Skip to main content
Guide

How to Mount NFC Tap Discs on Church Chairs: Adhesive or Screws

You’ve got your NFC tap discs. Now where do they go? There are two mounting options, both included or available at no extra charge. The right choice depends on what your chair backs are made of and how permanent you want the installation.

March 17, 2026
5 min read

See your church's disc and price in 30 seconds

Design it yourself on the next page. From $3.50 per disc, free shipping, no monthly fees.

No charge until checkout. 30-day money-back guarantee.

1

3M Adhesive Backing (Most Popular)

This is what most churches use, and for good reason. Every disc ships with professional-grade 3M adhesive already applied to the back. There’s nothing extra to order, nothing extra to buy. Peel, stick, done.

Tap.Giving NFC disc showing 3M adhesive backing for easy mounting

How to Install

1

Hold the disc in place, check the height against the row, mark the spot

2

Clean the surface with rubbing alcohol or a damp cloth

3

Peel the backing and hold the disc by its edges

Press firmly for 30 seconds. Done.

Best For

Wooden pews
Plastic or metal chair backs
Any smooth, flat surface

Pros

  • Fastest install, literally seconds per disc
  • Holds strong once applied
  • No tools needed
  • No damage to your furniture

Cons

  • Difficult to reposition once stuck (the adhesive is strong by design)

Pro Tip

Clean the surface with rubbing alcohol first for the strongest bond. The adhesive works best on smooth, hard surfaces like finished wood, plastic, or metal, and it needs a warm room: if the discs came off a cold truck, let the box sit somewhere heated overnight before you start. The bond keeps strengthening for a couple of days after you press, so install midweek rather than Saturday night.

2

Pre-Drilled Screw Holes

For churches that want a permanent, rock-solid mount. Tap.Giving can include pre-drilled holes in your discs so you can screw them directly into pew backs or chair arms. If your discs are going on wooden pews and you never want them to move, this is your option.

Tap.Giving NFC disc with pre-drilled mounting holes for screw installation

How to Install

1

Position the disc and mark holes with a pencil

2

Drill small pilot holes at your marks

3

Attach with small #4 or #6 wood screws

Tighten and you’re done

Screws not included, any #4 or #6 wood screw from the hardware store works. Pick up a box for a couple of dollars. That’s the only additional supply you’ll need.

Best For

Wooden pews
Permanent installations
High-traffic areas

Pros

  • Most secure mount available
  • Won’t shift or fall off, ever
  • Clean, professional look

Cons

  • Requires a drill and screws
  • Leaves small holes if you remove the discs later

Pro Tip

Use screws with decorative heads, black or brass, to match your disc design. Always pre-drill pilot holes to avoid splitting the wood, especially on older pews.

3

Which Option Is Right for Your Church?

Here’s a quick decision guide. Find your situation on the left, and the recommended mounting option is on the right.

Your Situation Recommended Option
Own your building + wooden pews Adhesive or Screws
Own your building + chairs Adhesive
Upholstered or fabric chair backs Screws or Adhesive on the frame or book rack
Rent your space Adhesive, or skip the chairs
Set up and tear down weekly Adhesive, or skip the chairs
Want the fastest install Adhesive
Want the most permanent mount Screws
Want zero furniture damage Adhesive

Not Sure?

Most churches start with the included 3M adhesive. It’s strong enough for permanent use but doesn’t require any tools or modifications. You can request pre-drilled holes instead at no extra charge. If your seating will take neither, discs work just as well on a welcome desk or entry table. View pricing to see the options.

NFC tap-to-give discs installed on church pew backs using 3M adhesive mounting

Tap.Giving discs mounted on pew backs with 3M adhesive, clean, professional, and within easy reach

4

Placement Tips: Where on the Chair?

You’ve picked your mounting method. Now, where exactly should the disc go? The NFC read range is about 1 to 2 inches, so the disc needs to be somewhere congregants can easily tap their phone against it.

Back of the Chair or Pew

Most common placement. Mount the disc on the back of the chair or pew in front of the congregant. They see it at eye level when seated, natural and easy to reach.

Recommended

Pew Top or Chair Arm

Works well for pews with a flat top rail or chairs with wide armrests. The disc sits within arm’s reach, making it a natural spot for a quick tap.

On the Offering Plate Itself

Some churches embed the NFC chip directly into a traditional offering plate. When the disc is passed, congregants can drop in cash or tap their phone, same familiar moment, new option.

Near Exit Doors

Mount a disc on the wall or a stand near exit doors for “give on the way out.” Great for people who missed the offering moment or want to give after the service.

NFC Read Range

The NFC chip reads at about 1 to 2 inches. That means the disc needs to be accessible for phone contact, not tucked behind a hymnal holder or buried under a seat cushion. As long as someone can comfortably hold their phone near the disc, it’ll work.

Ready to Mount Your Discs?

All discs include 3M adhesive backing. Pre-drilled screw holes can be requested at no extra charge when you place your order.

Questions? Email ryan@tap.giving or call (832) 510-8788.

Related Articles

Want to see what discs would cost for your church?

One-time hardware from $3.50/disc. No monthly fees, no transaction fees. Works with whatever giving platform you already use.

Free shipping, delivery 2-3 weeks from artwork approval. Built by a pastor, with a typical reply under 24 hours.

TAPYOURPHONEHERE YOUR CHURCH