Archive for the ‘Plastic Hardware’ Category

Plastic Hardware

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Nylon, cotton, and polypro webbing comes in many strengths and widths for a variety of different purposes. For each purpose, there may be a different need for hardware attached to the webbing. For example, a dog collar made of webbing may have a plastic buckle to place and remove the collar more easily.

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.

Posted August 23rd, 2011 in Hardware, Plastic Hardware | No Comments »

Hardware for Dog Collars

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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. Plastic hardware was discussed recently in a blog, so now we will highlight metal hardware. Metal hardware is also used on many types of projects other than dog collars.

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 platings. There is also a variety of sizes that will correspond with all widths of webbings, 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.

Side release buckle, triglides and dee rings are the most common metal hardware used in dog collars. The metal side release buckles, because of the weight of metal, are usually used on large and extra large collars for the large and giant breeds of dogs, or for those dogs that can break a plastic side release buckle. A side release buckle is important for safety of a dog collar. Even with its ease of one-handed opening, it has a lesser 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 rings 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.

Another type of swivel hook is the lanyard hook. This type of swivel hook attaches to a webbing or cord to perform many uses from holding identification cards around a person’s neck to holding keys. Lanyards are also used to fire cannons from a safe distance. Key fob hardware is used to clamp on the end of webbing to form an attachment to any equipment, but are usually used in making key chains.

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.

Posted October 9th, 2009 in Metal Hardware, Plastic Hardware | No Comments »

Plastic Hardware

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Our business started small, basically a hobby, making dog collars for small dogs. We had discovered that when showing our Miniature Pinchers in confirmation and obedience trials, that attractive and strong collars for small dogs were difficult to find. (For more information on obedience and confirmation trials, see American Kennel Club ) The business grew again as requests for larger collars and designer collars started coming in. Then another expansion occurred as requests increased for the metal and plastic hardware.

Hardware and webbing were needed separate from the dog collars for other projects, such as harnesses for climbing and horses, boat rigging, kayaking, camping, backpacks and luggage. Plastic hardware must be strong and durable to meet the demand needed. This led us to two manufacturers of top-quality plastic hardware – Nexus and National Molding, which have facilities in the United States, Europe and Asia.

Nexus is the original inventor of side release buckles. Both corporations are global leaders in the manufacturing of reliable plastic hardware. The hardware manufactured by these companies is designed to exact standards to guarantee a universal fit and consistent performance. The items of plastic hardware available on our website include side release buckles, dee rings, triglides, tension locks, zipper pulls, keepers, shoulder pads, handles and cord locks. There is also an economy brand available for those who are looking for the most economical deal.

Side release buckles are the most requested item of plastic hardware and is the best choice of webbing buckles because of the easy one-handed release. However, side release buckles are important for safety because there is no accidental release. The smooth and light design of the plastic hardware disguises its strength and durability and will hold nylon or tubular webbing securely. Flat side release buckles are ideal for projects that are straight or flat and contoured buckles work best around curved surfaces.

Flat and contoured side release buckles are available in many sizes to fit most widths of webbing. When choosing a width of any plastic hardware, be sure to get the same width as your webbing. For example, if the webbing is 1.5- inches in width, the 1.5-inch plastic hardware is needed. The dimensions of any hardware are measured from the inside of the hardware. This information is usually included with the description of each item.
Some of the brand names and types of side release buckles include

Wiernerlock, Duraflex Stealth, and Mojave. Other popular plastic hardware items are dee rings and triglides. Triglides, which are available in wide-mouth and heavy duty, are used on projects that need to allow for adjustment. Tension lock triglides are also available which add safety to keep the webbing from slipping. Dee rings are used on belts, collars, harnesses, backpacks and many more uses.

Other items of plastic hardware are cord locks, keepers and zipper pulls. Cord locks are available in a rounded and barrel shape, in black and white colors, and have a spring-action closing. Cord locks have different sizes to be used with tubular webbing and nylon cords. Plastic keepers are offered in a variety of sizes for a variety of uses. Plastic zipper pulls are used for jackets, backpack, purses and luggage to make any zipper easier to pull.

Finally, our plastic hardware section concludes with handles and shoulder pads. The soft rubber handles can be sewn on any webbing or strap that needs a handle to make griping that item easier and more comfortable. Soft rubber shoulder pads have a non-slip grip to use on any shoulder strap for more comfort. As always, if there are any questions, email us or contact the telephone number at the top of the webpage.

Posted October 9th, 2009 in Plastic Hardware | No Comments »