Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Using Metal Hardware On Your Nylon Webbing Projects

By Jim Witt

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.

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 other projects that need to be adjustable on account of size yet must be strong enough to hold heavy weight safely. Dee rings are manufactured on dog collars as a strong ring to attach a leash to. There are other shapes of metal hardware that can be utilized on other types of webbing projects. Some of these include include o-rings, triangle-shaped rings, rectangle-shaped rings and split ring, which are used most often as key holders. Always keep in mind that the welded types are the strongest.

A snap hooks is also a type of metal hardware that is frequently used. They are an excellent solution for a project that needs a connection to be strong, safe and easy to detach. Snap hooks are swivel snap hooks so they are useful in preventing webbing from twisting. Climbing harnesses and animal leashes are two types of items that usually contain snap hooks. A couple of other types of snap hooks are the trigger snap hooks and the barrel snap hook. Other types of snap hooks are available and function well with other 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.

There are countless uses for metal hardware. But if it is strength or durability you are looking to acheave with your webbing project, metal hardware is the way to go. In addition, any project that depends on strength and safety would greatly benefit from using plated, welded metal hardware. - 16887

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