Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
A cord lock with two holes is chosen when both ends of the cord need to be adjusted together – for hoods, waists, and jacket hems. A cord lock with a single hole is for a single cord or when both ends pass together through one opening – for example, sleeves, elastic cords on backpacks and bags. The choice depends on the product design, cord thickness, and desired appearance.
How the single-hole cord lock works
A single-hole cord lock has only one transverse opening through the body. Either one cord or both cord ends together pass through it. The spring presses on everything inside the hole, so if two ends pass through, the hole must accommodate double thickness.
Advantages of the single hole:
- smaller and lighter body;
- suitable for single cords – at sleeve ends, trouser legs, hats;
- convenient for elastic cords on backpacks, tents, and nets;
- easy to install and quick operation in production.
The drawback is that when two ends pass through the same hole, they adjust simultaneously but not always evenly. If one end is slipperier or thicker, it will move more easily.
How the double-hole cord lock works
The double-hole cord lock has two parallel openings in the body and the plunger. Each cord end passes through its own hole, and the spring presses them equally. This keeps the two ends aligned side by side, prevents twisting, and allows symmetrical adjustment.
Advantages of the double hole:
- symmetrical tightening of hood, waist, or hem;
- more stable position – the cord lock does not rotate around the cord;
- tidier appearance, especially for visible cord locks on outerwear;
- possibility for a wider, flatter body that is easy to press.
Disadvantages include a larger body and slower installation since each cord end is threaded separately.
Comparison: single-hole vs double-hole cord lock
| Criterion | Single Hole | Double Hole |
|---|---|---|
| Number of cords | One cord or two ends together | Two ends, each separately |
| Adjustment | Quick but not always symmetrical | Symmetrical and stable |
| Body size | Smaller | Larger, often flatter |
| Typical products | Sleeves, trouser legs, backpacks, bags | Hoods, waists, jacket hems |
| Appearance | Discreet | Tidier for visible details |
Which cord lock for which product
Hoods and sweatshirts
For hoods, the two cord ends exit from both sides of the front opening. If one cord lock controls both ends – for example, under the chin or at the back of the hood – a double-hole cord lock is used. If each end has its own cord lock near the tunnel exit, two single-hole cord locks are used.
Waists and jacket hems
Here, the two ends usually exit inside the garment, close together. The double-hole cord lock keeps the cords orderly and allows one-handed adjustment. For some jackets, each end exits on a different side, so two single-hole cord locks are used.
Sleeves, trouser legs, and hats
A single cord or elastic cord at the sleeve or trouser leg end is adjusted with a single-hole cord lock. The small body does not interfere with movement.
Backpacks, bags, and pouches
Closing a bag or the top of a backpack with a cord usually gathers both ends at one point. Both options work here: the single-hole cord lock is more compact, while the double-hole cord lock is more stable under heavy load.
Safety and convenience
For children's clothing, cords around the head and neck area are subject to special EU safety requirements (standard EN 14682). For the smallest sizes, cords on hoods are generally not allowed. Therefore, other solutions are often chosen for children's models – elastic, hook and loop, or fixed cords without free ends. For adult products, convenience is the main criterion: the double-hole cord lock can be adjusted with one hand, while the small single-hole cord lock is less noticeable but harder to grip with gloves. Consider who and under what conditions will adjust the cord before choosing the model.
Common mistakes when choosing
- Single hole sized for one cord but used for two ends. The cord does not pass or passes with difficulty and frays.
- Double hole with very close ends in a narrow tunnel. The wide body sits crosswise and does not lie flat.
- Same cord lock for all products in the collection. The hood and sleeve have different needs; sometimes two models with the same look are necessary.
- Decision without a sample. Knitted and woven cords of the same diameter behave differently in the same hole.
Combination with cord and cord ends
The choice of cord lock is always made together with the cord. Measure the thickest part of the cord with calipers, consider whether it is elastic and if it is flat, then choose the hole size. If you plan cord ends on the ends, consider whether the cord lock will need to be removed – the cord end usually does not pass back through the hole. You will find cords in various thicknesses and materials in the cords category, and cord locks with one and two holes in the cord locks section.
Samples and ordering from Polkom
Polkom is a Bulgarian manufacturer of accessories for fashion, furniture, footwear, and bags with over 30 years of experience. We offer cord locks with one and two holes in plastic and metal, in various shapes and colours, including custom logo options. Send us a piece of your cord and a product description via the contact form – we will suggest suitable models and samples for testing.
