Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Key rings are most often bought wholesale as split rings – two coils of flat steel wire between which keys and charms are slipped. When choosing, look at the outer diameter, the width and thickness of the wire and the finish. For promotional and branded key rings, the ring is combined with a leather strap, a metal tag, a charm or a snap hook.
Types of key rings
Split ring
The classic ring for keys. It is made of flat or half-flat wire wound into two full coils. A key is inserted by prising the coils apart with a fingernail or a small tool and turned until it sits in the ring. It is secure because there is no gap through which the key can fall out.
Round ring of round wire
A single-coil or welded ring used as a connecting link between the key ring and the charm, or between a chain and a snap hook. It is not designed to be opened often.
Ring with chain
A split ring with a short chain attached, ending in an extra ring or hook. It lets the charm hang more freely and keeps it from scratching the keys.
Ring with snap hook or quick link
A combination with a spring snap hook that clips onto a belt, bag or loop. It is convenient for key rings that are worn on the outside.
Screw ring
A ring that opens by unscrewing a small screw or ball. It is used when keys are changed often, for example on office key rings.
Key ring sizes
Key rings are usually specified by their outer diameter, and separately by the width and thickness of the wire. The larger the diameter, the more keys the ring holds. The thicker the wire, the more securely it holds and the harder it is to open.
| Size | Suitable use |
|---|---|
| Small (about 10–15 mm) | Connecting charms, jewellery, small tags, zip pullers |
| Medium (about 20–28 mm) | Standard key rings for a few keys, promotional key rings |
| Large (about 30–35 mm) | Bunches with many keys, office key rings |
| Very large | Warehouse and technical key bunches |
The sizes are approximate. For branded key rings, the ring size must also match the hole of the tag or the loop of the leather strap.
Material and finish
Most key rings are made of spring steel, because it returns to its shape after opening. The steel receives a protective finish – nickel colour (nickel free), chrome, black, gold or antique. For higher-end products, stainless steel or brass rings are also used.
The finish is important because a key ring is in constant friction with keys, coins and bags. A cheap finish wears quickly and exposes the base. When ordering wholesale, ask for a sample and test it in real conditions – for example a few days in a pocket together with keys.
Rings for branded and promotional key rings
If you produce key rings with a logo, the ring is only one part of the set. It is most often combined with:
- leather straps or tags with an embossed logo – see also leather labels;
- metal tags with an engraved or embossed mark – metal logo plates;
- charms and decorative elements in the brand colour;
- textile straps with woven or printed lettering.
All metal parts – ring, chain, snap hook, tag – must be in one finish. The difference in shade between nickel colour and chrome, for example, is immediately visible when the elements are side by side.
Key rings wholesale – how to plan the order
For advertising campaigns and souvenir series, key rings are ordered in large quantities and usually with a deadline tied to an event or season. That is why it is good to plan the rings together with the other elements, not at the last minute. First choose the type and size of the ring, then the material and finish of the tag or strap, and only then approve a combined sample of the finished key ring. This ensures that the hole of the tag accepts the ring, that the strap fits between the coils and that the colours match.
If the key rings will be packed individually, also think about the packaging – small bags, boxes or cardboard cards with a hole. The size of the ring also affects the size of the packaging.
What to check when ordering wholesale
- Springiness. The ring should open with moderate effort and close tightly, with no gap between the coils.
- Edges. The ends of the wire should be rounded so that they do not scratch or tear the strap.
- Finish. Even, without spots or bubbles.
- Consistency. The rings in one batch should have the same diameter and colour.
- Packaging. For large numbers it is practical to have the rings delivered in packs of equal count, which makes assembly easier.
How to fit a key ring onto a split ring
In series assembly of promotional key rings, the rings are opened with a small lever or special pliers with a bent tip that spread the coils without deforming them. Opening by hand with a fingernail is slow and with large quantities can bend the ring. If the ring stays open after assembly, it will catch on clothes and lose the charm.
Common mistakes
- Wire too thin for a large diameter – the ring bends and opens.
- A small ring for a thick leather strap that does not fit between the coils.
- Different suppliers for the rings and the tags, and a mismatch in finish.
- Choosing on price alone without testing the finish.
Key rings from Polkom
Polkom is a Bulgarian manufacturer of haberdashery and accessories for fashion, furniture, footwear and bags, based in Sofia, with over 30 years of experience. In the rings category you will find split and round rings in various sizes and finishes, as well as leather, textile and metal elements for branded key rings. Minimum quantities depend on the article – send an inquiry and we will prepare a quote and samples.
