RIGGING SUPPLY YOU CAN DEPEND ON

Professional Snap Hooks - Marine & Rigging Hardware

Locking Snap Hooks

Feature a locking mechanism that prevents the gate from opening accidentally. Required for fall protection and critical safety connections.

Locking Types:

• Auto-Locking: Gate automatically locks when closed, twist to open
• Screw-Lock: Manual threaded sleeve locks gate closed
• Double-Locking: Two-stage locking mechanism for maximum security
• Magnetic: Magnetic lock provides quick locking and unlocking

Applications:

• Fall protection lanyards (OSHA required)
• Personal fall arrest systems
• Critical safety connections
• Positioning lanyards
• Rescue operations

OSHA Requirement: Locking snap hooks are required for personal fall arrest systems. Non-locking snap hooks may only be used for positioning and non-critical applications.

Non-Locking Snap Hooks

Standard spring-loaded gate without locking mechanism. Quick and easy to use but not suitable for fall protection.

Key Features:

• Simple spring-loaded gate
• Quick one-handed operation
• Economical option
• Good for non-critical connections
• Various sizes and styles

Applications:

• Tool tethering (non-critical)
• Marine rigging connections
• General-purpose attachments
• Equipment securing
• Non-fall protection applications

Swivel Snap Hooks

Feature a rotating eye that prevents line twisting and allows the hook to align naturally with the load.

Key Features:

• Rotating eye prevents twisting
• Allows natural load alignment
• Reduces wear on attachment points
• Available in locking and non-locking
• Ideal for applications with rotation

Bolt Snap Hooks

Compact design with a spring-loaded bolt that slides to open the gate. Common in marine and light-duty applications.

Key Features:

• Compact, streamlined design
• Spring-loaded bolt mechanism
• Easy one-handed operation
• Popular for marine applications
• Various sizes available

Common Styles

• Standard Snap Hook: Traditional hook shape, versatile for general use
• Pelican Hook: Quick-release design for fast disconnection under load
• Trigger Snap: Thumb-operated trigger release, common in marine applications
• Panic Snap: Emergency quick-release for rapid disconnection
• Rebar Hook: Designed to attach to rebar and similar structures
• Scaffold Hook: Large throat opening for scaffold tubes and pipes

Material Options

• Stainless Steel: Excellent corrosion resistance, ideal for marine environments (316 for saltwater, 304 for freshwater)
• Steel (Zinc-Plated): Economical, good for indoor or dry applications
• Galvanized Steel: Good corrosion protection for outdoor use
• Aluminum: Lightweight option for non-critical applications
• Bronze: Traditional marine material, excellent corrosion resistance

Key Considerations

• Application: Fall protection requires locking snap hooks; non-critical uses can use non-locking
• Load Rating: Ensure working load limit exceeds maximum expected loads
• Material: Stainless steel for marine/corrosive environments, steel for general use
• Gate Opening: Must be large enough for your attachment points
• Locking Type: Auto-locking for convenience, screw-lock for reliability
• Swivel: Swivel eye prevents twisting in rotating applications
• Size: Balance between strength and weight/bulk
• Certifications: ANSI Z359 for fall protection, marine standards for boat hardware

Safety Considerations

• Locking Required: Always use locking snap hooks for fall protection
• Gate Closure: Ensure gate is fully closed and locked before loading
• Proper Loading: Load along the spine, avoid side-loading
• Working Load Limits: Never exceed rated capacity
• Inspect Before Use: Check gate function and locking mechanism
• Avoid Roll-Out: Ensure snap hook can't roll out of attachment point
• Compatible Anchors: Use with appropriate D-rings and anchor points
• Regular Inspection: Check for wear, corrosion, and proper function

Critical Safety Warnings

• Fall Protection: Only locking snap hooks are approved for personal fall arrest systems
• Gate Must Lock: Verify locking mechanism engages properly before each use
• No Side-Loading: Side-loading dramatically reduces snap hook strength
• Avoid Small Connections: Don't connect to objects smaller than snap hook opening (roll-out hazard)
• Check Compatibility: Ensure snap hook is compatible with D-ring or anchor size
• Replace if Damaged: Never use damaged or malfunctioning snap hooks

Inspection Guidelines

• Before Each Use: Visual and functional inspection
• Gate Function: Ensure gate opens and closes smoothly
• Locking Mechanism: Test that lock engages and releases properly
• Spring Tension: Verify gate spring closes gate firmly
• Corrosion: Check for rust, pitting, or corrosion
• Deformation: Look for bending, cracks, or damage
• Wear Patterns: Inspect for excessive wear at contact points

Retirement Criteria - Retire Snap Hook If:

• Gate doesn't close or lock properly
• Locking mechanism fails to engage or is damaged
• Spring is weak or broken
• Cracks, deformation, or structural damage visible
• Excessive corrosion or pitting present
• Snap hook has been shock loaded or involved in a fall
• Excessive wear at contact points
• Any doubt exists about snap hook integrity

Care & Maintenance

• Cleaning: Clean with mild soap and water, rinse thoroughly
• Lubrication: Apply light lubricant to gate mechanism and spring
• Freshwater Rinse: Rinse after saltwater exposure
• Storage: Store in cool, dry location away from chemicals
• Avoid Contamination: Keep away from acids, solvents, and corrosives
• Documentation: Track purchase date and usage for fall protection equipment

When are locking snap hooks required?

OSHA and ANSI Z359 standards require locking snap hooks for all personal fall arrest system connections, including lanyard-to-harness and lanyard-to-anchor connections. Non-locking snap hooks may only be used for positioning lanyards and non-critical applications like tool tethering. For any life safety application, always use locking snap hooks.

What's the difference between auto-locking and screw-lock snap hooks?

Auto-locking snap hooks automatically lock when the gate closes - you twist the sleeve to unlock and open. Screw-lock snap hooks require manually screwing a threaded sleeve to lock the gate. Auto-locking is faster and more convenient but typically more expensive. Screw-lock is very reliable and won't accidentally unlock. Both are acceptable for fall protection when properly used.

Can I use a snap hook with a carabiner?

Generally not recommended for fall protection. Connecting a snap hook to a carabiner can create a roll-out hazard where the snap hook can rotate and the gate can open. For fall protection, connect snap hooks directly to D-rings or approved anchor points. If you must connect hardware together, ensure both are locking type and the connection prevents roll-out.

What size snap hook do I need?

The snap hook must be rated for your maximum expected loads and have a gate opening large enough for your D-rings or anchor points. Common fall protection snap hooks have 3/4" to 1" gate openings. Ensure the snap hook is not so large that it can roll out of the connection point. Check manufacturer specifications for load ratings and compatible D-ring sizes.

How often should I replace snap hooks?

Replace snap hooks based on condition, not just age. Inspect before each use and retire if damage is detected. For fall protection equipment, many companies replace snap hooks every 2-5 years regardless of condition as a preventive measure. After any fall arrest event, retire the snap hook immediately. Maintain inspection records for professional applications.

Professional Snap Hooks from US Rigging

US Rigging is a manufacturer and master distributor of climbing ropes, fall protection equipment, and industrial rigging equipment located in Santa Ana, California. With over 40 years of experience, we offer professional-grade snap hooks in various styles, sizes, and materials, engineered for safety, durability, and dependable performance in demanding applications.

Our snap hook collection includes locking and non-locking snap hooks, swivel snap hooks, bolt snaps, and specialized styles in stainless steel and other materials. Whether you need ANSI-certified locking snap hooks for fall protection lanyards, corrosion-resistant stainless steel snap hooks for marine rigging, or general-purpose snap hooks for equipment connections, we have the quality hardware meeting safety standards for reliable performance.

Browse our snap hook selection and contact our knowledgeable team for expert guidance. Trust US Rigging for professional-grade snap hooks and marine hardware you can depend on.