question about trigger snaps

[TigerPal]

The pictures that you show, I've always heard called either bolt snaps, or spring snaps. I don't trust that type for a heavy-duty dog leash, whether made of brass or steel, since I had a couple fail on me and/or the dog managing to twist his collar in a manner that slipped it loose from the snap. What I've known as "trigger" snaps have 2 curved parts (one of which rotates, with a side "trigger"), shaped in such a way even if the spring gives way, there is still a curve holding things together. Recommend you take a look at Tandy's new catalog, page 119, item numbers 1148-02 & -03, 1154-01, -02 & -03 for nickel plated versions, or item 1147-00 for solid brass.

Edited December 11, 2009 by TigerPal

[ruthless]

I've never seen one of those used on a heavy duty dog leash, have you? Any links?

The pictures that you show, I've always heard called either bolt snaps, or spring snaps. I don't trust that type for a heavy-duty dog leash, whether made of brass or steel, since I had a couple fail on me and/or the dog managing to twist his collar in a manner that slipped it loose from the snap. What I've known as "trigger" snaps have 2 curved parts (one of which rotates, with a side "trigger"), shaped in such a way even if the spring gives way, there is still a curve holding things together. Recommend you take a look at Tandy's new catalog, page 119, item numbers 1148-02 & -03, 1154-01, -02 & -03 for nickel plated versions, or item 1147-00 for solid brass.

[ruthless]

I will ask him where he gets his hardware and post it or pm you with the info.

That'd be great, thanks

[HarryB]

I've used the spring snaps pictured for years on both horse and dog equipment. I've never had an animal break one of the snaps. The snaps have broken due to springs popping out or the movable part of the latch breaking but never had one straightened out by an animal. I have seen the scissor snaps break. I had a half wolf/half Malimute that could break a scissor snap easily. I really don't think the casting hole in the base of the brass snap will affect the overall strength that much. You are making leashes for dogs: not dinosaurs. As long as the animal is not tied fast to a fence post or light post you will probably be OK.

[ryanf]

The pictures that you show, I've always heard called either bolt snaps, or spring snaps. I don't trust that type for a heavy-duty dog leash, whether made of brass or steel, since I had a couple fail on me and/or the dog managing to twist his collar in a manner that slipped it loose from the snap. What I've known as "trigger" snaps have 2 curved parts (one of which rotates, with a side "trigger"), shaped in such a way even if the spring gives way, there is still a curve holding things together. Recommend you take a look at Tandy's new catalog, page 119, item numbers 1148-02 & -03, 1154-01, -02 & -03 for nickel plated versions, or item 1147-00 for solid brass.

I made a couple of leashes for our dogs' trainers for Christmas. They loved them, but one suggested this type of snap. She's had problems with dogs slipping out of the others (she tends to take in the rowdy dogs - a test of skill and patience, but also a reflection on her dedication to dogs that many, if not most, would dismiss). It sounded as though she does have leashes with these trigger snaps, so they must be commercially available, though I don't recall seeing them anywhere. Certainly not at any of the big-box pet stores.

This probably doesn't answer anyone's questions, but the suggestion was enough to make me go out and buy trigger snaps for the rest of the leashes I'm working on.