Snap hooks are durable connection solutions for rigging and anchoring in a variety of non-critical environments. They are ideal for securing chain, wire, rope, and slings, but they are not intended for lifting or fall arrest. Use these rigging fasteners in applications like fencing, marine settings, and farming

How Are Snap Hooks Measured?

The key measurements for a snap link are:

· Overall length (from outside of the top of the hook to outside of the bottom of the small eye)

· The hook inside diameter (the inside length between the wires at the hook end)

· The eye inside diameter (the inside length between the wires at the eye end)

· The wire diameter

The Different Types of Snaps

With multiple snap types available, it may not be immediately clear which type is correct for a given application. This page will explore the different types of snaps and their applications.

The traditional snap hook is perhaps the most common type. Snap hooks are equipped with a durable spring that allows for strong, quick attachment to a rope, cable, chain, or other line.

In its most basic form, a snap hook is a roughly question-mark shaped metal hook with a hollow section into which the spring-loaded closing bar is fitted. There will also be a small appendage that catches the snap hook and opens it when pressed with the thumb. Upon release of the knob, the gate snaps close by the spring’s action.

Snap hooks can come from a wide variety of source materials, such as brass, stainless steel, and die-cast zinc. They also can provide different functions, such as:

· Panic snaps. This snap type allows the attached rope or cable to be released almost instantly. Some panic snaps are specifically designed for horses and come with a ring that instantly releases anything attached to the snap.

· Fixed-eye snaps. These snaps have bases that are fixed in place. They are often used in the marine industry as boating attachments.

· All-purpose snaps. These snaps let the operator change lures/rigs quickly without the need to retie a line.

· Swivel-eye snaps. Swivel-eye snaps have an adjustable base that allows the spring to turn along its vertical axis.

Snap Hook vs Carabiner

A carabiner is a metal loop with a spring-loaded entryway that will quickly open in order to detach a safety rig’s parts, such as the cable or line. The only way to open a carabiner is to manually push the gate away from the loop. This is one key difference between a carabiner and a more traditional snap hook—the snap hook can only release the cord or rope it holds if the spring gate is pushed towards the loop, instead of away from it.

Snaps vary in the amount of weight for which they are designed, and the amount of force they can successfully withstand without breakage. Snap hooks and carabiners should both have a kN (kilo-Newton) rating engraved on their spine. This is a rating for the force of gravity that the snap can successfully absorb.

Snap Hardware Materials

There are five types of material commonly used to produce snaps. Each material has its own unique properties and advantages.

· Die cast zinc. Zinc casting alloys tend to be stronger than reinforced, molded polymers. Zinc has self-lubricating abilities, and its stability makes it highly compatible for mechanical parts that move, such as gears. Zinc is also non-toxic and reusable.

· Stainless steel. Stainless steel is exceptionally resistant to corrosion, making it a good fit for outdoor applications. In fact, high-grade stainless-steel alloys are even compatible for high acidity, high pressure, and high temperature conditions. Stainless steel is extremely durable and its lifespan typically offsets any increased upfront costs. 

· Brass. Manufacturers often use brass for highly decorative applications that don’t involve a lot of moving parts or constant friction. Furthermore, brass is highly non-flammable, making it perfect for products that will be used around flammable or explosive gases.

· Malleable iron. This material is often used for small castings or castings that have cross-sections of 0.25” or less. Malleable iron is very tough, highly ductile, and extremely heat resistant. It is utilized in electrical and pipe fittings, hand tools, and farm equipment, among other products.

· Steel. Steel is a strong metal and can be formed according to rigorous standards of safety and quality.