What Is a Metal Cord End?
A metal cord end is a fixed terminal accessory installed at the cut end of a cord, drawstring, lace, narrow webbing or compatible strap. Depending on its construction, it may contain loose fibres, cover a terminal knot, crimp around flat material or create a visible metal finishing detail.
A metal cord end is not a movable adjustment mechanism. Use a cord lock or drawstring stopper where the working cord length or gathering needs to be adjusted. Both components may be used on the same drawstring assembly.
Which Metal Cord End Should Be Selected?
| Application | Model to Consider | Specification to Check |
|---|
| Finish a round cord | Cylindrical, conical, bead, cube, bell or pear-shaped cord end | Actual and lightly compressed cord diameter |
| Conceal a knot | Pass-through or knot-retained model | Internal cavity and completed knot dimensions |
| Finish flat cord or narrow webbing | Open-edge or closed-edge crimp cord end | Material width, thickness and folded terminal structure |
| Terminate wider webbing | Wide brass crimp end | Internal width, internal height and number of material layers |
| Retain a cord inside the body | Bond-on metal cord end | Internal opening and adhesive compatibility |
| Secure the tip through stitching | Sew-on metal cord end | Sewing area, thread and direction of pulling force |
| Create visible decorative hardware | Patterned, geometric, tulip, hexagonal or special-shape tip | Outside dimensions, weight, finish and visual scale |
Metal Cord-End Structures
Open-Edge Crimp Cord Ends
An open-edge crimp cord end has side sections that fold around flat cord, webbing or compatible straps. The position of the material can normally be checked before controlled crimping pressure is applied.
Closed-Edge Crimp Cord Ends
A closed-edge cord end surrounds more of the terminal section. The cord, webbing or strap is inserted into the verified internal cavity before the body is closed using a suitable tool.
A closed-edge construction does not automatically provide stronger retention. Holding performance depends on internal dimensions, material thickness, base-metal construction, closing pressure and pulling direction.
Knot-Retained and Pass-Through Cord Ends
The cord passes through an internal channel and is retained according to the model structure or by a completed knot. A heat-sealed or enlarged cord end may affect the required installation sequence.
Bond-On Metal Cord Ends
Bond-on models retain the cord inside a metal cavity using an appropriate adhesive system. Adhesive compatibility must be evaluated against the cord material, metal surface, plating, temperature and expected pulling force.
Sew-On Metal Cord Ends
Sew-on models use a hole or attachment area to connect the component to the cord or finished product. The stitching must be designed for the actual load direction rather than appearance alone.
Brass and Zinc-Alloy Cord Ends Compared
| Feature | Brass Cord End | Zinc-Alloy Cord End |
|---|
| Typical construction | May be cut and formed into open-edge or closed-edge crimp bodies. | May be cast into detailed three-dimensional decorative forms. |
| Common product form | Crimp components for flat cord, tape and webbing | Cylinders, cubes, beads, bells, patterns and geometric tips |
| Primary selection reason | A surrounding and crimping structure for flat material | Decorative body, detailed shape and multiple finish options |
| Main compatibility check | Internal width, internal height and material thickness | Cord-entry diameter, internal cavity and fitting structure |
Sheet metal, iron or other metals may also appear within the category. Do not identify the base metal from the colour or plated appearance alone.
How to Measure Metal Cord-End Compatibility
The critical compatibility measurement is the verified internal opening where the cord, webbing or strap is positioned. Total component length, decorative outside diameter and outside width are different measurements.
| Measurement | Why It Matters | How to Check It |
|---|
| Outside round-cord diameter | Determines whether the cord can enter the component. | Measure several points with a caliper without flattening the cord. |
| Compressed cord diameter | Shows how much a soft or filled cord narrows during installation. | Compare normal and lightly compressed measurements. |
| Flat-material width | Must match the internal width of the crimp component. | Measure the webbing or strap at several points. |
| Flat-material thickness | Affects whether crimping is insufficient or excessive. | Include folded or overlapping terminal layers. |
| Completed knot size | Must fit within the cavity of a knot-retained model. | Prepare and test the actual production knot. |
| Internal opening | Defines the true cord or webbing capacity. | Do not confuse it with the decorative outside dimensions. |
Common Internal-Opening Groups
Imperial measurements are approximate reference conversions.
| Internal Opening | General Application | Compatibility Check |
|---|
| 2.5–3.5 mm / 0.10–0.14 in | Fine strings, narrow laces and small decorative cords | Check whether a cut, sealed or knotted terminal section can enter. |
| 4–4.5 mm / 0.16–0.18 in | Hood cords, lightweight garments and standard accessory cords | Check braid density and compressed diameter. |
| 5–5.8 mm / 0.20–0.23 in | Hoodies, bags and medium-weight drawstrings | Confirm secure retention after installation. |
| 6–8 mm / 0.24–0.31 in | Filled cords, thicker laces and decorative applications | Check whether the cord or completed knot fits the cavity. |
| 9–9.2 mm / 0.35–0.36 in | Thick cords and models requiring a larger cavity | Evaluate component weight and scale on the finished product. |
| 7.5 × 3.5 mm / 0.30 × 0.14 in, 8 × 3 mm / 0.31 × 0.12 in and 10.5 × 3 mm / 0.41 × 0.12 in | Flat cord, narrow webbing and compatible straps | Measure width and thickness separately. |
| 15–61.7 mm / 0.59–2.43 in wide crimp models | Webbing, tape and wider flat materials | Verify internal width, internal height and total layer thickness. |
This table is a general selection guide and does not guarantee compatibility. Two cords with the same nominal size may differ in braid structure, hardness and compressibility.
Finish and Surface Options
Depending on the model, metal cord ends may be available in nickel, black nickel, gold, antique brass, gunmetal or black oxide, copper, antique silver and painted surfaces. The selected finish may be visually coordinated with eyelets, zipper hardware, buckles, rivets or other metal trims.
Nickel, gold, antique brass and gunmetal normally describe the surface appearance rather than the base metal.
A metallic or plated appearance does not prove that the component is stainless steel, saltwater resistant or suitable for continuous wet exposure.
Metal and Plastic Cord Ends Compared
| Feature | Metal Cord End | Plastic Cord End |
|---|
| Weight | May create a heavier and more visible hardware detail. | Adds less weight to lightweight fabrics and cords. |
| Appearance | Plated, painted, patterned and three-dimensional metal forms may be available. | Coloured, simple, transparent or model-specific plastic surfaces may be available. |
| Common structures | Crimp-on, bond-on, sew-on, knot-retained and decorative models | Interlocking, capped, crimp-on and knot-retained models |
| Primary selection reason | Metal appearance, hardware coordination and decorative detail | Low weight, colour matching and practical assembly |
For lower-weight components, review the plastic cord ends category.
Real-World Applications
- Hoodie, coat and jacket drawstring ends
- Tracksuit, shorts, trouser and waistband cords
- Bag, backpack, pouch and drawstring-sack cords
- Shoe, boot and trainer laces
- Hat, headwear and neck-warmer cords
- Woven tape and compatible bag-strap ends
- Model-compatible leather or PU strip ends
- Craft, jewellery and decorative cord applications
Not every metal cord end is suitable for every application. Final approval must be based on the verified dimensions, material, fitting method and pack information on the individual product page.
Recommended Assembly Sequence
- Measure the diameter of round cord or both dimensions of flat material.
- Thread any required cord lock onto the cord before fitting the terminal component.
- Pass the cord through the garment, bag or footwear channel or eyelet.
- Set the final cord length and terminal allowance.
- Complete the required cutting, sealing or knotting operation.
- Fit the metal cord end using its verified crimping, sewing, bonding or pass-through method.
- Complete pull, surface, movement and appearance checks.
Incorrect Selection and Assembly Warnings
- A metal cord end and a cord lock do not perform the same function.
- An internal opening that is too small may prevent insertion or damage the cord surface.
- An opening that is too large may prevent secure retention.
- Measure both width and thickness when using flat cord, tape or webbing.
- Check the compressed diameter of soft and filled cords.
- Excessive crimping pressure may crush the cord, crack the finish or deform the metal body.
- An unsuitable adhesive may damage the cord or plated surface.
- A fitted cord end may not pass through a cord-lock channel or eyelet.
- Do not infer the base metal or corrosion resistance from the finish colour.
- Small-part and detachment risks must be assessed separately for children’s products.
- Complete a sample installation with the actual cord before wholesale ordering or mass production.
Related E-Buttons Categories
Frequently Asked Questions About Metal Cord Ends
What is a metal cord end and what does it do?
A metal cord end is a fixed terminal accessory used to cover, secure or decoratively finish the cut end of a cord, drawstring, lace, webbing or compatible strap.
How do I select the correct metal cord-end size?
Measure the outside diameter of round cord. For flat cord, webbing or straps, measure both width and thickness and compare them with the verified internal opening.
Is matching the nominal cord and entry size sufficient?
No. Braid density, filler hardness, surface construction and compressibility can change compatibility. Test the component with the actual cord.
What is the difference between open-edge and closed-edge cord ends?
An open-edge model folds around the material using visible side sections. A closed-edge model surrounds more of the terminal section. Retention is not determined by the edge structure alone.
What is the difference between brass and zinc-alloy cord ends?
Brass models are commonly used for open-edge and closed-edge crimp components. Zinc-alloy models can be cast into more detailed and decorative body shapes.
How is a metal cord end fitted?
The method depends on the model. Metal cord ends may be crimped, knot-retained, sewn, bonded or fitted through a pass-through structure.
Does a crimp metal cord end require a press?
The required tool depends on the dimensions, metal thickness and production quantity. Some models may be closed with controlled hand tools, while repeatable production may require a suitable crimping fixture.
Should the cord lock or metal cord end be installed first?
If the completed cord end is larger than the cord-lock channel, thread the cord lock first and fit the metal cord end after completing the cord route.
Are all metal cord ends stainless?
No. Products may be made from brass, zinc alloy, sheet metal, iron or another metal. Verify the exact base material and finish on the individual product page.
Does the finish colour identify the base metal?
No. Nickel, gold, antique brass and gunmetal normally describe the surface appearance. The base metal must be checked separately.
Is sample testing necessary before wholesale production?
Yes. A sample confirms internal-opening compatibility, fitting method, retention, component weight, finish and appearance on the completed product.
Last updated: 21 July 2026
Business and brand: E-Buttons – Istanbul, Türkiye
Technical verification note: Refer to the individual product page for exact metric and imperial dimensions, base metal, finish, pack quantity and fitting method.
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