Collection: Pet Collar & Lead Making Supplies

Create durable, professional-quality dog collars, leads and other pet accessories with leather straps and hardware designed for leathercraft and small-scale manufacturing.

At British Leather Supplies, you’ll find a selection of pet collar and lead hardware, including components for making and finishing dog collars, leads, straps and other leather pet accessories. Whether you’re a professional leatherworker, pet-accessory maker, saddler or crafting your own dog gear, the right hardware helps create products that are functional, durable and finished to a high standard.

Shop pet collar and lead hardware to find the components you need for your next project.

53 products

Brass swivel snap hook on a white background

Dog Collar & Lead Hardware

The hardware used on a dog collar or lead needs to combine practicality with a secure, durable construction. Depending on the design, this can include buckles, D-rings, O-rings, trigger hooks, snap hooks and other fittings.

Different components perform different functions:

  • Collar buckles – used to fasten and adjust traditional buckle-style dog collars.
  • D-rings and O-rings – provide attachment points for leads, ID tags and other accessories.
  • Trigger hooks and snap hooks – commonly used on dog leads and other detachable connections.
  • Strap hardware – useful for joining, adjusting and finishing leather straps.
  • Metal fittings – available in different styles and finishes to complement the design of the finished pet accessory.

Choosing the appropriate hardware depends on the construction of the collar or lead, the width and thickness of the leather or webbing, and the intended use of the finished product.

Hardware for Making Dog Collars

A traditional leather dog collar can be made from relatively few components, but each one needs to be correctly matched to the strap.

For a typical buckle dog collar, you may need:

  1. A suitable leather strap or strip.
  2. A collar buckle matched to the strap width.
  3. A D-ring or O-ring for attaching a lead.
  4. Rivets, Chicago screws, stitching or other suitable fixing methods.
  5. Optional keeper or strap-loop hardware, depending on the design.

The width of the hardware should correspond with the width of the leather strap. For example, hardware designed for a 25 mm strap is not interchangeable with fittings intended for a significantly narrower or wider strap.

When selecting components, consider the finished dimensions of the collar, the thickness of the leather, the way the hardware will be attached and the requirements of the finished product.

Hardware for Making Dog Leads

Dog leads typically require hardware that provides a reliable connection between the lead and the collar.

A common leather dog lead construction uses a trigger hook or snap hook at one end, with the other end formed into a handle. Depending on the design, additional rings or fittings can be incorporated to create adjustable or multi-purpose leads.

When choosing lead hardware, consider:

  • The width and thickness of the leather.
  • The size and weight of the finished lead.
  • How the hardware will be attached.
  • The type and size of attachment required.
  • The overall style and finish of the lead.

For handmade pet accessories, matching the hardware finish throughout the product can also give the finished collar or lead a more cohesive appearance.

Choosing the Right Pet Hardware

Match the hardware to the strap width

Always check the internal width of buckles, rings and other fittings against the actual width of your leather or webbing.

Consider leather thickness

Thicker leather may require hardware with a suitable clearance or construction to accommodate the material and any folds in the design.

Choose the right attachment method

Pet accessories can be assembled using stitching, rivets, Chicago screws and other leathercraft techniques. Make sure the hardware is compatible with the method you intend to use.

Think about the finished design

Hardware is both functional and decorative. Brass, nickel, antique and other finishes can change the appearance of a finished collar or lead, so consider how the fittings will work with the colour and style of the leather.

Leather work in progress with hands inserting brass leather hardware into a bag

Pet Hardware for Leatherworkers & Makers

Whether you are making one handmade dog collar or producing pet accessories as part of a small business, having the right fittings makes the construction process easier and helps you achieve a consistent finished product.

British Leather Supplies supplies leathercraft hardware and components for makers working across a range of leather goods. Our pet accessory hardware can be used alongside leather, tools and other components to create bespoke dog collars, leads and related accessories.

Browse the pet collar and lead hardware collection to find the fittings for your project.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardware do I need to make a leather dog collar?

A typical buckle-style leather dog collar may require a suitable collar buckle, D-ring or O-ring and a method of fixing the hardware, such as rivets, screws or stitching. The exact components depend on the collar design and leather dimensions.

What size hardware do I need for a dog collar?

Choose hardware that matches the width and thickness of the leather or webbing used for the collar. Measure the strap accurately before buying fittings, as hardware sizes are generally specified by the strap width they are designed to accommodate.

What hardware do I need to make a dog lead?

A basic leather dog lead commonly requires a suitable trigger hook or snap hook and a method of forming and securing the handle. Additional rings or fittings can be added depending on whether the lead is fixed-length, adjustable or multifunctional.

What is the ring on a dog collar used for?

A D-ring or O-ring on a dog collar can provide an attachment point for a dog lead, depending on the collar design. Rings can also be incorporated for tags or other accessories.

Can I use leathercraft hardware for dog accessories?

Some leathercraft hardware is suitable for pet accessories, but components should always be selected according to their intended application, dimensions and construction. For load-bearing connections such as a lead attachment, choose appropriate hardware and use a secure attachment method.

How do I choose hardware for a handmade dog collar?

Start by measuring the width and thickness of your leather. Then select a compatible buckle, ring and fixing method. Consider the intended design, attachment points and finish of the finished collar before choosing the hardware.

Leather work in progress with hands holding stitching needles and thread.

Make Your Next Pet Accessory

From traditional leather dog collars to handmade leads and bespoke pet accessories, the right hardware provides the functional connection between the individual components.

Explore the Pet Collar & Lead Hardware collection at British Leather Supplies and find the fittings for your next leathercraft project.