Hardware

A bolt snap has a sliding bolt that you push back with your thumb to open the gate, and it springs shut when released. A trigger snap has a lever on the side that you squeeze to open the gate. Both are spring-loaded and widely used for dog leads, the main difference is the opening mechanism and which is easier to operate one-handed.

Welded D-rings in stainless steel or solid brass are the best choice for a dog harness, as the welded join has no gap that can open under repeated pulling. Choose a D-ring size that matches the width of your webbing or strap, and a thickness suited to the size and strength of the dog.

Buckles are sized to match the inner width of the webbing or strap, commonly 15, 20, 25, 32 or 50 mm. Measure the width of your strap and choose a buckle with a matching feed-through size, since a buckle that's too narrow won't fit and one that's too wide will allow the strap to shift.

Breaking strength depends on the size and grade of the carabiner, smaller keychain-sized carabiners are rated for light use, while larger stainless steel carabiners can hold significantly more. For load-bearing applications, always check the breaking strength listed on the specific product page rather than assuming a general figure.

To attach a tri-glide, fold the end of the webbing or paracord strap and feed it through the middle bar of the tri-glide, then back through one of the outer bars. This creates a loop that holds the tri-glide in place and lets you adjust the strap length by sliding it along the loop.

BioThane straps work with the same rings, D-rings and snap hooks used for webbing, fitted using rivets or Chicago screws rather than stitching. Our BioThane adapters are designed specifically for this, giving a secure, permanent connection between the strap and the hardware.