Guitar Strap Locks TESTED - Which Survive And Which Fail?

[@jamesmotiv8989]

I installed my own when I was like 14 and had no idea what I was doing. And never tested them. Until my friend asked me to toss it around my neck for a picture at school and then my les Paul sailed across the room, tearing a projector screen and separating its fretboard from its neck lmao.

[@Hawkeyefoxspirit]

That’s bad ass!

[@rickrevoir1683]

I'm amazed the fretboard is all that came off . Glad you can joke about it now.

[@Cognitoman]

Lol😂 that sucks

[@gort42069]

my brain would start shutting down

[@chuchuchip]

You wanted a new, upgraded guitar anyway. "But folks you don't understand, it was a learning guitar, now it's time for a better one". Alright, that explanation didn't work for me either.

[@JohnShalamskas]

It is important to periodically check the screws that hold the strap pin in the guitar itself. They can work loose and let your very expensive guitar crash to the floor, despite having a strap lock installed. Also check the nut / thumbwheel that holds the strap to the locking pin.

[@tzd]

Yes! Especially the Grolsch washer, because it's rubber, when the strap moves, it grips onto the strap pin and rotates it, eventually working the screw loose.

[@JoeBaermann]

Do it like Eddie and it will never do that.

[@DrMurdercock]

As much as I respect eddie and his guitars, i feel that is beyond ugly. Looks like a gate lock clasp jammed into a guitar. Thats like using duct tape to fix a Porsche

[@JoeBaermann]

@@DrMurdercock Can be made to look better, it is way more flexible than any regular straplocks plus that stainless steel is superior to both, but yes, it might look like to much for some people. Another trick is to use Dunlop for the bottom and Schaller for the horn, since both have their weak points on the opposite sides, that should cover the eye candy side of things.

[@Deac0n_Blues]

​@JoeBaermann can you explain more about the dunlop and schaller trick?

[@dastardlydave1455]

A famous guitar player was flying in for an event I was helping out with. One of the organizers called me as I was driving to the event. He was panicked that this guy realized he had forgot to pack his straps at the airport and he used strap locks. I always travel with extras (and gaff tape always) and I got with him to see if anything could work. He like one of my straps, but turned around to the plain side and we only used gaff tape on the ends of the strap locks on the guitar. Worked all weekend for him. (Survival mode, not recommended)

[@jpknievel420]

19:56 For the DiMarzio strap, I like putting the buttons back on too as a backup, so in an emergency you can still use a normal strap. You just need longer screws.

[@MashaT22]

I love Dagan testing stuff! Always informative and hilarious!

[@roywarriner8441]

My first thought when you swung that SG was that you should be wearing a helmet. I like the Dunlops with the dual design button. You can get them in any finish to match your guutars hardware. I love Dagan's enthusiasm. "If you love your job, you'll never work a day in your life". I think of that quote everytime I watch one of Dagan's vids.

[@bclmax]

yep i use dunlops

[@louiscyfer6944]

the dunlop are inferior to the schallers because they don't have built in redundancy. if the tiny spring inside the locking mechanism fails, the guitar will fall. theschaller mechanism can fail and the guitar will still not fall.

[@roywarriner8441]

@@louiscyfer6944 On the slim as none chance of the spring failing, the pin still needs to be pushed in to release. The spring is the redundancy. To each his own.

[@louiscyfer6944]

@@roywarriner8441 wrong. the bearings are held in place with the spring pressure. if the soring fails the kittle balls are going in and the mechanisms is releasing.

[@roywarriner8441]

@@louiscyfer6944 nope, stop talkibg to me.

[@louaguado995]

The tape was funny 🤣 My first locks were just a wide metal washer. You can get 2 of them for less than a dollar at any hardware store. The only bad part is the strap had to stay on the guitar because I removed the button, so it was only the screw and washer holding the strap on. I read about the idea from Ted Nugent in a guitar magazine.

[@mattsmitchger259]

Yup. Figured that out out of necessity when I was 15 before I knew strap locks were a thing. Still do it. I've never wasted money on strap locks.

[@jonthehermit8082]

@@mattsmitchger259yup I love the little rubber rings that come with straps these days, they work , but I used to use those plastic things that hold your bread bags closed to hold my strap.

[@nocheckmarkgames]

every guitar I have has a set of Schallers on them, and every strap I have has a set as well. I always upgrade these, its an easy way to add a bit of personalization.

[@colboysigmax]

I've have various strap locks on my 13+ guitars. I find Schallers that have the old type 13mm nut holding it together slowly and unexpectedly will loosen off. Only answer I found is to use engineers thread lock or replace with the new design that are secured by the grub screw. I found Dunlop quite recently and they're great.

[@petehutchins1879]

I have the same problem with the Schallers and when the part on the strap twists round the guitar drops out of the slot. I check them before every gig but I've still had problems.

[@HCkev]

I put a dab of Gorilla glue underneath the nut and never had problem with that anymore. That was the only real downside, but they fixed it with the S-Lock. I just wish they still offered a version with the separate screw for the strap buttons, in some cases I prefer to keep the original guitar screws.

[@portuguesebeer5069]

Great vídeo! Had a lot of fun! Cheers from Portugal 🤘🍺🇵🇹

[@JaRew]

I really like my Schaller locks. I’m glad I took the advice of the guy who sold me the guitar. Glad this video didn’t make me second guess what I’ve been using!

[@myrandarose2883]

Just put another set of Schaller's on a guitar last week. All my straps use the same locks so I can still swap straps when I want. Something that you didn't say, and I think is important - I know Schaller do it and I suspect some of the others do it too. The supplied screw is thicker than the original screw used to keep your factory strap lock in place. So if you change your mind you will have to fill the (now bigger) hole in prior to replacing the original hardware. This could be important for selling vintage stuff as collectors can be very critical about this sort of detail. I don't believe in selling my guitars so it doesn't affect me, but some might want to think about it. I've also used the lock straps. Did that for years and never had an issue - the thick sturdy nylon plastic they use is pretty much bomb proof so other than wearing out and going loose they wont let you down. Also - as someone else mentioned: Strap button screws can work loose if you're going mad with them. If you're into guitar spins check your strap buttons often so you don't get surprised on stage

[@NoahGrace44]

0:17 what song is this riff from?? i need more

[@scrimpmster]

I have the Dunlop strap locks for one of my guitars and want to get a set for each of my guitars. I can confirm that they are very useful. Also, 5:44 - Dagan's neighbours must have looked out of thew window and thought what the heck is this crazy guy doing.

[@stereoroid]

I still have a DiMarzio ClipLock strap that I bought in Johannesburg in 1991. Still looks almost as good as new.

[@stevesheroan4131]

Just had a Schaller fail in a way I’ve never heard. The little ball part that you pull on to release the lock unscrewed from the shaft that the spring is on and fell off in my hand, which made it impossible to release. I had to get a very small jeweler’s screwdriver to pry up on the shaft (and unavoidably destroy the threads, ruining the mechanism) to release the lock. Replaced the Schallers with one of the many spare sets of Dunlops that I have, just like on all my other guitars. It’s a shame, because Schaller’s finish is much nicer than Dunlop’s. I’ve never had a Dunlop fail, but they get tarnished and crappy looking in no time, and have to be lubricated occasionally so they don’t get sticky. I’d pay twice as much for Dunlop’s with the quality of metal and the finish of the Schallers.

[@bassyey]

Dunlops don't have chrome finish. Only nickel and nickel tarnishes in like 3 hours of air exposure lol.

[@stevesheroan4131]

@@bassyey I don’t understand why Dunlop doesn’t make a “premium” line or something to address the tarnishing issue.

[@lawrencejordan3832]

I’ve always liked the dunlops the most. Schallers tend to wear the strap end out eventually. Really like grolstch gaskets also.

[@standardbrickproductions3328]

Thanks PMT!! Was just looking for strap locks as my strap keeps coming off (luckily I'm quite the catcher) but its starting to get annoying! Great video, I'm going out to get some now!! I think I'll go for the schallers

[@southernpanda33]

I went for both the Schallers and I also got a set of D’Addario strap locks. I prefer the Schallers

[@banditfishing1558]

My guitars drop all the time and just the same I’m normally good at catching them. Once I missed catching my les Paul and it landed on my food strap button first 🤣. I need some strap locks too

[@JohnShalamskas]

I have the Schallers on a couple of Les Pauls, and they work great. They are the older version, which is fine, but I think the newer version is better. And I do not flip the guitar over my back.

[@JoeBaermann]

Newer version is not as good as the older. There is a tiny pinscrew that has to be tightened to secure the new round nut, which should be nice since that allows the nut not to hold tight on the strap, bad thing is that it can drop out even when tightened, experienced that and lost that screw. So the old version and some lube is the best apart from going the DIY Van Halen route.

[@thelastscarecrow6701]

For what it’s worth, I have had the Dimarzio slip lock strap break on me when an inside plastic piece broke off. I also had a Dunlop clip break on me.

[@GrolarMusic]

my epi LP dropped on the floor. No spinning, I was just playing my guitar standing up and one of sides gave. I was using a dunlop strap lock. I think one of the little pins didnt connect well because they were rusted from inside. It wasn't that old or worn out either. Since then I only use Grolsch and try to never swap/remove the straps. I'd try this Schiller but on cheap guitars first. The ptsd is real.

[@bassyey]

My basses and guitar are setup with Dunlops. I like that even if I accidentally leave my strap (which happened a lot of times already), a normal strap would still work because it's wide enough at the tip. Just buy any strap near the venue and it'll still work.

[@DiveBombDaveTV]

I've had the U shaped clip on the strap work it's way upside down twice in separate gigs using Schaller strap locks. I haven't had the guitar drop out because the pin has held it but I've since started using the D'addario Auto Lock straps instead. I imagine they're a bit less robust being plastic, but I'm never going to swing a guitar round my head. The most important thing to note: Any strap lock is better than No strap lock

[@_widas_]

19:02 "you can get EVH branded ones now... i got these at a pet shop and a hardware store" loooool

[@edwinhurwitz6792]

I used to use the Schallers but had problems with the strap portion falling off. However, I liked the fact that they worked with some of the buttons that came with my instruments. I finally switched over to Dunlop because I was able to flush mount the buttons. It means that I have to have my Dunlop equipped straps with me or I'm going to be sitting at the gig, but it works well and the strap side never comes off. The new Schaller with the knurled nut that can be easily hand tightened looks good, but I really like having flush mounted strap locks. It's all good!

[@911archiv]

Sidefact: In Germany most of the Beerbottles got the washers glued to the plug.

[@MrJingles021]

I've been considering putting strap locks on all of my guitars.....so I appreciate this video. I've been using the rubber thingere, but I find they are loosening my screws, or they actually creak. On my main guitar, the screw has actually popped out twice, so I stopped using them.

[@robertthomas2117]

I highly recommend loxx straplocks, a touch on the expensive side, but certainly worth it.

[@angrycumbrian395]

I found them cheaper than most on Amazon, but can be a dog to fit if the strap material is chunky. Handy for kids twangers too.

[@DrDespicable]

I have a few D'Addario auto lock straps, and am delighted with them - even though I don't use them to play bloody Hula Hoops with me guitar...

[@yotarzan1]

I agree. The D'addario auto locks are by far the easiest to use. Love mines! I'd only wish they'd offer more strap options.

[@lmackenzie89]

Great video, super helpful! Also loved seeing the town moor!

[@chuchuchip]

All my guitars (8) have Schaller strap locks since my 1st real electric a 1978 Japanese Vantage I bought when I was in the Navy. Been on many a ship with me. Still plays great, never dropped because of strap lock failure. Never dropped! My "Frankenstein". Also have Schaller strap locks installed on both my acoustics guitars.

[@rhodriwilliams8111]

Always preferred the Dunlops! I found with the Schaller's that the bolt on the strap would always come loose. The Dunlop's haven't budged in years!

[@isaacramirez3729]

The best straplock is Billy Sheehan's bolting the strap to the body of his bass

[@garethmccash5986]

@pmt do we get a bloopers only clip? I could imagine there were numerous attempts to get the swings down 😂😂. Love the channel content too.

[@jimmyjimmy951]

Rubber seal is the go. Local brewery supplier sells them in bags of 20 for $10 Aussie. Quiet and simple to use. Can be a little difficult to get on some lower profile strap pins due to the gauge of the rubber. 👍🇦🇺

[@spekenbonen72]

Do you strap your kid into your car with shoelaces...?

[@swilliamwalters5002]

Just the discussion I was looking for! Thanks!!

[@IPlayVidyaGames]

No mention of the LOXX system?

[@CatharticGuitar]

I always wondered how well the rubber washer would hold up to some things like that. I still use them, but no spinning

[@Baneumann66]

Fun video! Just ordered the EVH. IM A Schaeller fan myself though.

[@jacka2664]

This man is a rockstar!

[@fergozzi1]

Great video, thank you!

[@DannoDemo]

As a bassist. I would say you certainly need one. 7lbs - 10lbs is a bit to spin, but yeah it is sad if your bass falls.

[@derechtemeikel4852]

My Bass weighs in at 11 lbs😥

[@VSL229]

Schaller user 30+ years but two of my latest guitars I've used Dunlop. I might switch to D permanently. Slimmer design and it let's strap to rotate freely.

[@LucasJRice]

Have you used a new Schaller lock in the past ten years??

[@VSL229]

@@LucasJRice Yes.

[@billsguitargarage]

I have a set of the dunlop plastic lock that have been with me for 30+ years (they may not be Dunlop, but they are identical to them) and they are still rocking strong!

[@TheSloppyGuitarist]

I won't swear by it, but I don't think you had the rubber beer washer on the bottom strap button for your test, IOW: You planned to fail that test because PMT don't sell beer - am I right ;) :P

[@NitroCigarette]

My only concern with the DiMarzio ClipLock is it can damage the finish if your guitar really easily. I feel they should have incorporated some type of felt or something on the bottom ring. Kind of wish you could combine the DiMarzio ClipLock and Shaller straplocks. ('cause I wanna keep the gold buttons on my Les Paul)

[@blkjakk]

Just get s Lock-it strap. Fits any strap buttons on any guitar

[@johnrefe]

all my guitars are equipped with Boston strap locks, cause they are the only ones possible to buy in my country, works as dunlops ones. Except their black ones are bit weird, the paint stripped off fast in both ends and that extra millimeter makes it bit loosen, but they work.

[@sebrura]

Excellent vid! I have the Schaller and the DiMarzio cliplock. The Schaller is bomber, but I don’t like how far out the buttons on the strap go. Looks not too good. The DiMarzio is quite nice, but it will probably scrub off your paint in not too long usage.

[@JoeBaermann]

The old Shaller’s are probably the most secure locks I tried, only downside is that it will unscrew the screw in the guitar over time, even when using lube. Going to use DIY close to Eddie’s method instead, thicker and longer threads plus free movement caused by the swivel and hooks makes it more secure than any of the made for guitar straplocks and actually cheaper even with all parts made of stainless too, since I only need to buy a set of eyescrews for each guitar.

[@mqaisataloss.5951]

I used to use schallers now i only use the dadario auto locking ones, you can even leave it on in most cases. Since schaller changed the screw to be part of the button its nothing but problems. The super cheap Soft "metal" and the slightly non standard size causes them to strip over time as you have to take them off due to hole needing a tooth pick.

[@nicholascrow8133]

I've got a 3d printer, printed the grolsh style locks for my straps. They screw in with the button so it's a permanent solution but if you have a 3d printed it's a 10 minute print and you can do whatever colour you like

[@jijianji1]

Been shopping for strap locks since I had my first guitar fall off (been playing for a year). And pretty set on not having to screw/unscrew stuff, so I'll be looking into the auto-lock one. I would never play standing up again without locks. (didn't jump around or anything, strap must have been old, but I shouldn't have to learn that by dropping the guitar on the ground)

[@rosskn]

I've been using the Dunlop ones for about 3000 years never let me down. need to get some gold ones for my new Charvel

[@BonesofGoldSkateboarding]

My guitar just hit the floor and smashed the input jack . This is just the video I needed 👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾

[@nandeshrasiklal3914]

😂 love the review, thanks for the guide

[@woroGaming]

Incredibly funny to see that the Grolsch (the ch is silent ;) ) is actually internationally used and approved :D

[@duck80085]

The Ernie ball locks concern me that the pins may eventually wear out and cause them to loosen over time but that’s just thinking maybe you should test it?

[@chesterproudfoot9864]

Pro tip: if you use an allen wrench put the short end into screw to make turning it easier. 😆

[@2DclanSnipingTeam]

I tell people just the opposite, just to prevent over-torquing things.

[@theruthlessfish]

Those rubber thingies are made by pretty much everybody, I guess... Fender, Ernie Ball, generic store-brand, whatever. Ernie Ball released a bunch of different colours earlier this year, so instead of the black or red ones, you can get a bunch of funky colours. (Bought some pink ones for my niece's pink P-bass.) Oh, and D'Addario also has the "Dual Lock Guitar Strap Lock", which is a plastic-y thing which _also_ holds your cable (instead of doing that "tucking cable underneath the strap" thing). Might also be worth checking out. Obviously, the metal screw-in locks are waaaay more secure -- but if you don't do a lot of spins with the guitar/bass, its all good. Good fun video anyways! :D And seemed like a good day -- hanging out in a field with some chill cattle and a guitar. :)

[@stevenheinje181]

I like Dadarrio clip straps but wished that had higher end ones. Leather strap options, and maybe better plastic or replaceable locks. I think they should sell the mechanism to leather shops

[@harumistborn]

They sell a leather version now.

[@patrickclune3600]

Waiting for my Schaller S Black Chrome to be delivered for my new 4003 Ric I bought last week

[@tamasveres007]

I love the Grolsch one so much

[@TheSavagederek]

Im loving the look of the D'Addario one .

[@bryanbishop2377]

My strap broke at the crappy plastic buckle while I was running down stairs, and it bounced down the concrete stairs...😡

[@PineappleElephant68]

L

[@ricksrealpitbbq]

I've been satisfied with Schallers on all my guitars.

[@ButWhatDoIKnow]

I use Dunlop Dual Design on all my electrics and the "Old School" rubber washers with all my acoustics. I don't swing them though.

[@grog5564]

Not only is the Grolsch method free, you get to drink Grolsch, it works better than anything I have ever seen. Any ring top off of a good beer works. There is a red ring on each of my guitars and I have never lost a strap.

[@mjklein]

I used a Schaller strap lock only to have the leather end of the strap break.

[@jasonl1942]

When I was a teenager I unscrewed my strap buttons, put washers from a hardware store on the outside, put the strap back on, then screwed it back into the guitar. NEVER had any issues....

[@ParaBellum2024]

I use the Dunlop Lok Straps (15:00), because they're cheap, and the strap doesn't require modification. That said, they can be difficult to use with thick leather straps, and I sometimes need to put a small piece of insulation tape on them too, to prevent the circular pieces moving. Thinking about it, they're pretty rubbish, really.

[@Guitarify]

I use the dunlop traditionally but im looking to try something new on my Gibson

[@RTK_GOON]

Yeeeeeoh i let out an audible gasp in the office for the beer washer test

[@pentatonicpaddy]

i won 2 dadario strap locks from rabea massad they slot on any fitting on any guitar there awesome they are a strap and the lock is built into the strap so u just unlock and use same strap for all guitars

[@hawg427]

I use Schaller on most of my guitars except for my 59 LP RI I use the Bonamassa or the Fender rubber washer since I didn't want to drill into my prized 59 LP :-)

[@jeffbailey8482]

He skipped one in the review. What about the Rok Lok ? That can be used universal with any strap button.

[@MrDracolucassos]

New schallers are rock solid- if you screw the locking wheel down with side flathead screw- I can bet your strap will fail first before them.

[@FredBloggs919]

You cannot tell me that the man doesn’t love his job! :)

[@justinespinosa7878]

Schaller’s nut tends to loosen over time. They can fall off and thus letting your ax fall. Use blue loctite with them… prefer the dunlops or the Ibanez cliplok straps

[@JoeBaermann]

Never had the nut go loose on a Schaller, don’t be afraid to apply some force when tightening it, I use leather straps only though, so might depend on strapend material too. The thing that happens with them for me is that the metal against metal friction loosens the screw in the guitar, lube prevents that for some time though.

[@Southboundpachyderm]

HAHA I remember when we were scene kids in 2009 and my friend picks up a buddies guitar that got left at his place (just a jackson dinky, but it was all modded to shit with a custom floyd rose and locking tuners) and he's like "dude josh has strap locks, check this out" then proceeded to not check that the strap locks were actually inserted and tossed the guitar right into the concrete brick wall 10 feet away and then onto the garage floor. That was the end of josh's guitar.

[@Dynamic..]

What proceded to happen after his Jackson got hurled into the wall?

[@Southboundpachyderm]

@@Dynamic.. The locking tuners took the brunt of the fall so the guitar itself was mostly VISUALLY okay, but it wouldn't stay in tune anymore and it pulled/bent/fucked the hell out of the floyd rose in it in a way that the bridge got pulled up at like a 90 degree angle lol. Obviously that kinda makes the guitar unplayable . Our "buddy" tried to hide the damage from josh by pulling on the springs in the back to try and tighten down the floyd rose but that just fucked it up more and more and eventually he had to just go fess up to josh and buy him a new guitar. Which I don't think he ever did, and why he was our "buddy" and not our buddy.

[@Dynamic..]

@@Southboundpachyderm Damn, must of sucked

[@sashastonecinema]

Dunlop one love 🤩

[@ABoyd1852]

ALL my guitars get straplocks. Doesnt matter if its vintage or brand new. Its crazy not to do something so simple and easy to protect your investment.

[@fadlyhans82]

I can’t unlock my Dunlop strap lock. The button can be pressed but I can’t detach it. Anyone got experience with it? How do I resolve this?

[@carlosprex]

There´s no complete guitar strap locks shootout without LOXX

[@joe3USA]

Do the Dunlop locks have a large diameter screw like the Schallers, or are they the standard size screw?

[@leenmel3931]

Amazing and hilarious, thank you for making this comparison video

[@Southboundpachyderm]

btw the spin works better if you push against the strap before you toss it around you.

[@rochfrancoeur]

Shaler is the best. I dont know why all guitar dont come withn strap lock anyway, exept for some guitar over 2, 500 US $. So, strap lock it's a must!!!

[@le_th_]

Dagan clearly scared all the cows away with his guitar spinning.

[@blkjakk]

Oh you better keep on top of tightening the nut on the Schaller locks

[@haribalsac1]

Nice "Nevermind the bollocks" T-shirt!

[@DirtyMikeTM]

Schaller S Locks all the way

[@foodiemadness]

That’s an amazing fun video

[@TwistedIdentity]

I've used the Ernie Ball strap locks for years but as of late they have been coming with rusted screws right out of the package so I switched to using the Dunlops. Just as good IMO just not as pretty looking. If I had a super high priced guitar though and I wanted to make 110% sure it wasn't going anywhere I'd go for the Schallers. I only don't use the Schallers because I like the mechanism of the Dunlops and EB's more (I'm weird I know)

[@JoeBaermann]

I hate that mechanism, had 2 out of 3 where the ballbearings where failing on me, the old Schaller locks never fail apart from that they do loosen the screw over time when there is no lube to counter the friction of metal against metal.

[@_widas_]

Great video

[@jamesr_whiterock_ocmd_3629]

Love the evh clasp locks with evh strap is awesome 🎸

[@petruccirocks02]

Fender makes rubber rings that are just like the Grolsch rings. They work great!

[@MrAngryReacts]

The dunlop lok straps dont work at all, unless you glue them, they all come loose, I bought a load for my students in the college and formyself they all rattled loose within half an hour. Do not waste your money. The Ddario locking strap is good unless your guitar starp button what ever its called faces twoards your body rather than on the horn. Then it twists the strap.

[@tommyhorne1039]

I had problems with the Dunlap locks due to the locking ball wears out and don’t lock anymore! My fav’s are the ones you use! ( just can’t spell it!) 😂

[@ozan2080]

Strap locks look sexy as hell I have to admit. But the Fender rubber ones are rock solid and cheap as hell, I can't convince myself to change. I surprised the beer ones failed in the test, maybe they were looser than the fender rubbers as I spinned my guitar back in the day with fenders. 0 issues.

[@Leo-h8m8q]

What Stratocaster model di you have?

[@joeshoe6184]

He said in the beginning I believe.

[@MarioStamegna]

I'm pretty sure Brian May uses the Grolsch method

[@PMTVUK]

He does indeed!