What are the metal things on bags called?

For people outside the bag manufacturing and related industries, some professional terms are relatively unfamiliar. Although they know these parts and can describe them in words, they don’t know their professional names. For example, there are usually some small metal parts on bags. What are their professional names? What are the metal things on bags called?

Their unified name


Depending on different parts of the bag, they have different functions and thus different names. However, all these metal parts can be collectively referred to as bag hardware. But if you want to call them more accurately, there are more specific names. Of course, some people know the professional term “bag hardware” but don’t understand what exactly bag hardware is or what functions it has. You can refer to: What is the hardware of a bag?

D Ring
D Ring

Hardware used to connect various parts of the bag

bag chain
bag chain

Bag chains


They serve as straps for lifting or cross-body carrying of the bag. Usually, bag chains are installed at both ends or on the sides of the bag, acting as shoulder straps for cross-body carrying. These bag chains not only have the functional roles mentioned above but also play a decorative role for the bag. Moreover, bag chains are not directly connected to the bag body; there are other related accessories, such as chain clasps and chain joints.

Shoulder strap connectors

O Ring
O Ring


That is, various shaped ring-shaped metals such as the commonly known D-rings, O-rings, and hook clasps, etc. These shoulder strap connectors allow for easy detachment of the shoulder strap, facilitating replacement.

Handle connectors



Generally, in addition to straps for shoulder or cross-body carrying, bags also have straps for hand lifting, called handles. Like the shoulder straps of the bag, handles are not directly connected and fixed to the bag’s leather; instead, there are related connecting hardware. These hardware parts are usually metal bases fixed by rivets or screws.

Opening and closing hardware


Bags need additional hardware to open, close, or lock, and these hardware parts are called opening and closing hardware. There are usually different types of opening and closing hardware.

Bag Locks


For example, magnetic opening and closing fasteners, which are convenient to open and close. Locks may require combinations or keys.

Zipper accessories


It should be noted that the zipper itself does not belong to zipper accessories (there are specialized manufacturers producing various zippers), but zipper pulls and zipper ends are part of bag hardware.

Decorative hardware


They have no specific functions and are more for decorative purposes.

Brand logo
Brand logo

Brand logo hardware

Metal logos printed with the brand’s logo not only enhance the brand image but also improve the bag’s texture, playing a decorative role and making the bag more attractive.

Decorative rivets/studs


Unlike the aforementioned studs, these have no actual functions and are only for decoration.

Decorative metal rings/metal chains


On bags, you may see some metal rings and chains, which are only for decoration.


In short, different bag hardware parts are distributed in various parts of the bag. Some have practical functions, while others are only for decoration. Through the above content, you should understand “What are the metal things on bags called”. They are collectively referred to as bag hardware, but each specific type of hardware has its own unique and specific name.

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