Ring Shank

Definition and Overview

A ring shank refers to the loop-shaped shank attached to the back of a button. Because sewing thread does not show on the front side, it is easy to show decorative surfaces and patterns, and it is characterized by creating a suitable space between the button body and the textile.

When the shank loop is round, it is called a round ring shank; when it is angular, it is called a square ring shank. However, these are names that indicate the shape of the shank and do not limit the material or design of the button body.

Structure and Materials

Ring shanks may be made by bending metal wire, or may be molded integrally with the button body. They have a structure in which thread is passed through the inside of the loop and sewn on, and they differ from holed buttons in that the surface does not have sewing holes such as two-hole or four-hole types.

Button bodies are made from a variety of materials such as resin, metal, shell, and glass, and the shank material and joining method also differ by product. For heavy buttons, not only the strength of the shank but also the durability of the joint between the body and the shank must be checked.

• Round ring shank: the loop is circular or rounded.
• Square ring shank: the loop is close to a square shape or has angular corners.
• Holed button: because thread is passed through holes on the surface, its sewing structure differs from a ring shank.

How Size Is Expressed

Button size is generally expressed by the outer diameter in mm or lignes. Lignes are a unit used for button dimensions, and in specifications it is easier to confirm if the notation is standardized as either lignes or mm.

For ring shanks, in addition to the outer diameter, the inner diameter of the shank, shank height, and shank position also affect usability. Especially when attaching to thick textiles or using thick thread, check the actual product to make sure the inner diameter of the shank allows the thread to pass smoothly.

Main Applications

They are used for buttons whose decorative surface should be shown, or buttons that should blend into thick textiles. They are also used for front openings on jackets, coats, dresses, blouses, and cardigans, as well as cuffs, collars, and decorative fasteners.

Because the shank height creates space between the button and the textile, it may make fastening and unfastening easier on thick or bulky textiles. On the other hand, for thin textiles, check whether the shape of the shank shows through on the front side.

Attachment Method and Handling Precautions

Ring shanks are attached by passing thread through the loop section. By not pressing the button body too tightly against the textile and, when needed, winding the thread around the base to reinforce the thread shank, it becomes easier to accommodate textile thickness. A backing button may also be used on the reverse side to reduce damage to the textile caused by pulling.

Resistance to washing, dry cleaning, and ironing cannot be determined by the ring shank shape alone. It varies depending on the materials and joining specifications of the button body, shank, and plating, so before mass production, test using the planned care method and check for cracking, discoloration, and loosening or detachment of the shank.

As a basic rule, avoid direct pressure or high-temperature contact from an iron on the button. In particular, buttons made of resin or with adhesive or plating may be affected by heat, steam, detergent, or solvents, so consider using a pressing cloth or pressing while avoiding the button.

Frequently Asked Questions