025 8:07 pm

Yes. I have periodically tried Velcro closures through the years and personally find them dreadful. But that's just me.

I have used Hollister pouches (with Hollister closure clips that come with the pouches) for over 50 years. I currently use Hollister 8611 pouches and have never had any leaks, irritation, or any problem whatsoever.

Sue Feldman
Aug 18, 2025 3:03 pm

I have always used the Velcro closer, but as I had previously explained, I was concerned it could happen again. For me, it was better to be safe than sorry. It only takes one time, Ben. By the way, for any of you ostomates, I just buy the mini binder clips. Works just fine.

Beachboy
Aug 18, 2025 3:16 pm

I like that tape. Use it to tape up the bag when I'm bike riding or running around.