How to choose a proper snap | Open page
|  | There are many types of snaps sold on the market.
Snaps with a thumb spring are the most commonly used type, and in order to help you choose one, there are a few details to be aware of.
Different materials are used to manufacture snaps based on their usage :
- The bronze snap is found in the smallest quantities, but works well even in moist conditions.
It is rare to find snaps with a surface treatment in chrome*.
- The brass snap, often sold as a ‘cavalry’ snap, is more fragile than bronze and does not have a surface treatment.
The snap has a golden or copper colored appearance.
- The plastic snap, made of poly-acetate, is most commonly used as…a key ring…but can be used as a neck line snap.
- The Zamac is a combination of different metals, aluminum, copper, iron, the most common variant treated on the surface with chrome.*
All of these snaps are equipped with a steel spring. |
Once having determined the usage of the snap, you must verify its construction.
For snaps with a thumb spring, many things must be checked: |
| 1) that the space in which the spring sits remains closed, that the spring is not visible, thus avoiding dirt, sand, dust, snow, etc… from clogging and therefore jamming the spring preventing it from opening or closing properly. |
| 2) In order to guarantee a solidly built snap, it is better to choose one with a body that was milled vice machined. The milled snap will have a full end while the machined snap will have a hollow end, and the more material in the snap, the longer it will last. |
| 3) The different types and sizes of materials are also important. You must avoid connecting a large dog to a tiny snap. |
| To finish and give one last bit of advice, when connecting a dog, make sure you hear a ‘snap’ from the snap ring when you release the thumb spring…the ‘snap’ will be your aural indication that the snap has closed properly. |
Other snaps destined for very specific uses, like the quick release type, can leave their closing mechanism, spring, etc, exposed…it is thus strongly encouraged that you inspect regularly these parts in order to keep them free of foreign materials, gravel, dust, sand, snow, etc…in order to avoid the risk of jamming the snap.
Rinsing or dousing a snap in water can sometimes remove foreign material. |
| *Chrome particles that detach during normal wear and tear, or by rubbing, can cause allergies (allergies to nickel, one of the component materials in chrome) in some dogs and thus result in hair loss around the neck. |
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