Plastic bungee cord hooks are an essential accessory for anyone who uses bungee cords, however, from time to time, they will need to be replaced. 

Whilst there are many things you can do with bungee cords with hooks, such as making a DIY hammock and organising your shed, they will be susceptible to general wear and tear. So, for whatever reason you find bungee hooks a staple in your kit, you need to know how to effectively replace them. 

Get hooked as we explore the different types of plastic bungee cord hooks, their numerous benefits, and a step-by-step tutorial on how to remove and replace them. 

What are plastic bungee cord hooks?

Plastic bungee cord hooks are just one of the many versatile bungee cord accessories you can purchase. Designed to attach onto the end, or ends, of your bungee cord or bungee strap, plastic bungee cord hooks give you new, versatile ways to use your bungee – allowing you to attach them together, or to other objects. 

Looking for metal bungee cord hooks? Explore our steel spiral bungee cord hooks and flat bungee cord hooks, designed with a protective plastic coating. 

Different types of plastic bungee cord hooks

Plastic bungee hooks don’t just come in one shape and size. There are many different types of plastic bungee cords, like: 

Plastic bungee hooks 

Generic plastic bungee hooks are what you might expect. Designed for quick fitting with a simple crimp into place onto an 8mm cord, this style of bungee hook has ultra resistant moulding that isn’t going to break under pressure.

Plastic easy fix hooks

Plastic easy fix hooks are the perfect alternative to their generic counterpart, which can be attached with no tools required – simply feed the 8 or 10mm cord round the back of the hook and close the gate. Complete with a security lock, these hooks aren’t going anywhere. 

Auto-locking bungee hooks

Designed for use with 6 or 8mm bungee cords, auto-locking bungee hooks have a gated hook that mimics carabiner clips and a secure security lock incorporated. Incredibly heavy-duty, waterproof and made with high strength plastic moulding, these bungee hooks can be fitted with no tools required. 

10 benefits of plastic bungee cord hooks

There are many benefits to plastic bungee cord hooks – otherwise they wouldn’t be one of the top-selling bungee cord accessories. These benefits include:

1. Lightweight

Plastic bungee cord hooks are significantly lighter than their metal counterparts, making them ideal for situations where excess weight is a concern. This feature is found to be most beneficial for outdoor activities like camping or hiking, where every ounce of what you put in your camping backpack matters.

2. Cost-effective

Plastic bungee cord hooks are generally more affordable than metal hooks, due to the more accessible materials used in construction. This cost-effectiveness makes them a popular choice for everyday use and bulk purchases, such as in automotive applications or for storing your garden tools.

3. Corrosion resistance

Unlike metal bungee cord hooks, plastic hooks do not rust or corrode. This makes them an excellent choice for use in humid or marine environments where exposure to water and salt is common, such as kayaking. Their resistance to corrosion ensures a longer lifespan in such conditions, which also makes them more cost-effective long-term..

4. Safety

Plastic bungee cord hooks tend to be less sharp and less prone to causing injuries, compared to metal hooks. This makes them safer to handle, especially when used by children or in environments where safety is a primary concern – such as when using bungee cords in schools or baby proofing with bungee cords.

5. Flexibility

Plastic bungee cord hooks are more flexible than metal ones, allowing them to bend without breaking. This flexibility can be advantageous when securing loads with bungee cords.

6. Non-marking

Plastic bungee cord hooks are less likely to scratch or mark the surfaces that they come into contact with. This feature is particularly useful when securing items with delicate surfaces, such as furniture, electronics, or when tying things down to roof racks and vehicles.

7. Temperature resistance

Quality plastic bungee cord hooks are designed to withstand a wide range of temperatures, without becoming brittle or losing their strength. This makes them more suitable for use in both hot and cold environments, from sunny beaches to icy mountains, compared to metal hooks.

8. Variety of designs 

Plastic bungee cord hooks are available in a wide range of designs and shapes. This variety allows users to choose hooks that best fit their specific needs and preferences, and tool availability for attachment. 

9. UV resistance

Many plastic bungee cord hooks are treated with UV inhibitors during construction, which help prevent degradation from prolonged exposure to sunlight. This UV resistance ensures that the hooks remain durable and functional, even when used outside for extended periods of time.

10. Versatility

Plastic bungee cord hooks can be used in a multitude of applications, from securing luggage and tarps to organising cables and holding sports equipment. Their versatility makes them a handy tool to have in various settings, including homes, garages, workshops, and outdoor adventures.

Why replace plastic bungee cord hooks?

Despite the wide range of benefits to plastic bungee cord hooks, they will need to be replaced on occasion, to ensure their safety and reliability. This may be due to general wear and tear, over-exertion of weight that has caused breakage, or prolonged weather impact. 

It’s important to replace your plastic bungee cord hooks as soon as you notice something may be wrong with them, as a damaged hook could cause major safety concerns. 

What do you need to replace plastic bungee cord hooks?

So, if you need to remove and replace your bungee cord hooks, what do you need to do? Whilst auto-locking bungee hooks and easy fix plastic hooks can easily be removed by unlocking the security lock, removing and replacing generic plastic bungee hooks will require these things that you can find in your essential household toolkit:

• Pliers
• Utility knife or scissors
• Replacement hooks
• Measuring tape
• Lighter or hot knife cutter

Step-by-step guide to replacing plastic bungee cord hooks

Now you know what tools you need to remove and replace your plastic bungee cord hooks, how do you do so? Replacing plastic bungee cords can be done in just four simple steps:

Step 1: Remove the old hook

The first step is to remove the old hook. 

First, you should examine the bungee cord to locate where the old hook is attached and check the condition of the cord. If the cord is damaged beyond repair, we suggest replacing the cord and attaching a new hook onto that one instead. 

Then, using your utility knife or scissors, carefully cut the bungee cord close to the base of the old hook. Ensure you cut it cleanly to avoid fraying. If you’re struggling using a knife or scissors at this stage, you could use a hot knife rope cutter instead. 

Finally, once the hook has been cut off the bungee cord, remove any residual cord from the old hook by using pliers to pull it out. Dispose of the old hook, and then move onto step 2. 

Step 2: Prepare the bungee cord

The next step is to prepare the bungee cord for a new hook. 

Here, you will need to trim the edges of the bungee cord of any frays with a pair of scissors, to create a clean, straight edge. To prevent any further fraying, lightly melt the end of the cord with a lighter and twist the melted end to shape it while it’s still pliable. Be cautious to avoid burns.

Or, if you have a hot knife cutter to hand, you can combine this process. Simply cut through the cord with the hot knife, which will both slice and seal the rope in one pass. Explore our guide on how to use a hot knife rope cutter, for advice on how to safely do so. 

Step 3: Attach the new hook

The third step is to attach the new hook onto the bungee cord. 

Insert or thread the trimmed end of the bungee cord through the hole or opening in the new plastic hook, ensuring that the cord goes through completely. Then, to secure the hook, push the cord in until it cannot go any further and crimp the end using your pliers. 

Finally, you need to check the attachment. Pull on the hook firmly to ensure it is securely attached to the cord – it should not slide or come loose. If the hook does come loose, rethread and reclamp, until it is secure. 

Step 4: Test the new hook

The final step is to test your new plastic bungee hook.

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 plastic bungee cord hooks

To prevent needing to regularly replace your plastic bungee cord hooks, you should make every effort to maintain them. This includes regular inspections, checking for signs of wear and tear or damage, and storing your bungee cords and hooks away properly, to prevent accidental damage or unnecessary exposure to the elements.

Curious to learn 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.