What are hog ring pliers?

Hog ring pliers are tools that are used to securely clamp hog rings into place. They’re typically made from stainless steel to make them extra strong and durable. Hog ring pliers feature plastic coated handles that are easy to grip and won’t slip around in your hands, making them appropriate for a variety of projects.

How to use hog ring pliers

Hog ring pliers are relatively easy to use, especially once you get the hang of them. Follow these steps to safely and efficiently use hog ring pliers:

1. With the hog ring pliers closed, set the ideal size of the gap on the plier jaws.
2. Place your hog ring around the material that you’re securing.
3. Pull the handles of the hog ring pliers apart and position around the hog ring.
4. Clamp down firmly, closing the hog ring until it forms a secure ring around the materials you’re attaching.
5. Release the handles and check that the hog ring is properly secured.
6. Repeat these steps as necessary to attach all of your hog rings.

What are hog ring pliers used for?

Hog ring pliers can be used for various projects, from upholstery to putting up fencing. They’re a helpful tool for crafting and repairs alongside various bungee accessories, such as hog rings and shock cord clamps – read about the different types of bungee accessories. It’s important to have a pair of hog ring pliers when using hog rings, as regular pliers aren’t able to grip the hog rings as well.

Crimping bungee cords

Using hog ring pliers to crimp bungee cords is the best way to secure bungee hooks onto them. Make sure that your bungee cords are the correct length, then attach your hooks to each end of the bungee cord. Pull a good few inches of the cord through your hook, so that you can easily hold it in your hand when crimping. Then, fold over the end of the bungee cord so that it’s doubled over, and use your hog ring pliers to forcefully clamp the hog ring into place. Your hook now shouldn’t come off the bungee cord if it’s been secured correctly.

Custom luggage elastics

Although it’s much easier to buy pre-manufactured luggage elastics, sometimes you may find yourself wanting a custom luggage elastic for particularly awkward lengths. Simply use the crimping method above to attach hooks onto the ends of your bungee cords. This is also a helpful hack for if you find yourself needing luggage elastics but don’t have the time to buy any.

Upholstery

Hog rings are commonly used for car upholstery, as they are much stronger and more durable than velcro. You can reupholster old car seats yourself using hog rings and hog ring pliers. First, remove the old seat covers and replace them with your new ones. The fabric will have strips along the seams – these should align with the metal bars on the cushion. Depending on the seat cover you are using, there may be attachment loops. Otherwise, you will have to manually poke your hog rings through the fabric in the places you want to attach it. Simply use your hog ring pliers to fasten the seat covers to the seat until you are happy with it.

Securing chain link fencing

If you want to DIY a chain link fence, then hog rings and hog ring pliers are a useful tool. They can be used to attach the chain link material to a tension wire at the bottom of the fence. This tension wire is there to prevent the fence from being pushed upwards by animals or intruders. Use hog ring pliers at regular intervals along the tension wire, leaving around 12 inches between the hog rings. Your fence should now be stable and at less risk of bending or warping upwards.

When it comes to bungee cords and accessories, The Bungee Store has everything you need. Get in touch with us to find out more.