Handbag Clasp Types

The buckle of the handbag is one of the more important hardware accessories, which not only has the function of sealing, but also bears the responsibility of aesthetics. Because most people buy handbags, is very important to the style, whether it has personality, whether it is beautiful. Then for the buckle, there are more types. According to the material can be divided into metal buckle and plastic buckle. But usually handbags use metal clasp more. Follow us on Handbag Clasp Types:

Handbag Clasp Types Basics

Metal clasp

• (1) by function: square buckle / day-shaped buckle / activity day-shaped buckle / ring / oval ring / hook buckle (rotating and non-rotating) / belt buckle and other special-purpose buckle.
• (2) According to the plating method: the same metal pull tab.
• (3) Determine the specifications of the buckle mainly by its width/height and wire diameter, special buckles need to refer to the manufacturer’s catalog, different manufacturers due to their different production of different touching products there will be differences.

Plastic clasp

• (1) According to the function: day-shaped buckle / square buckle / ladder buckle / plug buckle / hook buckle / multifunctional buckle / rope buckle, etc. and plastic reinforcement piece.
• (2) According to the material: commonly used for plastic and nylon material, nylon material price is higher.

First, the classification of clasp

clasp are generally divided into buckle series (also known as the side of the open buckle), hook buckle series, rope buckle series, rubber foot series, clothing auxiliary material series, hardware clasp series, tie rod series, hangtags series, and so on. Among them, buckle, hook buckle, rope buckle, rubber feet, shoulder pads, hardware is commonly used.

Second, the material, characteristics, use and other various clasp

1、Socket

The choice of materials are generally POM (paraformaldehyde, commonly known as race just), PA and PC buckle by the male and female buckle composition, the two ends were sewn webbing, according to different needs and choose the length of the webbing, generally used for the shoulder, waist fixed. In order to play the role of the buckle more effectively, there are now more convenient and scientific buckle, such as the replacement of the invisible female buckle. This is a kind of buckle that can be easily replaced without sewing the webbing. Another kind of three-direction buckle, that is, “Y” buckle, commonly used in baby carriage safety products, the mother buckle can be designed according to the customer’s design and authorization to design the color label or LOGO, you can also choose electroplating, silk screen printing, color painting.

2、Hook buckle

The material is generally POM, PA, PP, generally speaking, hook buckle, D buckle, pressure buckle, day buckle, square buckle, ladder buckle collectively referred to as the hook, usually hook and D buckle used at the same time, day buckle plays a role in regulating the length of the webbing, ladder buckle is generally used in the end of the webbing, play a major role in the fixation of the hook buckle can be electroplated, silk screen, generally in the ladder buckle can be designed on the LOGO.

3、Rope buckle

The material is generally PA, PP, PC, POM, the rope mouth can choose the caliber size, single hole and double hole, applicable to a variety of OO rope, nylon rope, elastic rope. And we can design LOGO according to customer’s requirement.

4、Glue feet

The material is generally from PVC, the rubber foot is divided into granular and strip, used in the bottom of the bag or box, effectively protect the goods from wear and tear, is an indispensable material for the bag and box, and has the function of anti-slip, protect the goods in special circumstances not due to the impact and damage.

5、Shoulder pad

Made of PVC, PU, TRP, TPE, the shoulder pad has the function of slowing down the compression, positioning and anti-slip, the front side of the shoulder pad is called the back, and the reverse side is called the abdomen. Handle is the most frequently used part, the webbing is set into the inside of the handle, which is firm and not easy to move, so it can be adjusted to any color and LOGO can be set.

6、Hardware

The material is generally POM. it is divided into hardware hook and loop, day buckle, square buckle, keychain, chain, zipper head and so on.

Below is a detailed breakdown of the clasps used on handbags.

Magnetic Clasps

Closed by magnetic attraction, emphasizing convenience and concealment, with common subdivisions:
Standard Magnetic Clasp: Basic round metal magnetic button, such as the hidden magnetic clasp on the flap of Longchamp Le Pliage
Special-shaped Magnetic Clasp: Heart/square shapes, etc., like Kate Spade’s diamond-inlaid love heart magnetic clasp
Dual Magnetic Clasps: One clasp on each side of the bag for enhanced closure stability, e.g., Tory Burch Robinson series

Snap/Spring Clasps

Operated by pressing with a spring mechanism, focusing on firmness, including:

• Metal Snap Clasp: Brass/stainless steel, with optional antique finishing, such as Filson canvas bag brass snaps
  
• Plastic Snap Clasp: Lightweight design, commonly used in children’s bags or fast-fashion styles, like H&M jelly bag snaps
  
• Kiss-lock Clasp:
  Structural Features: Symmetrical circular metal frame with serrated slots on the edges, closing with a “kissing” bite when pressed
  
• Typical Applications: Chanel 2.55 Vintage CC kiss-lock clasp, Gucci Dionysus tiger head kiss-lock clasp
  
• Material & Craftsmanship: Antiqued brass (Filson), enamel inlay (Kate Spade)
  Variant Designs: Heart-shaped kiss-lock (Samantha Thavasa), dual kiss-locks (vintage medical bags)

Twist/Turnlock Clasps

Locked by rotating metal components, combining security and decorativeness:
Brand Iconic Twist Locks: Chanel CC twist lock, Gucci GG Marmont oval twist lock
Vintage Turnlock Clasp: Turnlock design with keyhole, e.g., 1950s LV briefcase turnlock
Multi-functional Twist Lock: Combined rotation+press mechanism, such as Prada Cahier series rectangular twist lock

Hook/Ring Clasps

Connected by hooking or ring structures, emphasizing flexibility:
D-ring Clasp: Metal D-shaped ring for strap adjustment, e.g., Fjällräven Kånken
Lobster Clasp: Spring-loaded hook design for detachable straps, such as Michael Kors Jet Set
Toggle Clasp: Wooden bar through rope loop, like L.L.Bean coastal-style canvas bag

Flap Clasps

• Composite clasps paired with flap designs, integrating various closing methods:
  
• Leather Strap Flap Clasp: Leather strap through metal ring, e.g., Mulberry Bayswater
  
• Chain Flap Clasp: Combination of metal chain and ring, such as Dior Lady D-Joy
  
• Flap+Kiss-lock Combination: Kiss-lock at the front of the flap, e.g., Mansur Gavriel round frame bag

Special Function Clasps

Innovative clasps combining functionality and design:

• Quick-release Clasp: Push-to-unlock, suitable for outdoor backpacks, e.g., Osprey hiking bags
  
• Combination Clasp: Digital combination unlocking, such as Tumi business bag anti-theft clasp
  
• 3D Printed Clasp: Customized special-shaped structure, e.g., resin 3D kiss-lock by designer brands

Subdivisions by Material and Craftsmanship

Further categorized by clasp materials and processing:

• Metal Materials: Brass (vintage bags), pewter (antiqued), titanium alloy (lightweight)
  
• Inlay Techniques: Gemstone inlay (Judith Leiber), enamel painting (Chloé), mother-of-pearl (Gucci)
  
• Eco-friendly Materials: Recycled aluminum clasps (Stella McCartney), plant-based plastic clasps (Veja)

Case Studies of Brand Iconic Clasps

• Personalized naming and designs by brands:
  
• Chanel: CC Kiss-lock, Mademoiselle twist lock
  
• Louis Vuitton: Padlock clasp, Flower Kiss-lock
  
• Hermès: Clic H clasp (enamel letter clasp), Kelly bag turnlock

Tests on Clasps

There are two main aspects of clasp in the testing process:

One is the tensile test, this test is mainly to detect the ability to withstand clasp, it is divided into two steps to complete:

1, between the tensile test, mainly used for plug buckle, D buckle, day buckle and so on;.

2, lasting tension test, its main principle in determining the load of a certain weight, the buckle withstand the time value.

The second is the temperature test, this is mainly to test the buckle in unconventional temperature tolerance, divided into high temperature and low temperature two kinds of

1, high temperature is usually set at 70 degrees Celsius

2, low temperature is usually set at -30 degrees Celsius

Time for 24 hours, according to different needs to carry out the corresponding value of the test, which is related to the metal clasp but also on its rust, corrosion, chemical resistance and other tests.