The benefit of ordering a custom-made designer dog collar is the ability to choose the type of hardware used on that collar - metal or plastic. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages. This article will primarily focus on metal hardware. Metal hardware is also used on many types of projects other than dog collars.

Durability is most likely the first characteristic that comes to mind. Nickel-plated hardware is the most common hardware used in dog collars, leashes, climbing harnesses and various other webbing projects. Additionally, nickel-plated hardware has special welding that will endure rust. Nickel-plated is not the only finish available, metal hardware can also be obtained in brass and other finishes. Metal hardware can be bought in multiple sizes correspond to their matching widths of webbing whether you are using 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.

When making a dog collar, side release buckle, triglides and dee rings are the most frequently used. The metal side release buckles, because of the strength of metal, are usually used on bigger collars for the larger breeds of dogs, or for those dogs that can break a plastic side release buckle. A side release buckle is important for the safety of a dog. Even though it can be opened with one hand, it has a smaller chance of opening on accident.

Triglides are used on dog collars or any project that needs allowances for adjustments and is strong enough to hold weight safely. Dee rings are used on collars as a strong ring to attach a leash. Metal hardware also includes rings of different shapes to fit other types of webbing projects. These include o-rings, triangle-shaped rings and rectangle-shaped rings. The strongest of these are welded but are also available in non-welded. Another type of metal ring is the split ring which are commonly seen used 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.

Any project that depends on safety and strength would benefit from using plated, welded metal hardware. The types of hardware and projects that can be made are too numerous to detail in a limited space. Information on this subject is easily found on the internet.

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

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