A handy and tough fastener, hog rings are the go‑to part for applications such as sealing sausage casings, joining mesh or wire cages, fastening wire to fences, or the manufacture and maintenance of upholstered goods. They hold a firm grip and are generally more secure than nails or staples. 

What Are Hog Rings?

These u‑shaped rings bend during installation to secure two objects together. Once installed, hog rings feature a firm grip that is unlikely to work itself loose. Typical applications include, auto, marine, and airplane upholstery, home furnishings, chain link fencing, arts & crafts, gardening, traps & cages, and sealing bags, burlap or plastic.

Application Considerations

Hog rings work well to connect upholstery and fabric to a mating component. There are a few points to consider about your application before using these rings to ensure optimal performance.
  • Material: What kind of fabric will you use in your application? Your ring size may depend on how tough the material is to penetrate; this could also influence the installation method.
  • Mating Component: Will the ring be able to bite through the mating components (if applicable)? Are there any attachment points that need to be established before the connection?
  • Application Characteristics: Evaluate whether your upholstery, fabric, or other material will be pulled, stretched, has the potential to get caught on something, etc. This may influence the strength of the appropriate ring.
  • Environmental Elements: If your ring will be exposed to natural or chemical elements (water, temperature fluctuations, lubrication, etc.), think about the kind of material and/or finish that could offer corrosive protection.

Benefits

Hog rings are beneficial fasteners that provide simple, secure connections. Here are several benefits they offer to appropriate applications:
  • Cost Efficiency: These fasteners can provide significant cost savings in light-duty applications.
  • Simple Installation: When using hog ring pliers, the installation process is straightforward, quick, and easily repeatable.
  • Versatility: While fabric and upholstery are some of the more popular materials in hog ring applications, the rings are also used in fence maintenance, packaging, and a wide variety of other industries.
  • Professional Aesthetics: When the rings are installed, the finished side showcases a clean, securely fastened look.

Are Hog Rings Reusable?

It is not recommended to reuse these fasteners, as they are intended for permanent, single-use applications. The removal process bends them out of shape and weakens the integrity of the material. Attempting to reuse them could compromise the safety of the application.
Since hog rings are so economical, it is better to invest in new rings as new applications arise.

How to Use Hog Ring Pliers

Hog ring pliers are specially designed with grooves in the jaws for the ring to sit in before installation. To use these pliers, simply place the ring inside the groove, position the pliers at the point of the desired connection, and squeeze the handles shut. The ring will bit into its mating material and firmly fasten the application in place.

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