ORIGINAL HARDWARE DEVELOPMENT
Snap Hardware Development
A project designed to bring snap manufacturing back to the United States, through practical design, simpler construction, and a commitment to proving the details.
Pricing is in development. U.S. manufacturing is our goal; a production location has not been confirmed.
Small hardware for an everyday job
Snaps are quick-opening connectors used to attach leads, straps, chains, removable hardware, and everyday gear. You will find these types of connections around farms, equipment, and daily work, wherever a connection needs to open and close without permanently joining the parts.
We are exploring original snap concepts that combine the body and spring action in a single stainless-steel part. The aim is to reduce separate components while working toward dependable closure, practical operation, and better durability. Those are development goals that still need to be demonstrated through design review, prototyping, and testing.
What we are trying to improve
Simpler construction
Investigate integral flexures that use the controlled flexibility of the material to return the gate toward its closed position.
Dependable closure
Study useful opening travel, positive retention, automatic re-latching, and resistance to accidental opening.
A practical U.S. production path
Develop the design around a realistic manufacturing route, then confirm material, process, inspection, and production-location requirements.
The first development study
Our first study targets a double-ended snap with a 4½-inch overall length and 5/16-inch hook openings. Each end should open independently and return closed using the flexibility of a single stainless-steel part.
Longer integral flexures and a captured-tip arrangement are being investigated. The gate mechanism must first prove usable opening and secure retention before it can support a wider family of designs.
A roadmap, not a released catalog
Nine development directions help organize the questions ahead. Each family needs its own requirements, geometry, and validation.
Dual Hook
Two independently opening ends for connecting removable hardware. The flagship single-piece flexure investigation.
Next question
Prove usable opening and positive retention without sacrificing automatic closing.
Round Eye
A fixed round attachment eye paired with one opening hook.
Next question
Develop the fixed-eye load path and confirm ring clearances after the gate mechanism is proven.
Strap Eye
A broad fixed attachment opening for webbing or flat straps.
Next question
Check strap width, edge contact, abrasion and off-axis loading.
Utility
A general-purpose fixed-eye connection for removable gear.
Next question
Define actual use cases, mating hardware and release access before setting dimensions.
Compact
A smaller connection concept for keys and light accessories.
Next question
Determine the minimum practical flexure length and guard against accidental opening.
Rotating Eye
A future family for applications that need rotation between the eye and hook.
Next question
A true swivel needs a separate rotation and retention solution; the one-piece flexure study does not establish this function.
Thumb Control
A future family exploring an easier-to-reach release surface.
Next question
Evaluate thumb forces, gloves and snag resistance. Lever or trigger action is not established by the current flexure.
Wide Gate
A possible family for larger mating rings and connections.
Next question
Larger openings change gate travel, strength and retention. No load rating or heavy-duty claim is assigned.
Controlled Release
A possible future family for connections with a specifically defined release requirement.
Next question
Release under tension and panic-release behavior require a separate mechanism and dedicated hazard testing. They are not features of the current project.
What still needs to be proven
- Opening force, usable travel, and automatic closing
- Secure retention, accidental-opening resistance, and behavior under load
- Material grade, flexure stress, fatigue life, and corrosion performance
- Manufacturing feasibility, dimensional consistency, and inspection requirements
Concept names describe development directions, not available sizes, proven compatibility, or certified performance. No working-load rating or life-safety suitability has been established. Manufacturing location and material specifications remain to be confirmed.
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