RIGGING HARDWARE

Snap Hook

A spring-gate hook for fast, frequently changed connections — with a gate that must never carry load.

INSPECT BEFORE LOAD · NEVER EXCEED WLL

Rope, splices and hardware are only as good as their condition. Inspect before every use and retire on evidence.

Specification

Types	Spring gate, self-locking, swivel eye
Materials	316 stainless, galvanised steel
Safety factor	4:1 to 5:1
Gate opening	Sized to the fitting
Marking	WLL on rated versions
Common error	Loading the gate instead of the spine

Technical parameters

60 mm 316 stainless	WLL ≈ 300 kg
80 mm 316 stainless	WLL ≈ 600 kg
100 mm 316 stainless	WLL ≈ 900 kg
Gate opening 60 mm	≈ 14 mm
Gate opening 100 mm	≈ 22 mm
Duty	Frequent connection

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Overview

A snap hook is a hook with a spring-loaded gate, designed to be clipped and unclipped quickly. That convenience is the whole product, and it comes with a structural caveat: the gate is a mechanism, not a load path. A hook loaded on the gate rather than on the spine can fail at a fraction of its rating.

Self-locking versions add a second action — a collar that must be slid or a gate that must be pressed twice — so the hook cannot open accidentally. That makes them slower to use and considerably safer for anything that might roll, catch or vibrate in service.

Material and finish decide where a hook belongs. 316 stainless hooks are standard on deck because they resist salt; galvanised hooks are stronger for the money but need inspection for corrosion. Either way, hooks should be inspected for gate spring tension, gate flushness and wear at the load point.

Safety notes

Never load a snap hook on its gate. Gate loading can drop the capacity to a small fraction of the rating.
Use a self-locking hook wherever the connection could roll or vibrate open.
A hook is not a rated connector for a person. Use proper life-safety hardware for fall protection.

Using it well

Check the gate closes flush with the nose; a hook that does not close flush is worn and should be retired.
Where a hook must take a repeated load, orient it so the load lands on the spine.
Rinse stainless hooks in fresh water — salt left in the gate mechanism is what seizes them.

Suited to

Fender linesDock linesSecuring gearLight rigging

Typical applications

Dock workSecuringFenders

Figures are typical catalogue values for new equipment, quoted for comparison and planning. They are not a guarantee for any specific product or any specific load. Always work to the manufacturer’s stated working load limit and to the regulations that apply where you sail.

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