How to Install Hog Rings on Bungee Cord

Bungee cords, or shock cords, help securely hold items in place, as well as absorb shock from an impact. People who use bungee cords often know that they are incredibly difficult to tie. That’s why some people opt to use specialized bungee hog rings. Attaching hog rings to shock cords makes it easy to create secure loops, which can then be used to hold end hooks, carabiner clips, and more.

If you’ve just purchased bungee hog rings, keep reading. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll outline the foolproof way to install hog rings.

First, let’s get you started with a list of tools you’ll need.

Tools You’ll Need

Attaching hog rings to bungee cords is a straightforward process that requires only a few tools. The most valuable tool that you will need to do this job properly is a pair of hog ring pliers. These specialty pliers are designed to hold hog rings securely while they are crimped into their permanent positions. Other materials you’ll need include:

• your bungee cord
• carabiner hook
• tape measure
• electrical tape,
• utility knife.

Can You Use Regular Pliers for Hog Rings?

It’s possible to use regular pliers to install bungee hog rings, but it’s not best practice. Having the proper tools for a job is imperative for achieving high quality results. We recommend using our own hog ring pliers—the shorter, grooved jars will allow you to complete your project much faster.

Now that you know what tools you’ll need, let’s go over the installation process.

Installation Steps

1. Measuring the cord: The first step is to measure the bungee cord to the link that you desire. Wrap a piece of electrical tape around the bungee cord where you want to cut it. Make several passes around the cord with the tape to ensure a nice, tight result.
2. Cut the cord: Place the taped bungee cord on a solid surface and carefully cut through it with a sharp utility knife. A new razor blade in your utility knife will work best. Dull knife blades produce inferior results.
3. Singe the cord: Next, take a lighter and singe the end of the bungee cord where you just cut it. This will melt all the frayed strands together and seal the end so that it doesn’t unravel after you remove the electrical tape. After you’ve singed the rope, remove the electrical tape. Be sure that the surface has cooled before doing it so that you do not burn your fingers.
4. Thread cord through the carabiner: Now, insert the sealed end of the bungee that you just cut through the hole in the carabiner hook. You’ll want to insert around six inches of the rope, leaving enough length for gripping. If you plan to make a big loop, go as large as you need. The key here is to think ahead about the result that you’re after. For most purposes, six inches is enough.
5. Position hog ring on pliers: Next, position your hog ring into your hog ring pliers. The ring will fit into the grooved recesses of the plier jaws. The hog ring you use should be the same size as the diameter of your bungee cord. So, if your bungee cord is ¼ inches in diameter, you need to use a ¼-inch hog ring.
6. Fold cord: Now, fold the bungee cord over on itself, so that it has doubled.
7. Crimp cord: Take the pliers with the preloaded hog ring, and position them so that the hog ring is around both strands of the cord. Firmly and slowly squeeze the hog ring pliers together. This will push the two ends of the hog ring together so that they slightly overlap. When the ring is properly seated, open the plier handles to reveal your finished product.
8. Pull back excess cord: Make sure you pull back any excess cord so that the actual knot is sitting on the hook.

Get the Hog Rings You Need Today

King Steel Fasteners has been a premier manufacturer of bungee hog rings and other fasteners since 1995. We offer a wide selection of C- and D-style hog rings, manufactured in various sizes from your choice of aluminum, galvanized steel, stainless steel, high-tensile steel, and more.

If you have questions about the installation process, or would like to purchase hog rings for your bungee cord, please contact us today.