Zippers fail from wrong sizing
A #5 zipper on a stuffed 30 L main compartment will split within a season. We size by load, not by price, and cycle-test every article.
Hardware & trims
Custom Zipper Pulls, Buckles & Bag Hardware
Hardware is where a bag feels premium or cheap in the hand - and where it fails first. We specify, source and test every zipper, slider, buckle, hook, ring, lock and trim on your bag, apply your logo to the parts buyers touch, and match one finish across all of them. 31 component types below, photographed and explained.
- 31 component types
- YKK / SBS zippers
- 8 matched finishes
- Logo from 500 pcs
Why it matters
Three out of four bag returns start with a hardware failure
A split slider, a cracked buckle or a pull that falls off costs more than the part: it costs the review, the return shipping and the re-order. This page is how we prevent that.
Buckles crack from cheap resin
Recycled or under-specified plastic goes brittle in cold and UV. We use virgin POM from audited moulders and cold-crack test every sample.
Plating corrodes in humid markets
Thin plating shows red rust after one Gulf summer. Our metal parts pass 24-48 h salt spray and can be nickel-free for the EU.
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Zippers
The component most likely to fail - and the first thing a buyer tests. Four constructions, sized from #3 to #10.
Nylon coil zipper
The standard for 90% of bags: flexible, smooth, self-healing if forced. #3 pockets, #5 general, #8-#10 main compartments.
- Sizes
- #3 / #5 / #8 / #10
- Material
- Polyester tape, nylon coil
- Your logo
- Slider engraving, custom pull
Metal teeth zipper
Brass, antique brass, gunmetal or nickel teeth for fashion, heritage and premium business bags. Heavier and stiffer than coil.
- Sizes
- #3 / #5 / #8
- Material
- Brass, aluminium, zinc alloy teeth
- Your logo
- Engraved slider and pull
Waterproof TPU zipper
Reversed coil with PU/TPU-laminated tape. Sheds water on travel, outdoor and electronics bags; airtight versions for dry bags.
- Sizes
- #5 / #8 / #10
- Material
- TPU or PU film on polyester tape
- Your logo
- Custom pull, printed tape
Moulded plastic (Vislon) zipper
Injection-moulded resin teeth: chunky, light, corrosion-free. Luggage, duffels, cooler bags and kids bags in bright colours.
- Sizes
- #5 / #8 / #10
- Material
- POM / polyacetal teeth
- Your logo
- Coloured teeth to Pantone, custom pull
Zipper size guide for bags
Size is the chain width in millimetres, roughly. Bigger is stronger, heavier and more expensive; matching the size to the load is what stops failures.
| Size | Chain width | Typical use on bags | Slider / pull | Cycle test |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #3 | ~4 mm | Small pockets, organiser panels, pouches | Non-lock, small pull | 3,000 |
| #5 | ~6 mm | Front pockets, laptop sleeves, tote tops, packing cubes | Non-lock or auto-lock | 5,000 |
| #8 | ~8 mm | Main compartments on backpacks and duffels | Auto-lock, double slider | 5,000 |
| #10 | ~10 mm | Luggage, large duffels, tactical, cooler bags | Auto-lock, lockable double slider | 8,000 |
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Sliders & zipper pulls
The most-touched part of a bag and the most visible place for your logo.
Custom logo metal slider
Zinc-alloy slider body with your logo cast or engraved on the pull. The most visible branding point on any zipper.
- Sizes
- Fits #3-#10
- Material
- Zinc alloy, plated
- Your logo
- Cast, engraved, enamel fill
Engraved zinc-alloy pull
Laser-engraved or stamped logo on a shaped metal tab. Nickel, black, gunmetal, gold and antique finishes.
- Sizes
- 20-45 mm
- Material
- Zinc alloy
- Your logo
- Laser engrave, deboss
Auto-lock slider
Spring pin locks the slider in place so a loaded bag does not creep open. Standard on main compartments and laptop sleeves.
- Sizes
- #5 / #8 / #10
- Material
- Zinc alloy
- Your logo
- Engraved pull
Rubber / silicone pull
Injection-moulded PVC or silicone in any Pantone with 2D/3D logo. Soft touch, glove-friendly, low MOQ.
- Sizes
- 25-60 mm
- Material
- Soft PVC, silicone
- Your logo
- 3D moulded, colour-filled
Paracord / cord pull
Braided cord loop with heat-shrink or moulded end. The tactical and outdoor standard; silent and works with gloves.
- Sizes
- 60-90 mm loop
- Material
- Nylon paracord, PE shrink tube
- Your logo
- Printed shrink tube, moulded end
Leather / PU pull tab
Folded leather or PU tab with debossed or foil logo. Premium business, fashion and heritage lines.
- Sizes
- 40-70 mm
- Material
- Cowhide, PU, microfiber
- Your logo
- Deboss, hot-foil, print
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Buckles & strap adjusters
Everything that lets a strap be shortened, released or clipped.
Side-release buckle
Quick-release for sternum, waist and compression straps. POM plastic is the workhorse; aluminium or magnetic for premium.
- Sizes
- 15 / 20 / 25 / 32 / 38 / 50 mm
- Material
- POM, nylon, aluminium
- Your logo
- Moulded logo on the male part
Ladder lock
The shoulder-strap length adjuster on every backpack. Curved versions follow the strap; metal for heavy loads.
- Sizes
- 20 / 25 / 32 / 38 mm
- Material
- POM, nylon, aluminium
- Your logo
- Moulded or engraved
Tri-glide slider
Fixed-length strap adjuster for messenger, tote and duffel shoulder straps. Metal versions read as premium.
- Sizes
- 20 / 25 / 32 / 38 / 50 mm
- Material
- Zinc alloy, steel, POM
- Your logo
- Engraved bar
Cam buckle
Spring-loaded cam grips webbing under load; instant release. Compression straps, ski and board carry, cargo bags.
- Sizes
- 25 / 38 mm
- Material
- Zinc alloy, stainless steel
- Your logo
- Engraved lever
G-hook
Low-profile hook that drops into a webbing loop. Detachable straps, roll-top closures, tactical and minimalist designs.
- Sizes
- 20 / 25 / 38 mm
- Material
- Aluminium, zinc alloy, POM
- Your logo
- Engraved face
Roller pin buckle
Belt-style buckle with roller for leather and webbing straps on satchels, briefcases and heritage backpacks.
- Sizes
- 20 / 25 / 32 / 38 mm
- Material
- Zinc alloy, brass
- Your logo
- Engraved frame
Sternum strap clip
Sliding rail clip plus mini side-release buckle; often with a whistle buckle for hiking packs.
- Sizes
- 15 / 20 mm
- Material
- POM, nylon
- Your logo
- Moulded
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Hooks, rings, eyelets & rivets
Attachment and reinforcement hardware.
Swivel snap hook
Detachable shoulder straps on messenger, duffel and laptop bags. Swivel stops the strap twisting.
- Sizes
- 20 / 25 / 32 / 38 mm
- Material
- Zinc alloy, brass
- Your logo
- Engraved body
Welded D-ring / O-ring
Attachment points for straps, keys and accessories. Welded rings for load-bearing; cast for decorative.
- Sizes
- 15-50 mm
- Material
- Steel, zinc alloy, brass
- Your logo
- Stamped
Spring-gate O-ring
Round carabiner that opens with a spring gate. Key clips, accessory loops and strap connectors on fashion bags.
- Sizes
- 20-40 mm
- Material
- Zinc alloy
- Your logo
- Engraved
Eyelets & grommets
Drawstring channels, drainage holes, shoe-compartment ventilation and headphone ports.
- Sizes
- 4-20 mm inner
- Material
- Brass, steel, aluminium
- Your logo
- Stamped flange
Double-cap rivets
Reinforce handle bases, strap anchors and decorative seams. Screw-back versions for leather.
- Sizes
- 6 / 8 / 10 / 12 mm
- Material
- Brass, steel, zinc alloy
- Your logo
- Stamped cap
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Closures & locks
Snaps, turn locks and combination locks for flaps, pockets and security lines.
Magnetic snap
Hidden or visible magnet closure for flaps, pockets and tote tops. 14 or 18 mm; sewn or riveted.
- Sizes
- 10 / 14 / 18 mm
- Material
- Zinc alloy shell, ferrite magnet
- Your logo
- Engraved cap
Press snap button
Four-part spring snap for pocket flaps, strap keepers and roll-top wings.
- Sizes
- 10 / 12.5 / 15 / 20 mm
- Material
- Brass, steel
- Your logo
- Engraved cap
Twist / turn lock
Rotating lock for flap bags, briefcases and premium mini backpacks.
- Sizes
- 25-45 mm
- Material
- Zinc alloy
- Your logo
- Engraved or cast face
Tuck / push lock
Press-to-open catch for satchel and briefcase flaps.
- Sizes
- 30-40 mm
- Material
- Zinc alloy, brass
- Your logo
- Engraved
TSA combination lock
Recessed 3-digit lock that captures both zipper pulls. Travel, anti-theft and laptop backpacks.
- Sizes
- Standard recess
- Material
- ABS, zinc alloy
- Your logo
- Printed or engraved face
Cord lock / toggle
Spring stopper for drawstring closures, hood cords and compression cords.
- Sizes
- 3-6 mm cord
- Material
- POM, nylon, aluminium
- Your logo
- Moulded
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Trims & branding hardware
Feet, nameplates and webbing that finish a bag at the detail level.
Metal bag feet / studs
Four or five base studs keep the bottom off the floor. Dome, bucket or flat profiles.
- Sizes
- 8-15 mm
- Material
- Zinc alloy
- Your logo
- Engraved dome
Metal logo plate
Stamped, cast or laser-cut nameplate riveted or sewn to the front panel. The signature branding piece.
- Sizes
- 15-60 mm
- Material
- Zinc alloy, brass, stainless
- Your logo
- Cast, engraved, enamel, cut-out
Webbing & straps
Polyester (standard), nylon (stronger, softer) or PP (economy) in 15-50 mm, dyed to Pantone, jacquard-woven logos.
- Sizes
- 15 / 20 / 25 / 32 / 38 / 50 mm
- Material
- Polyester, nylon, PP, cotton
- Your logo
- Jacquard weave, print
Specification guide
Recommended hardware by bag type
A starting spec for your tech pack. Each row is what we would propose if you sent us only a bag type and a target price.
| Bag type | Main zipper | Strap hardware | Closures | Typical finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| School backpack | #8 coil, auto-lock | POM ladder lock 25 mm, side-release sternum clip | Rubber pulls, eyelets on side pockets | Black POM, nickel |
| Laptop / business backpack | #8 coil or #5 metal | Aluminium ladder lock, luggage strap, metal pulls | Magnetic snap, TSA lock option | Gunmetal, matte black |
| Hiking backpack | #8-#10 waterproof coil | Curved ladder locks, cam buckles, G-hooks, load lifters | Cord locks, hydration port grommet | Black POM, anodised aluminium |
| Tactical backpack | #10 coil, oversized pulls | Metal G-hooks, 25 mm side-release, D-rings | Paracord pulls, hook-and-loop fields | Coyote, ranger green, black |
| Travel / rolling backpack | #10 coil, lockable double slider | Swivel hooks, stow-away strap buckles | TSA combination lock, luggage strap snap | Gunmetal, matte black |
| Cooler backpack | #10 Vislon or waterproof | Padded strap ladder lock, bottle-opener D-ring | Cord locks, side-release lid buckle | Bright POM colours |
| Duffel / weekender | #8-#10 coil or metal | Swivel snap hooks 38 mm, tri-glides, leather roller buckle | Snap keepers, bag feet | Antique brass, gold, nickel |
| Tote bag | #5 coil (optional) | Rivets at handle base, D-rings for key clip | Magnetic snap, turn lock on premium | Gold, brass, gunmetal |
| Mini / fashion backpack | #5 metal | Roller buckles, spring-gate rings | Twist lock, tuck lock, magnetic snap | Gold, rose gold, silver |
| Gym / sports bag | #8 coil | POM side-release, ladder locks, swivel hook | Eyelets on shoe compartment, cord locks | Black POM, colour-matched |
Finishes
Eight finishes, matched across every metal part
Sliders, pulls, buckles, rings, feet and nameplate are plated in the same bath and approved together on a hardware card with your sample.
Bright nickel
Mirror silver; the default on business and school hardware. Nickel-free plating available for EU.
Brushed / satin nickel
Matte silver that hides fingerprints; premium business lines.
Gunmetal / black nickel
Dark grey-black metallic; laptop, tactical-lifestyle and streetwear.
Matte black e-coat
Fully black, non-reflective; tactical and minimalist designs.
Antique brass
Warm aged brass; heritage, canvas and leather-trim bags.
Shiny / light gold
Fashion totes, mini backpacks, cosmetic bags.
Rose gold
Women's fashion and beauty lines.
Painted to Pantone
Powder or spray coat on metal, or moulded colour on POM, matched to your fabric.
Your logo on the hardware
Six ways to brand a component
Hardware branding is what a customer sees in the unboxing video. Choose by quantity and finish.
Engraved metal pull
Laser or stamp your logo into a zinc-alloy pull tab; any of the eight finishes.
From 500 pcs
Cast logo slider
Your logo as part of the slider body itself - the premium standard.
From 5,000 sliders
3D rubber pull
Injection-moulded PVC in your Pantone with raised or recessed logo.
From 500 pcs
Metal nameplate
Stamped, cast or cut-out plate with enamel fill, riveted to the front panel.
From 500 pcs
Moulded buckle logo
Logo moulded into the face of side-release or ladder-lock buckles.
From 3,000 pcs or mould fee
Jacquard webbing
Logo woven into the strap itself, repeating along the length.
From 1,000 m
Testing
How we test hardware before it goes on your bag
Every article is tested on the pre-production sample; plated parts are salt-spray tested per batch. Requirements below are our internal minimums.
| Test | Method | Requirement | Applies to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zipper cycle | Open/close on rig | #5: 5,000 cycles; #10: 8,000 cycles, no slider slip | All zippers |
| Slider pull-off | Tensile on pull | > 8 kg (pulls), > 15 kg (slider body) | Sliders, pulls |
| Buckle tensile | Static load | POM 25 mm > 80 kg; metal 25 mm > 150 kg | Buckles, G-hooks |
| Ring / hook load | Static load | Welded D-ring > 100 kg; swivel hook > 60 kg | Rings, hooks |
| Salt spray | ISO 9227, 24-48 h | No red rust, no plating blister | All plated metal |
| Cold crack | -10 C, 4 h, then flex | No cracks in POM or PVC | Plastic buckles, rubber pulls |
| Nickel release | EN 1811 | < 0.5 ug/cm2/week | EU-bound metal parts |
| Magnet pull | Separation force | > 1.0 kg (14 mm), > 1.5 kg (18 mm) | Magnetic snaps |
How it works
From hardware brief to approved hardware card
Brief
Send your bag reference, target price and market. We list every hardware point on the bag.
Spec & quote
A hardware list with size, material, finish and logo method per item, priced at 100 / 500 / 1,000 pcs.
Hardware card
Physical samples of each part in the chosen finish, mounted on a card and shipped with the bag sample.
Test & approve
Cycle, load and salt-spray results on the pre-production sample; you sign off the card.
Bulk & inspect
Hardware checked at incoming QC against the card, then in-line every 200 bags.
On the line
Components and assemblies in production
Backpack Side Panel with USB Port
A finished side panel with built-in USB charging port; functional features customised to buyer requirements.
Backpack Front Panel Production
Front panel production with attention to stitching, construction and workmanship.
Skilled Craftsmanship with New Equipment
An experienced technician processing backpack components on new equipment with precision.
Bag hardware FAQ
What is the MOQ for custom-logo hardware?
Engraved metal pulls and rubber pulls from 500 pieces (a 100-bag order with 5 zippers per bag covers it). Custom logo plates from 500 pieces. Custom-shaped buckles or new slider bodies need a mould: from 3,000 pieces or a one-time mould fee of USD 300-800 that we credit against later orders.
Do you use YKK zippers?
Yes, YKK on request with YKK-marked sliders. SBS is our standard alternative - it passes the same cycle tests at roughly 40% lower cost. We tell you which is quoted.
Which zipper size should my backpack use?
#8 coil with auto-lock slider on the main compartment, #5 on front and side pockets, #3 inside organiser panels. Go to #10 for luggage, tactical or cooler bags, and use waterproof coil where the bag is sold on weather resistance.
Can every metal part be the same finish?
Yes - we match sliders, pulls, buckles, rings, feet and nameplate to one finish and send a hardware card with the sample so you approve them together.
Are your metal parts nickel-free and REACH compliant?
Nickel-free plating (EN 1811 tested) is available for EU-bound products and is standard on children's bags. Lead and cadmium limits under REACH and CPSIA are met on all our stock hardware; test reports are available per order.
Plastic or metal buckles - which is better?
POM plastic is lighter, silent, never cold to touch and holds 80 kg+ at 25 mm - correct for school, gym and most outdoor bags. Aluminium or zinc alloy is for load-bearing hiking packs, tactical gear and premium business bags where the feel of metal matters.
Can you make hardware in our brand colour?
POM buckles and rubber pulls are moulded in any Pantone from 3,000 pieces (or from stock colours at any quantity). Metal parts can be painted or powder-coated to Pantone from 1,000 pieces.
How do you stop zippers failing in the field?
Right size for the load, auto-lock sliders on main compartments, cycle-tested articles only, bartacked zipper ends, and a stress-relief fold at the corners. We also cycle-test every zipper article on the pre-production sample.
What does a TSA lock add to the cost?
A recessed TSA combination lock adds roughly USD 1.20-1.80 per bag at 1,000 pieces including the pocket and installation. Most anti-theft and travel lines recover it in retail price.
Can you engrave our logo on the slider itself?
Yes. Cast or engraved logo on the slider body from 5,000 sliders; on the pull tab from 500. For smaller runs we recommend the pull tab or a custom rubber pull.
Do you supply hardware separately?
We do not sell hardware alone. All items on this page are specified into bags we manufacture; the point is that fabric, webbing and hardware are matched and tested together.
How long does custom hardware add to lead time?
Engraved pulls and logo plates: no added time (7-10 days, inside the 20-day bulk window). New moulds: 15-20 days for the mould plus a mould sample, so plan 5-6 weeks for the first order.
Send us your bag - we will spec the hardware
A photo, a sketch or a competitor sample is enough. You get a hardware list with sizes, finishes and logo methods, priced at 100 / 500 / 1,000 pieces, within 12 hours.
Hardware inquiry
Tell us the bag - we will spec every zipper, buckle and pull
Send a photo, sketch or reference sample. You receive a hardware list with sizes, finishes and logo methods, priced at 100 / 500 / 1,000 pieces, within 12 hours.
- Zipper sizes matched to load
- One finish across all metal parts
- Logo on pulls from 500 pcs
Email
[email protected]