When it comes to securing items, bungee cords are the go-to solution for many. However, to get the most out of your bungee cords, selecting the right accessories, like plastic bungee cord hooks, is crucial.
There are so many things you can do with bungee cords with hooks, from making a DIY hammock to organising your shed. But this knowledge is useless if you don’t know how to attach a hook to your bungee cord.
Strap yourself in and get hooked as we explore what plastic bungee cord hooks are, their different types, their benefits, and a step-by-step guide on how to securely attach them to your bungee cord.
Whether you’re a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or just looking to get organised, this guide will help you make the most of your bungee cords and hooks.
What are plastic bungee cord hooks?
Plastic bungee cord hooks are among the many versatile bungee cord accessories available to upgrade and enhance your bungee cord. These hooks are designed to attach to one or both ends of your bungee cord or bungee strap – offering new, flexible ways to use your bungee by connecting them to each other or securing them to other objects.
If you’re in search of metal bungee cord hooks, check out our steel spiral bungee cord hooks and flat bungee cord hooks, which come with a protective plastic coating.
Different types of plastic bungee cord hooks
Plastic bungee hooks are available in various shapes and sizes. Here are some different types of plastic bungee cords, such as:
Plastic bungee hooks
Generic plastic bungee hooks offer exactly what you’d anticipate. They are designed for quick and easy attachment by simply crimping them onto an 8mm cord, and feature highly durable, ultra resistant moulding, ensuring it won’t break under pressure.
Plastic easy fix hooks
Plastic easy fix bungee hooks are an excellent alternative to generic options, requiring no tools for attachment. Just loop the 8 or 10mm cord around the back of the hook and close the gate. With a built-in security lock, these hooks stay securely in place.
Auto-locking bungee hooks
Auto-locking bungee cord hooks are specifically designed for 6 or 8mm bungee cords, featuring a gated hook, similar to carabiner clips, with an integrated security lock. These heavy-duty, waterproof hooks are crafted from high-strength plastic moulding and can be easily attached without the need for tools.
10 benefits of plastic bungee hooks
Plastic bungee cord hooks offer numerous advantages, making them one of the best-selling bungee cord accessories. These benefits include:
1. Cost-effective
Due to the use of more accessible materials, plastic bungee cord hooks are generally more affordable than metal ones. Their cost-effectiveness makes them a popular choice for everyday use, bulk purchases, automotive applications, or garden tool storage.
2. Lightweight
Plastic bungee cord hooks are much lighter than their metal counterparts, making them ideal for scenarios where minimising weight is crucial. This is especially beneficial for outdoor activities like camping or hiking, where every ounce of weight of what to put in your camping backpack matters.
3. Non-marking
Plastic bungee cord hooks are less likely to mark or scratch the surfaces they come into contact with. This is especially advantageous when securing items with delicate surfaces, such as furniture and electronics, or when tying down items on roof racks or vehicles.
4. Flexibility
Plastic bungee cord hooks offer more flexibility compared to metal ones, allowing them to bend without breaking. This flexibility is particularly useful when securing loads with bungee cords.
5. Safety
Plastic bungee cord hooks tend to be less sharp and are less likely to cause injuries, compared to metal hooks. This makes them safer to handle, especially for children or in environments where safety is paramount, such as when using bungee cords in schools or baby-proofing with bungee cords.
6. Corrosion resistance
Unlike metal hooks, plastic bungee cord hooks are immune to rust and corrosion. This makes them perfect for humid or marine environments, such as kayaking, where exposure to water and salt is common. Their resistance to corrosion not only ensures a longer lifespan, but also enhances their cost-effectiveness over time.
7. Versatility
Plastic bungee cord hooks are incredibly versatile and useful in a wide range of applications, from organising cables and holding sports equipment to securing luggage and tarps. Their versatility makes them a household toolkit essential, perfect for homes, garages, workshops, and even outdoor adventures.
8. UV resistance
Many plastic bungee cord hooks are treated with UV inhibitors during manufacturing, preventing degradation from prolonged sun exposure. This UV resistance ensures that the hooks remain durable and functional, even after extended outdoor use.
9. Temperature resistance
High-quality plastic bungee cord hooks are designed to withstand a wide range of temperatures, without becoming brittle or losing strength – compared to metal hooks. This makes them more suitable for use in both hot and cold environments, from summer days out to icy mountain expeditions.
10. Variety of designs
Plastic bungee cord hooks are available in numerous designs and shapes – not just the generic style – allowing users to select the hooks that best meet their specific needs and preferences, as well as the available tools for attachment.
What do you need to attach plastic bungee cords
So, what do you need to attach plastic bungee cord hooks to your bungee cord?
Whilst auto-locking bungee cord hooks and easy fix plastic bungee cord hooks can easily be attached without the need of any tools, attaching generic plastic bungee cord hooks will require these things that you can find in your essential household toolkit:
- Bungee cord
- Plastic hooks (ensuring they’re compatible with the cord’s diameter)
- Pliers
- Utility knife or scissors
- Replacement hooks
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Lighter or hot knife cutter
How to attach plastic bungee cord hooks
Now you know what tools you need to attach your plastic bungee cord hooks, how do you do so? Attaching plastic bungee cords can be done in just seven simple steps:
Step 1: Determine your bungee cord length
First, decide how long you want your bungee cord to be, including the hook attachments.
Using a measuring tape or ruler, and a utility knife or pair of scissors, measure and cut the bungee cord to your desired length.
If you have a hot knife rope cutter, use this in lieu of your utility knife or scissors, and skip to step 3. This is because the hot knife rope cutter will simultaneously cut and seal the cord in one. You can learn how to use a hot knife rope cutter through our helpful guide.
Step 2: Seal the cord ends
To prevent the ends of the bungee cord from fraying and unravelling, use a lighter to melt the ends slightly. This will melt the synthetic fibres and seal the ends. Be cautious when doing so, and avoid burning the cord.
If you cut the bungee cord with a hot knife rope cutter, you do not need to do this step, as the ends will have been sealed whilst cutting.
Step 3: Slide the cord through the hook
Once your bungee cord is cut and sealed, take one end of the bungee cord and slide it through the hole or slot in the plastic hook. If the hook has a specific orientation, make sure the cord goes through correctly.
Step 4: Secure the hook
Then, once the cord is through the hook, to secure the hook, push the cord in until it cannot go any further and crimp the end using your pliers.
Step 5: Test the connection
To check if the hook is secure on your bungee cord, pull on the hook firmly. It should not slide or come loose. If the hook does come loose, rethread and reclamp, until it is secure.
Step 6: Repeat on the other end (if necessary)
If you’re attaching hooks onto both ends of your bungee cord, repeat the same process on the other end of the bungee cord with the second hook.
Step 7: Final adjustment
After the hook, or both hooks, are attached, test the full bungee cord assembly to ensure it holds under tension and that the hooks stay secure.
Visually inspect the connection to ensure the cord is properly seated and the hook is securely holding it. Then, perform a tug test by pulling on the hook with moderate force to ensure it is securely fastened and will not detach during use.
How to maintain your bungee cord and plastic hooks
To prevent needing to regularly replace your plastic bungee cord hooks, you should make every effort to maintain both them and your bungee cord.
This involves conducting regular inspections, looking for signs of wear, tear, or damage, and properly storing your bungee cords and hooks to prevent accidental harm or unnecessary exposure to the elements.
Want to learn more about the different types of bungee cord accessories? Contact us today for expert advice, or explore our blog for more informative guides like this one.