Fire Snap Hooks

A fire snap hook is a component for attaching items to brackets, rings, chains, and wire ropes. Special requirements, set out in GOST 53267-2009, apply to this connecting part used by rescue services. These are belt snap hooks, distinguished by high strength and resistance to mechanical loads. Installation provides a quick-release connection within a short time.

Where it is used

Fire snap hooks are installed to connect a rope, chain, or wire rope to the required item. Owing to their design, snap hooks have become widespread in other fields as well, including for fitting fall-protection ropes. Such components are also manufactured to the DIN standard.

The fastener’s design allows an item to be secured quickly. Snap hooks are used:

• in rigging work;
• in mountaineering and hiking;
• in installation work;
• for fitting fall-protection equipment.

The fastener is also widely used in construction work at height.

Design features

The part is a quick-release link for fast connection. The locking gate prevents a wire rope or chain from slipping off unintentionally. The normal position of the component is closed.

Fire snap hooks are manufactured both with and without a locking device. Without a locking device, the gate is fitted with a spring mechanism that automatically returns it to the closed position; it is opened by pressing the gate.

Components with a locking device rule out unintentional opening of the locking mechanism. The locking device can be of the threaded or spring type. After the snap hook is closed, the locking device locks the gate and holds it in a fixed position.

Advantages

Fire snap hooks have become widely used owing to a number of characteristics:

1. Strength. The parts resist mechanical tensile loads. According to regulatory documentation, the products are made from carbon steel. In some fields, snap hooks made of aluminium or titanium are used — their distinguishing feature is low weight.
2. Reliable locking. The locking mechanism holds the wire rope, preventing it from slipping, which allows the snap hook to be used for fall-protection purposes.
3. High installation speed. The product connects parts within a short period of time; some models snap shut automatically.
4. Quick-release connection. The design is intended for repeated use.
5. Easy installation. No additional tools are required for installation.
6. Resistance to moisture and aggressive substances. Carbon-steel parts are given a zinc-plated coating: a thin zinc film prevents corrosion and premature failure of the snap hook.

Before purchasing a fire snap hook, the permissible load should be taken into account — exceeding this value will cause the part to fail.