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.

Strength and durability is one apparent advantage of any webbing project. The vast majority of metal hardware used in dog collars, leashes, climbing harnesses and other webbing projects contain a nickel-plating and have special welding to withstand rust. However, metal hardware can also be purchased in brass and other finishes. In addition to finishes, metal hardware comes in various sizes which match the same size widths of webbing. This is the case for nylon as well as polypro webbing.

The projects that profit from the numerous types of metal hardware vary from purses to luggage, climbing harnesses to boating rigging, from animal harnesses to backpacks, and from dog collars to key rings. Metal hardware has also been used in designing clothing. For example, belts are a common accessory; even a professional wrestler had a costume made of leather strips and hundreds of dee rings. Designs using metal hardware are too abundant 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. Just about any project that needs a connection to be strong, safe and easy to use can use the snap hook. Snap hooks can be described as swivel snap hooks and are useful in keeping webbing from twisting. Two examples are climbing harnesses and animal leashes. Other types of snap hooks are the trigger snap hooks and the barrel snap hook. Many different types of snap hooks are available and work with many types of webbing projects.

The lanyard hook is another type of swivel hook. This type of swivel hook attaches to a webbing or cord to be used for many different reasons, from holding identification cards around a person’s neck to holding keys. Key fob hardware is usually used in making key chains but can also be used to clamp on the end of webbing to form an attachment to any equipment.

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.

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