Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Metal bag hardware – D-rings, snap hooks, buckles, strap adjusters, eyelets and logo plates – is best ordered as one set from one manufacturer. That way every part has the same finish colour, the sizes match the strap widths and the logo can be placed on several elements. At Polkom all metal parts are nickel-free, the minimum order is generally 1,000 pcs per model, a sample costs around 50–100 €, and production takes 10–20 days.
If you are still choosing the types of hardware, start with the article how to choose metal accessories for bags. Here we focus on the order: how to put the set together, how to brand it and what to check in the sample.
What a bag hardware set consists of
| Element | Function | Can it carry a logo? |
|---|---|---|
| D-ring | Connects the strap to the bag body | Rarely, engraving |
| Snap hook | Detachable strap | Yes – embossed or engraved on the body |
| Strap adjuster (tri-glide) | Adjusts strap length | Yes – on wider models |
| Buckle | Fastens a flap or strap | Yes – embossing, engraving, enamel |
| Eyelets and rivets | Reinforce and join layers | Yes – on the cap |
| Metal logo plate | Visible brand mark | Yes – the main logo carrier |
| Bag feet | Protect the base | Sometimes |
| Zip puller | Opens the zip | Yes |
Sizing: everything starts with the strap width
The inner width of the ring, snap hook and adjuster must match the width of the strap. A 25 mm strap needs hardware with a 25 mm inner opening. Straps on handbags are most often 20–30 mm, and on backpacks and travel bags 30–40 mm or more. A good rule is to define the widths of all straps first and then choose the whole set of hardware around them. State the material thickness too. Thick leather or double-layer textile needs a taller opening.
Material, finish and load
The hardware is made from zinc alloy, brass or steel. Zinc alloy allows complex shapes and a raised logo, steel is best under heavy load, and brass is the classic choice for premium bags. All Polkom metal parts are nickel-free. You can see the finishes – gold, silver, antique brass, gunmetal, black, matt or gloss – on the colours and finishes page.
For bags that carry weight, test the sample under tension. The snap hook and the adjuster are the most heavily loaded elements. State in your inquiry what kind of bag the hardware is for – handbag, backpack, travel bag or laptop case.
How to brand the hardware
- Metal logo plate – the most visible place for the logo, on the front of the flap or body.
- Logo buckle – embossed or enamelled in the brand colour.
- Snap hook and adjuster – discreet engraving on the side.
- Eyelets and rivets – logo on the cap.
- Zip puller – metal with a logo, or rubber.
The logo does not need to be everywhere. One or two visible spots look more elegant, and the rest of the hardware in one colour completes the look.
How to write a hardware specification
A good specification saves several rounds of questions and makes the quote accurate. Make a table for each bag style with the following columns:
- element (D-ring, snap hook, adjuster, buckle, eyelet, plate);
- inner width in millimetres and material thickness;
- quantity per bag;
- finish and colour;
- logo – yes or no, and which technique;
- total quantity for the season.
When several bag styles use the same strap width, pool the hardware. The same snap hook for three styles means a larger quantity per model and a better price. It is also the easiest way to reach the minimum order for small collections.
Hardware for different types of bags
Handbags use finer hardware with a decorative finish and often a metal logo plate. Backpacks need stronger adjusters and snap hooks and wide straps. Travel bags and laptop cases carry the most weight, so snap hooks and rings must be made of solid metal. On small leather goods such as wallets and key cases, the hardware is miniature and the logo is usually on the snap or the plate.
What to check in the sample
- Do the openings match the strap width and thickness?
- Is the finish colour the same on all elements?
- Does the snap hook open and close easily without catching?
- Does the adjuster hold the strap without slipping under load?
- Is the logo legible, and does the enamel stay within its lines?
- Are there no sharp edges that cut the leather or textile?
Minimum order, sample and lead time
The minimum is generally 1,000 pcs per model. The different elements of the set are separate models, but they are ordered together and produced in one finish. The sample depends on the product and usually costs around 50–100 €. For hardware with a raised logo, a die or mould is made. Series production takes 10–20 days after approval. Send your logo in any format, ideally PDF or vector.
Polkom – manufacturer of metal bag hardware
Polkom is an accessories manufacturer with over 30 years of experience. We make bag buckles, rings, snap hooks, adjusters, eyelets and metal logo plates in one style, nickel-free and OEKO-TEX® certified. Send a request for a quote or sample with your strap widths, preferred finish and logo.
