Choosing the Best Hardware for Your BioThane Leash

At High Tail Hikes, we’re committed to crafting high-quality, durable adventure gear that lasts. One of the most important factors in choosing the right waterproof dog leash is selecting the best hardware—the clasp or carabiner that connects your leash to your dog’s collar or harness.

We offer two premium options:

✔ Solid Brass – Classic, strong, and rust-resistant.
✔ Autolocking Aluminum Carabiners – Lightweight, ultra-secure, and built for peace of mind.

Each option has unique benefits, so let’s break them down to help you decide which is the best fit for your custom dog leash.

Solid Brass Hardware – Durable & Rust-Proof

Solid brass is an alloy made from copper and zinc, known for its strength, flexibility, and resistance to rust and corrosion. It's an amazing material for dog gear! Unlike plated metals, brass is solid all the way through, which means:

✔ Stronger under pressure – Brass has a bit of "stretch," allowing it to flex rather than snap under force.
✔ Rust-proof & corrosion-resistant – Perfect for beach trips, water adventures, and humid climates.
✔ Develops a natural patina – Over time, brass will darken but can be polished to restore its shine.

💡 Caring for Brass Hardware: If your brass clasp gets sticky from dirt or salt exposure, rinse it well, then apply a few drops of WD-40 inside the clasp. To remove tarnish, coat it with a mix of lemon juice and baking soda, let it sit for 30 minutes, buff with a soft cloth, and rinse. Learn more about care and cleaning your hardware. 

Bolt Snap vs. Scissor Snap – Which One Should You Choose?

If you opt for brass hardware, you’ll have two clasp styles to choose from:

🔹 Bolt Snap – Standard, Reliable, and Easy to Use

✔ Most common leash clasp – Spring-loaded with a button to open and close.
✔ Quick and easy to attach or remove – Great for switching between long dog leashes and shorter leashes.
✔ Possible drawbacks: Over time, the internal spring may become sticky, especially with saltwater exposure. A quick rinse and a little oil will keep it moving smoothly.

💡 Pro Tip: Always double-check that the gate is fully closed to prevent accidental unclipping. If your dog loves to roll, consider a Safety Strap for extra security!

🔹 Scissor Snap (also known as Trigger/Lobster Snap) – Secure & Great for Water Lovers

✔ Opens with a larger tab, making it easier for people with arthritis, gloves, or limited dexterity.
✔ No internal spring – Less prone to getting sticky over time, making it a great choice for beach trips.
✔ Releases instantly when opened, unlike a bolt snap, which requires an extra step to remove.

💡 Possible downside: The tab that opens the clasp could theoretically be pressed accidentally, though this is extremely rare.

Sport Autolocking Carabiners – Lightweight & Ultra Secure

Our autolocking aluminum carabiners are the ultimate choice for those who want maximum security. Made from aviation-grade anodized aluminum, these carabiners are:

✔ Extremely strong – With a 400 kg (880 lb) load strength, they won’t fail under pressure.
✔ Rust-proof and long-lasting – A great choice for wet or humid conditions.
✔ Autolocking for extra security – The gate automatically locks into place when closed, ensuring it won’t come unclipped by accident.

💡 Things to consider:
🔹 Carabiners are slightly bulkier than brass snaps, which might be a factor for very small dogs.
🔹 The autolocking mechanism requires two steps to open—spinning the lock and pressing the gate—so it may take a little getting used to, and can be tricky to do one handed. 
🔹Over time the black plating will wear off, revealing the silver base metal underneath. 

Other Hardware Materials – What You Need to Know

There are several other leash hardware materials commonly used in the pet industry. Here’s how they compare:

✔ Stainless Steel – Strong and rust-resistant, but can be expensive, hard to source, and more prone to cracking under pressure. Additionally, even stainless steel can rust. 

✔ Plated Metals (Nickel, Zinc, Chrome) – The most common type of hardware found in the pet industry. It is a base material, most commonly steel, brass, or a zinc alloy, that is “plated,” or coated, with another material. Plated hardware can be more cost effective than stainless steel. Over time the plating will wear off, revealing the base material underneath. 

Which Hardware Option is Best for You?

✔ For beach trips & water adventures: Brass hardware is rust-proof, durable, and easy to maintain.
✔ For active dogs, hiking, or added security: Autolocking aluminum carabiners provide peace of mind with a secure, fail-proof lock.
✔ For easy on/off handling: Bolt snaps are quick and convenient for everyday use.
✔ For easy grip, arthritis-friendly handling: Scissor snaps open with a larger tab and have no internal spring.

Regardless of which hardware you choose, you’ll get a durable dog leash designed for adventure, reliability, and long-lasting performance.

Why We Only Use High-Quality Hardware

At High Tail Hikes, we carefully select every component of our custom dog leashes, waterproof dog collars, and hands-free dog leashes to ensure safety, durability, and long-term performance.

✔ Brass hardware for durability, strength, and rust resistance
✔ Autolocking aluminum carabiners for maximum security
✔ No cheap plated metals—only solid, high-quality materials

🔹 Need help choosing the right hardware for your pup? Contact us!
🔹 Want a matching dog collar and leash? Customize your set here!

Any questions? Just contact us, we’d love to help you build the perfect BioThane leash for every adventure! 🚀🐾