Do you need snap hooks to do your job? If so, you’re one of many. Every day, thousands of workers snap and unsnap this small metal part, without giving it any thought. But it’s a crucial piece of safety equipment – something that you and your colleagues rely on to ensure your safety at work.
That’s why it makes sense to learn the basics. You need to know exactly how to use your snap hooks correctly, and here we offer a few top tips on ‘snap hook safety’ to get you started.
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Invest in a high-quality snap hook
When it comes to purchasing a snap hook, it’s important to do a little research and buy well. Of course, you want to pay a fair price for the product chosen. But above all, you need to be absolutely certain that your new snap hook is constructed to the highest (and safest!) possible standard.
Here at Ropes Direct, for example, all of our snap hooks are made from zinc-plated mild steel or stainless steel – offering superior quality. But as an exclusive online supplier, we can save on overheads and are still able to offer these high-grade parts at a great price.
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Select an appropriate ‘safe working load’
Snap hooks vary greatly in terms of their safe working load (i.e. the weight they are capable of bearing). Therefore, before you start work for the day – or add a new product to your basket – double-check your chosen hook is strong enough for your needs.
For most heavy-duty applications, we typically recommend an 8mm snap hook or above. These can withstand approximately 75kg and are a sturdy, reliable option for use in the workplace.
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Inspect the snap hook carefully
General wear and tear can significantly affect the safety of your snap hook – which is why, before each use, you should inspect it carefully. Check for worn components, look for signs of corrosion and ensure it’s in good working order. If you happen to find a defect or have any doubts about its condition, don’t take the risk. Simply head to our rope fittings department and invest in a new hook.
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Learn how to use it correctly
This should go without saying; but, before using a snap hook for the first time, learn how to use it correctly. If it came with user instructions, read them carefully. If it didn’t, a simple online search will bring up thousands of useful results. Then, once you know enough, practice, practice, practice!
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Use it, don’t abuse it
Steel snap hooks are designed to be extremely strong and durable – but that doesn’t mean you can be careless. In fact, there are a few ‘rules’ that you need to remember, such as:
- never connect two or more snap hooks
- don’t connect two snap hooks to the same D-ring
- always choose the correct size D-ring for the hook
These may not seem like a big deal, but using a snap hook incorrectly will not only affect the safety of your equipment, but – in the long run – can also cause it to damage or break.
Get in touch with Ropes Direct today
If you would like to find out more about steel snap hooks, please feel free to get in touch. Our team are always happy to answer your questions. They can help to identify the ideal snap hook for your needs and provide further guidance on how to use it safely within the workplace.
Simply give us a call today on 01692 671721. Or, alternatively, send an email to info@ropesdirect.co.uk and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.