Dear Dinonline,
My daughter asked me if she is allowed to use “fun tak” on Shabbos. It is part of a project that she made in school. It is stuck on the back of a ‘mentchie’ in order to be able to stick and unstick the mentchie around a piece of paper.
Thank you.
Answer:
Although I don’t know the precise nature of the “fun tak” you describe, it does not appear that there is any problem involved.
Sticking together two soft items is a problem of “tofer” – the Magen Avraham writes that sealing an envelope is thus prohibited. However, this applies to a seal that is a permanent bond, as with sewing, and not for a connection that is inherently temporary.
Sewing for a temporary period involves a dispute among authorities (see Darkei Moshe 340:2; Magen Avraham 340:18; Mishnah Berurah 314:10; Hashmatos of the Chazon Ish). However, in this case, where the connection is such that it is especially made as a non-permanent connection (by contrast with sewing), in a way that the items can be taken apart without tearing anything. In this case many write that no issue of tofer will arise (see Tal Oros p. 261ff; Shut Iggros Moshe, Orach Chaim 2:84; Aruch Hashulchan 317:18).
Furthermore, the entire issue of tofer arises concerning soft materials, and it does not apply to hard objects.
Therefore, it seems that there’s no problem in using the “fun tak” on Shabbos.
Best wishes.
Dear Rav Pfeffer
Shortly after reading this answer, I heard the following short shiur (about 10 minutes long). It might be of interest – he brings up some melochos other than tofer, although some or all of them may not be relevant in the specific context asked about here.
http://torahway.org.uk/archive/mp3/18-09-2014_pma.mp3
Sincerely
Yitzchok Lavi
Thanks very much. Very interesting.
Regarding previous question about funtack, is this not a problem as it is moldable. It is a still bendy substance, similar to blu-tack and Plasticine.
It is meant to be used for molding as is its product description:
Loctite® Fun-Tak® Mounting Putty is a reusable, repositionable adhesive that is a convenient alternative for tape, tacks, staples and magnets in the home, school and office. No more holes in walls or chipped, peeled paint. Ideal for hanging any lightweight item to a smooth or hard surface.
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