When ordering a custom-made designer dog collar you have the opportunity to choose the type of hardware that will be used on the collar. There are two types of hardware: metal or plastic. Although each type of hardware has its own usefulness, this article will mainly focus on metal hardware. Dog collars are not the only projects in which metal hardware is used.

Metal hardware is an essential component of all webbing projects with the obvious advantage of strength and durability. Most metal hardware used in dog collars, leashes, climbing harnesses and other webbing projects is nickel-plated and welded to resist rust. But some of the metal hardware can be purchased in brass and other plantings’. There is also a variety of sizes that will correspond to all widths of webbing’s, whether it is nylon or polypro webbing.

The projects that benefit from the many types of metal hardware vary from climbing harnesses to boating rigging, from animal harnesses to backpacks, from purses to luggage and from dog collars to key rings. Clothing has also been designed using types of metal hardware. For example, belts are a common accessory and one professional wrestler has a costume made of leather strips and hundreds of dee rings. Designs using metal hardware are too numerous to mention.

The metal hardware that is typically used when manufacturing a dog collar are side release buckles, triglides and dee rings. The metal side release buckles are used as opposed to plastic mainly for the strength of the metal. Typically, larger breeds of dogs can break through the plastic but it is nearly impossible when metal is used. Therefore, a metal side release buckle is imperative for the safety of the dog.

Triglides are used on collars or any project that needs allowances for modification to the length and is strong enough to hold heavy weight safely. To attach a leash, the Dee rings are used on collars as a strong ring. Metal hardware also includes rings of different shapes to be used in other types of webbing projects. These include o-rings, triangle-shaped rings and rectangle-shaped rings. The welded type are the strongest of these, but there are also non-welded rings. Another type of metal ring is the split ring, which is used most often as key holders.

Another popular item of metal hardware is snap hooks. Almost any project that needs a connection that is strong, safe and easy to connect. Snap hooks are usually described as swivel snap hooks which are useful in keeping webbing from twisting. Climbing harnesses and animal leashes are just two examples. Other variations of snap hooks are the barrel snap hooks and trigger snap hooks. Many different types of snap hooks are available to work with any type of webbing projects.

The lanyard hook is a special type of swivel hook that attaches to a piece of webbing or cord to be used for holding identification cards around a person’s neck or holding a set of keys. Key fob hardware is typically used when making key chains but can be employed to clamp on the end of webbing to form any type of attachment.

The types of hardware and projects that can be made are too numerous to mention. Any project that depends on strength and safety would greatly benefit from using plated, welded metal hardware.

By using metal hardware on your webbing product you will increase the durability of that product. Jim Witt is an expert when it comes to nylon webbing products and the corresponding metal hardware. Jim suggests visiting Country Brook Design to view their wide assortment of Metal Hardware that can be purchased individually or in bulk.