If a business isn’t telling you the clip strength of their leads, your dog could be in danger!
As a responsible dog owner, your leash isn’t just a tool, it’s a lifeline that keeps your dog safe. But here’s the thing: when leads fail, unless you are using a cheap, thin, nylon lead, it’s not usually the webbing or material. It’s the hardware that gives way. And depending on where you are, a hardware failure can be devastating.
So why is clip strength information so often missing? At Salty Paws Design, we believe in transparency about the hardware we use, because your dog’s safety depends on it. This is information that is often hard to find so let’s dive into the key things you need to know.
Not All Clips Are Created Equal
Leash clips vary widely in style and material. Here are the most common types:
- Bolt snaps (the most common)
- Trigger snaps (also known as lobster claws)
- Quick snaps
- Carabiners
- Frog clips (heavy-duty and designed for strength under pressure)
Each clip type has its pros and cons, but the material is what really matters:
- Stainless steel: Strong, durable, and highly rust-resistant.
- Solid brass: Corrosion-free, with a patina over time.
- Zinc alloy: Lightweight and suitable for smaller dogs.
- Aluminium: Lightweight, highly corrosion-resistant, and rust-free.
- Plated hardware: Stylish but prone to wear over time.
Breaking Load vs. Safe Working Load
When it comes to clip strength, you’ll often see two numbers:
- Breaking Load (MBL): The minimum weight at which the hardware fails.
- Safe Working Load (SWL): The recommended weight for safe use, usually MBL divided by a safety factor 5.
For example, a clip with a 180kg breaking load would have a safe working load of 36kg.
However, a 36kg SWL doesn’t mean it’s suitable for ALL 36kg dogs. If your dog is prone to reactivity or lunging, this repeated behaviour could push the hardware into breaking territory. Knowing the clip’s strength, and using it appropriately, while taking into consideration your dogs known behaviours is critical to your dog’s safety. That’s why selecting the right hardware for your dog’s size and activity level is essential.
How to Choose Safe, Reliable Hardware
Know the Material:
Stainless Steel
- Silver in colour
- Strong
- Extremely durable
- Very resistant to rusting
- Low maintenance
- Can discolour light/white coloured dog fur
Aluminium
- Strong and durable
- Extremely light
- Low maintenance
- Highly corrosive resistant
Solid Brass
- Gold in colour
- Durable
- Cannot rust but will patina
- Potentially high maintenance
- Can discolour light/white coloured dog fur
Plated Hardware
- Can achieve a variety of unique finishes
- Potentially more prone to rust/corrode than stainless steel or solid brass depending on the base metal
- Lightweight
- Can discolour light/white coloured dog fur
Inspect Regularly: Look for signs of wear, such as rust, loose rivets, or fatigue.
Proper Care: We suggest the following care tips to extend your gear’s lifespan:
- Rinse clips with fresh water after exposure to saltwater or chlorine.
- Regularly inspect for wear or fatigue.
- Don’t put your gear away wet and store in a dry place.
Salty Paws Transparency Promise
At Salty Paws Design, we offer a range of clips and clearly state their suitability. For example:
- Zinc Alloy Clips: Lightweight and perfect for small dogs and puppies.
- Stainless Steel Clips: Strong and rust-resistant, ideal for larger, active dogs.
- Aluminium Frog Clips: Lightweight yet strong, offering exceptional corrosion resistance, great for adventurers!
When it comes to leashes, the point of connection, and your first line of defense against accidents is the hardware. Always choose brands that are upfront about the strength of their clips and materials. If this info isn’t available? That’s a RED flag.
At Salty Paws your dog’s safety is our priority, and we’re committed to giving you all the details you need to make the best choice.
Got questions about our leads or clip strength? Reach out, we’re here to help!
If you would like to do your own research you can find some great information at Pet Hardware
Stay safe, and happy adventuring!
