Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Gunmetal cord ends (Gun Metal, code GM) are metal end caps in a dark grey, graphite tone with gloss and a clear metallic sheen. The finish sits between silver and black oxide: more serious than bright silver and more “metallic” than black. It is preferred by brands of outdoor and sportswear, menswear, backpacks and sneakers. At Polkom all 64 cord end styles are available in Gun Metal.
What colour “gunmetal” is
The name comes from the dark, bluish-grey steel associated with this tone. In the light the surface reflects like metal, while in shadow it looks almost anthracite. This makes Gun Metal a convenient compromise: the cord end is visible, but it does not shine like silver and is not as stark as black.
Gun Metal is a glossy finish. If you are looking for an aged, matte effect in a dark range, see Antique Silver or Antique Oxide. The tone in photos is approximate – the sample shows the true shade next to your fabric.
Products for which Gun Metal is most suitable
Outdoor and technical jackets
Cords for adjusting hoods, waists and hems. The dark grey metal fits naturally next to technical zips, cord stoppers and reflective tapes. Styles with a locking pin, such as NK-106, hold securely even on thicker cords.
Menswear and casual collections
Sweatshirts, anoraks, gilets and trousers in grey, navy and olive tones. Gun Metal looks restrained and suits brands with a minimalist, “engineered” style.
Backpacks, sports bags and accessories
Cords on backpacks, shoe bags and sports holdalls. It is convenient to combine the cord ends with metal zips and buckles in the same dark tone.
Sneakers and hiking shoes
Thin tubes and cones for laces, where bright silver would be too flashy.
Furniture and interior textiles
Cords on covers, cushions and blinds in interiors with graphite, concrete and dark metal.
Combinations with the cord colour
- Grey melange and anthracite – tone on tone, clean and technical;
- navy and petrol blue – a cool, elegant palette;
- olive and khaki – outdoor and military aesthetics;
- orange, yellow and neon green – a bright cord with a “calming” dark metal;
- black – the cord end stays visible thanks to its metallic sheen.
With pastels and warm beige tones Gun Metal can look heavy – light gold or antique brass is more suitable there.
If the collection combines grey and black products, Gun Metal is a convenient “bridge” between them: on grey it looks tone on tone, and on black it stays visible thanks to its metallic sheen. This way one style and one cord end colour can cover several articles.
Recommended styles in gunmetal
Gun Metal emphasises technical shapes – ribs, pyramids, details with two holes. Click the code to open the style's card.
| Code (Gun Metal) | Style | Ø / width × length | Opening | Why in gunmetal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NK-106-GM | Cone with locking pin, tall | Ø 11.8 × 14.1 mm | ≈ Ø 9.4 mm | tall cone with locking pin for outdoor cords |
| NK-208-GM | Ribbed cone | Ø 10.03 × 13.17 mm | ≈ Ø 5 mm | ribbed cone – sporty technical look |
| NK-506-GM | Truncated pyramid | 8.88 × 10.97 mm | ≈ Ø 5.8 mm | truncated pyramid – architectural shape |
| NK-507-GM | Square bell | 9.8 × 13.31 mm | ≈ Ø 5.9 mm | square bell for jackets |
| NK-402-GM | Semicircular with two holes and a slot | 14.14 × 13.58 mm | slot for tape | semicircular with two holes and a slot |
| NK-405-GM | Arch with two holes | 10.13 × 14.1 mm | two holes | arch with two holes for a double cord |
| NK-307-GM | Flat, elongated, wide | 15.14 × 29.5 mm | slot for tape | long, wide flat style for a logo |
| NK-602-GM | Tube with rounded end | Ø 7 × 14.75 mm | ≈ Ø 5.2 mm | tube with a rounded end |
| NK-708-GM | Sphere, large | Ø 15.1 × 10.87 mm | ≈ Ø 9 mm | large sphere for thick cords |
Styles with two holes and a slot are in the designer cord ends group.
How to choose a style for technical products
On outdoor clothing the cord end works rather than just decorates: it is pulled with gloves, passes through cord stoppers and eyelets and gets wet. So think about function first. For hood and hem cords, choose a shape that is easy to grip – a ribbed cone or a tall cone. If the cord passes through a cord stopper, check that the cord end is wider than the stopper's opening so it does not slip through. Styles with two holes and a slot allow a double cord or a tape. For backpacks, compact shapes that do not snag are convenient.
Care and durability
Outdoor and sports products are worn intensively, so testing before the run is key:
- choose the opening according to the cord and the attachment method – crimping or glue;
- wash a sample of the finished product according to the care label and check that the cord end stays firmly in place;
- avoid bleach and abrasive products;
- for backpacks and bags that rub against hard surfaces, prefer shorter and more compact shapes.
How to order gunmetal cord ends
- Choose a style from metal cord ends and add GM – for example NK-208-GM.
- Send a sample of the cord or its diameter; the openings in the catalogue are approximate.
- State the quantity – minimum 1000 pcs per style and colour.
- Optionally add a logo – flat, geometric and larger round styles are suitable.
Polkom – dark metal accessories for technical clothing
Polkom manufactures accessories for fashion, furniture, footwear and bags and has over 30 years of experience with brands and garment production. Besides cord ends you will find cords, cord stoppers and zips that you can select in one tone. Send an inquiry – we will suggest a style and a sample in Gun Metal.
