Hardware Options

One of my main goals, since beginning Four Black Paws, is to provide quality dog gear. Below, you will find information about the types of hardware you can choose for your products along with some helpful care tips. Please remember, it is always important to check your collar(s) often for signs of wear and discontinue use immediately and replace worn collars.

Hardware Options

YKK Sharpn'loc Buckle

This is a new and innovative buckle from YKK that is perfect for outdoor gear. The "V" shape allows the plug to be inserted smoothly and due to the new design, snow, dirt and other debris gets pushed out. We offer these buckles as an option on canvas collars; these buckles cannot be engraved. When you choose the YKK Sharpn'loc buckles, you will also be able to choose your metal hardware (tri-glide and d-ring): stainless steel, brass or black. Available for 3/4", 1" and 1.5" wide collars. These are a good choice if your collar will get wet often. Average break strength as advertised by the manufacturer: 3/4” (132 lbs.), 1” (176 lbs.), 1.5” (176 lbs).

YKK Black Plastic Buckle

This plastic buckle is a standard type of plastic buckle and has a contoured shape to "hug" your dog's neck. We offer these buckles as an option on canvas collars and biothane collars; these buckles can be engraved with you contact information for an additional fee. When you choose the YKK Black Plastic Buckle, you will also be able to choose your metal hardware (tri-glide and d-ring): stainless steel, brass or black. Available for 3/4" and 1" wide collars. These are a good choice if your collar will get wet often. Average break strength as advertised by the manufacturer: 5/8” (149 lbs.), 3/4” (228 lbs.), 1” (323 lbs.), 1.5” (365 lbs).

AustriAlpin COBRA® Buckle

These black side release buckles are a military-grade metal buckle that is incredibly strong (800 pound working capacity). This buckle is made from aluminum alloy, stainless steel components and brass clips. Available in 3/4", 1" and 1.5".

Zinc Die Cast Metal Buckle (Silver or Gold)

These side release metal buckles are either nickel (silver) or brass (gold) plated and are slightly heavier than the plastic or aluminum buckles that are offered. This buckle is not intended for use in water. We offer these buckles as an option on canvas collars; these buckles can be engraved. Available for 3/4" and 1" wide collars; when you choose this buckle option, your collar will come with matching metal hardware (tri-glide and d-ring). Average break strength as advertised by the manufacturer: 5/8” (500 lbs.), 3/4” (500 lbs.), 1” (500) lbs.).

Aluminum Metal Buckle (Silver only - gold is temporarily unavailable due to supply issues)

These side release buckles are the lightest metal buckles offered in the shop. This buckle option can be engraved with your contact information for an additional fee. Available for 3/4", 1" and 1.5" wide canvas collars and 5/8", 3/4" and 1" wide biothane collars; when you choose this buckle option, your collar will come with matching metal hardware (tri-glide and d-ring). Average break strength as advertised by the manufacturer: 5/8” (500 lbs.), 3/4” (500 lbs.), 1” (500 lbs.), 1.5” (500 lbs.).

Stainless Steel Buckle

This belt buckle style is available only for biothane and biothane + canvas collars. Available for 5/8", 3/4" and 1” wide collars. These buckles are cast by hand and may contain slight markings on the sides from the manufacturing process (these markings do not affect the strength, durability and quality of the buckles). Chicago screws used to make collars with this stainless steel buckle are made from nickel plated brass screws.

Brass Buckle

This belt buckle style is available only for biothane and biothane + canvas collars. Available for 5/8", 3/4" and 1” wide collars. These buckles are cast by hand and may contain slight markings on the sides from the manufacturing process (these markings do not affect the strength, durability and quality of the buckles). Chicago screws used to make collars with this brass buckle are made from solid brass.

1.5” Biothane Buckle Options

These buckle styles are for our 1.5” wide biothane collars; available in both brass and stainless steel. Chicago screws used to make collars with this stainless steel buckle are made from nickel plated brass screws; screws used to make collars with the brass buckle are made from solid brass.

Black Buckle

This belt buckle style is available only for biothane collars. This black hardware is a specially coated solid brass hardware that is more resistant to scratching than other types of black hardware (this doesn't mean it won't ever scratch but it is the same process they use to coat the hardware on high end golf clubs and watches). I have found that the inside of the d-ring tends to wear away first from the rubbing action of the leash hook and tags. Available for 3/4", 1" and 1.5" wide collars. Chicago screws used to make collars with this black buckle are made from solid brass with a black matte plating (not the same as the buckle itself).

Chain Martingale (brass or nickel plated)

When choosing to have your collar made into a chain martingale, you may choose to have a brass (gold) or nickel plated (silver) - all other hardware on the collar will match the color chain that you choose. Brass martingale chains are made from solid brass and will tarnish over time. These martingale chains are not recommended for frequent water use. Available for 3/4", 1" and 1.5" wide collars; chain martingales are available for canvas collars.

Fabric Martingale

When choosing to make your collar into a fabric martingale, you may choose between nickel plated (silver), brass (gold) or black hardware. Fabric martingales are made with the same fabric and webbing for the control loop as what is used for your main collar. Fabric martingales are available for 3/4", 1" and 1.5" wide collars; biothane + canvas martingales utilize the fabric martingale design.