The word “buckle” stems from the Latin word “buccula” which means “cheek strap” as in those used for military helmets. As far back as history can tell, some of the oldest buckles were used by the Roman soldiers to put their armor on. Also dating back to the period of 200 to 100 BC, Chinese nomads called the Xiong-nu wore belt buckles over their tunics, as an indication of status.

Later, the Romans began using the belt to strap on their swords. The belt used for this was called the “baldric.” It was worn over the right shoulder and around the left side of the waist. Made of bronze, these buckles had great strength and durability for use in battles.

Scythia and Sarmatia were ancient lands in which buckles were decorated with animal shapes. The animal motifs were mainly of animals in deadly combat. The Germans caught on to this and began importing these stylish buckles for their own use.

Through the Middle Ages, buckles in Europe were primarily ornamental in nature. But in the mid 1300s, the buckle became more of a practical matter, used in battles by knights in armor. In the 1400s, buckles began to be made with cheaper materials so that the everyday person could use buckles for clothing items. In Spain, during the 1500s, the opposite trend was seen as buckles became less of a practical matter, mainly hidden from view, and were used as a decorative fashion statement instead.

Today, the buckle continues to be worn as both a practical item and for a fashion statement. Many Americans put on their simple buckles on standard leather belts for everyday work attire. Western cowboys are famous for their decorative belts, usually rectangular or oval in shape with detailed images and decoration molded into the shiny metal. Whether for decoration or practical use, the buckle holds its place in history and seems to be one of those clothing items that never goes out of style.

The buckle is typically connected permanently to the leather, or other material, with its chape. The chape is a small protruding end of the belt. The chape runs from the connecting piece to the center of the belt where it is connected to a central cross-piece called the bar. The bar runs vertically from the top of the frame to the bottom.

On top of the bar is the prong. The prong is the small thin piece of metal that hooks into the appropriate hole in the belt or collar, in order to size the item to fit. Finally, the whole belt is surrounded by a frame. The frame is usually rectangular in shape.

The frame holds the prong into the selected sizing hole, once placed, to keep the prong from slipping out. The frame is also made to provide extra stability for the whole buckle.

The frame is typically the part of the buckle that is used to make a fashionable statement. While many belt buckles are relatively plain, there are also many variations in styles, colors, and forms to fit the personality or mood of the wearer.

Girls have lots of options for buckles with rhinestones or other decorations, buckles that are painted in fashionable colors, and buckles that have sayings printed on them. For men, a variety of metal types and finishes offer choices for everyday wear, but there are also wildly different styles such as those used in western wear. The buckle may often be taken for granted, but it is one of the longest lasting inventions in the human wardrobe and is still used today to make a statement.

Other purposes for webbing with a variety of hardware needs are camping supplies, boat rigging, horse harnesses, climbing harnesses, luggage, and backpacks. Plastic hardware is generally chosen for such purposes because it is far more lightweight than metal hardware.

Depending upon the need, plastic hardware for webbing can include dee rings (used on collars, backbacks, harnesses, and belts), triglides (adjustable hardware), side release buckles, zipper pulls, shoulder pads (for use on shoulder straps), tension locks, cord locks, and handles. Obviously, a higher-quality and more durable plastic hardware will be important for ensuring the reliability and safety of the hardware.

Side release buckles are a popular choice for webbing hardware because they can be released with only one hand. At the same time, they cannot be accidentally released, a safety feature imperative in sports like climbing.

In addition to the side release buckle, there are also flat side release buckles, helpful for projects that are flat, and contoured buckles which are designed for curved surfaces. These types of buckles can be found in a variety of sizes, to match the width of the webbing. Choosing the right size plastic hardware for the job can contribute greatly to both the safety and functionality of the project.

Metal buckles can come in nickel, brass, and other metal platings to prevent rust and corrosion. These buckles come in various sizes and should be fitted to the size of the webbing of the collar. Both should be sized for the dog.

In dog collars, there are three main types of metal hardware used. One is the side release buckle. This buckle is a safer option for keeping a dog on a leash, because sometimes other buckles can be accidentally released. The side release buckle is far less likely to do so. It can also be opened with one hand, for greater ease of use.

Triglides are the metal rings made for adjusting the webbing of the collar. The two rings work together to allow the owner to tighten or loosen the collar as needed. Then, the rings are able to hold the adjusted length in place.

Finally, the dee ring is the small ring that allows for the leash snap hook to be attached to the collar. It is small enough that it does not add significant weight to the collar, but strong enough to never break. Metal hardware for dog collars can be selected not only for form and function, but for the color and flash it adds to the look of the collar as well.

To create a toddler harness you will need a D-ring hardware piece, nylon webbing and tools to cut and seal the edges of the webbing. These tools include a strong pair of scissors and a fluid lighter or a serger type sewing machine that can handle ultra strong and thick material. You will also need a measuring tape to measure your child appropriately for the harness.

When making the harness it is good to have a picture or sample for the design. You will be creating a harness in one of two styles. One style features an over the shoulder strap and an abdomen strap while the other style features two chest straps and a crotch strap. Consider what would be more stylish and comfortable for your child.

You will cut the straps accordingly and secure them by stitching the nylon webbing together and cutting and sealing the ends. You can find webbing material in many different colors and prints. These prints will make your homemade harness look like a high end designer harness without having to spend as much money. You will also find that nylon webbing purchased in a one inch width will be much stronger than many store bought harness materials.

While nylon webbing is a very strong and long lasting material, it can become worn or damaged with regular use or misuse. Instead of replacing a whole item, the straps can be easily repaired and replaced with the right type of tools at home.

Based on the type of item that needs the strap repaired, you will need a specific type of nylon material. Different types come in various thickness and sizes that are made to hold different amounts of weight.

Some items, such as dog collars or leashes can even be improved when repaired. Designer dog breed ribbon can be purchased through online distributors for a fun and unique fashion friendly look. These straps even look good on dog treat bags or day bags for a picnic. Many people will comment on the creativity of the straps.

The tools you will need to repair an item will vary due to the type of repairs you are making. If you are making holes in a strap, you will need a sharp needle puncture tool, pliers and lighter. Butane lighters are preferred because they get hot quickly.

Other tools that will be needed, especially for cutting a piece of nylon webbing, include metal sheers, heat resistant gloves and a marking pencil to mark the area where a cut will need to be made. A measuring tape is also suggested for many repairs.

Many online tutorials have been created based on different repair types. You can find online tutorials to learn how to repair a kayak strap, adjust a wristwatch or replace the webbing in the seat of an outdoor lawn chair. There are so many possibilities as so many items at home and used for sports contain this material.

New hardware can often be purchased at online stores where the nylon webbing is sold. If you are unsure about the type of hardware needed, many experts at an online store will be able to answer your questions for you by email or telephone.