Do I Need Guitar Strap Locks? Why Red Monkey Asks Before Building Your Strap

Strap Lab

When ordering a Red Monkey guitar strap, you may notice that we ask whether you use strap locks.

That question is not an upsell. Red Monkey does not sell or include strap-lock hardware.

We ask because our straps are built from thick, heavy-grade leather, and the mounting holes may need to be prepared differently when strap-lock hardware will be installed.

If you already use strap locks, selecting Yes allows us to enlarge the mounting holes during production so installation is easier.

If you use standard guitar strap buttons, select No. A hole enlarged for strap locks may fit too loosely around a standard strap button and increase the chance of the strap slipping off.

Quick Answer

• Select Yes only if you currently use strap locks or know that you will install them.
• Select No if you use standard guitar strap buttons.
• We enlarge the mounting holes because our heavy-grade leather can be more difficult to modify cleanly after the strap has been completed.
• If you are uncertain, choose the standard mounting holes. They can be enlarged later.
• Once a leather mounting hole has been enlarged, it cannot be returned to its original size.

What Are Guitar Strap Locks?

Guitar strap locks are hardware systems designed to secure a guitar strap to an instrument more positively than a traditional strap button alone.

Most systems include:

• A replacement button mounted to the guitar.
• A locking component attached to the guitar strap.
• A release mechanism that allows the strap to be removed quickly.

Strap locks generally serve two purposes:

• They help prevent the strap from accidentally slipping off the instrument.
• They provide a quick-release system for removing and reinstalling the strap.

The quick-release function can be useful when storing a guitar in its case, changing guitars during a performance, moving one strap between compatible instruments, or transporting the strap separately from the guitar.

Why Do Players Use Strap Locks?

Many musicians use standard strap buttons without a problem. Strap locks are optional hardware and are not required for every player.

Players often choose strap locks because they want:

• Additional security during energetic performances.
• Less risk of the strap folding or slipping over a standard strap button.
• A quick-release system for removing the strap.
• An easier way to move one strap between compatible guitars.
• Greater confidence when carrying a heavy or valuable instrument.

Whether you need them depends on your instrument, playing style, stage movement, and personal preference.

Which Strap-Lock Systems Are Most Common?

There are many different strap-lock designs available. The systems we encounter most often are made by Dunlop and Schaller.

• Dunlop Straplok systems .
• Schaller strap locks and S-Locks.

These systems do not all use identical hardware, dimensions, or installation methods. Other manufacturers also produce strap-lock systems with their own designs.

Red Monkey does not sell strap locks and does not include strap-lock hardware with your guitar strap.

The Strap Lock Compatible option simply tells us how to prepare the leather mounting holes for the hardware you intend to use.

Why Red Monkey Asks Before Building Your Strap

Red Monkey guitar straps are built from thick, heavy-grade leather selected for strength, structure, durability, and long-term performance.

That thickness is one of the reasons our straps hold up so well, but it can also make installing certain strap-lock systems more difficult when the mounting hole is left at its standard size.

When you select Strap Lock Compatible: Yes, we enlarge the mounting holes during production. This gives the strap-lock hardware more room to pass through the leather and makes installation easier.

Preparing the hole while we are building the strap generally produces a cleaner result than forcing hardware through thick leather after the strap has been completed.

What Changes When You Select Strap Lock Compatible?

The only intended change is the size of the mounting holes at the ends of the strap.

Selecting strap-lock compatibility does not change:

• The strap width.
• The strap length.
• The leather.
• The color.
• The decorative hardware.
• The construction.
• The adjustment range.

It simply tells us to prepare larger mounting holes for strap-lock installation.

Why You Should Not Select Yes Without Strap Locks

This is the most important part of the ordering decision.

If you select Yes but continue using ordinary strap buttons, the mounting holes may be larger than necessary.

A standard mounting hole is intentionally sized to hold securely around a traditional strap button.

When that hole is enlarged, there is less leather gripping the button. Under certain movements, the strap may be more likely to slip over it.

This can happen when:

• You move aggressively while performing.
• The guitar rotates or shifts against your body.
• The strap becomes twisted.
• You sit down and the strap folds over itself.
• The strap end is pushed toward the outside of the button.

A folded strap can place pressure on the mounting hole from an unusual angle, allowing an oversized hole to pass over a standard strap button more easily.

For the most secure fit with standard guitar strap buttons, select No.

What Should You Choose If You Are Not Sure?

If you are uncertain, choose the standard mounting holes.

It is better to enlarge a standard hole later than to order a hole that is already too large for the hardware you currently use.

A standard mounting hole can be carefully enlarged if you decide to install strap locks later.

Once leather has been punched or cut larger, however, there is no practical way to restore the original material.

You can always make the hole larger. You cannot make the leather grow back.

Can Strap Locks Be Installed Later?

Yes. You can install strap locks later and enlarge the strap mounting holes when needed.

Because Red Monkey uses heavy leather, the modification should be performed carefully with the correct tools. Forcing large hardware through an undersized hole can stretch, tear, or mark the leather.

Follow the instructions supplied by the strap-lock manufacturer. Have the installation completed by an experienced guitar technician or leather professional if you are uncomfortable modifying the strap or instrument yourself.

Can You Use Strap Locks With Any Red Monkey Strap?

Most Red Monkey guitar straps can be prepared for strap-lock use when the option is available on the product page.

However, strap-lock systems vary. The thickness of the leather, length of the hardware shaft, washers, retaining components, and installation design can all affect fitment.

Our Strap Lock Compatible option prepares the leather mounting holes. It does not guarantee that every piece of third-party hardware will fit every strap without adjustment.

Always confirm that your chosen strap-lock system can accommodate the thickness of the strap and follow the hardware manufacturer’s installation instructions.

Do Strap Locks Make a Guitar Strap Safer?

When properly selected, installed, engaged, and maintained, strap locks can provide an additional layer of security.

They are not maintenance-free, however.

Before playing, check that:

• The locking mechanism is fully engaged.
• The hardware attached to the strap is secure.
• The strap button is firmly attached to the guitar.
• The components show no excessive wear or damage.

A locking system can only protect the instrument when every part of the system is installed and functioning correctly.

Are Strap Locks Necessary for Live Performance?

No. Plenty of musicians perform with traditional strap buttons.

However, strap locks may be worth considering if you:

• Move aggressively on stage.
• Swing or rotate the guitar while playing.
• Frequently switch instruments.
• Play a heavy guitar or bass.
• Want to remove the strap quickly.
• Want additional peace of mind.

The correct choice is the one that suits your playing style and equipment.

Strap Lock Compatible: Yes or No?

Choose Yes If:

• You already use strap locks.
• You know which strap-lock system you will install.
• You want Red Monkey to enlarge the mounting holes during production.

Choose No If:

• You use standard guitar strap buttons.
• You do not currently own strap locks.
• You are still deciding whether to install them.
• You want to preserve the standard mounting-hole size.

The Red Monkey Recommendation

If you already use Dunlop, Schaller, or another strap-lock system, select Yes and we will prepare the mounting holes for easier installation.

If you use ordinary strap buttons, select No.

If you are undecided, select No and enlarge the holes later if necessary.

That approach protects the original fit of the strap and gives you more flexibility in the future.

Related Strap Lab Guides

• Best Guitar Straps Guide
• What Width Guitar Strap Should I Buy?
• Best Guitar Straps for Heavy Guitars
• How to Stop Neck Dive
• Leather vs Nylon Guitar Straps
• Full-Grain Leather Guitar Straps

Shop Red Monkey Guitar Straps

Shop All Leather Guitar Straps

Shop Wide Leather Guitar Straps

Select strap-lock compatibility carefully.
A standard mounting hole can be enlarged later, but once heavy leather has been punched larger, there is no going back.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Red Monkey ask whether I use strap locks?

Red Monkey uses thick, heavy-grade leather. If you use strap locks, we enlarge the strap mounting holes during production so the hardware can be installed more easily.

Does Red Monkey sell strap locks?

No. Red Monkey does not sell or include strap locks. The Strap Lock Compatible option only tells us how to prepare the mounting holes in your guitar strap.

Which strap locks are most common?

The systems we encounter most often are Dunlop Straplok systems and Schaller strap locks or S-Locks. Many other strap-lock designs are also available.

Are strap locks quick release?

Most popular strap-lock systems include a release mechanism that allows the strap to be detached from the guitar quickly without pulling the leather over a standard strap button.

Should I select Yes if I do not currently use strap locks?

No. If you use standard strap buttons, select No. A mounting hole enlarged for strap locks may fit too loosely around an ordinary strap button.

What should I select if I may add strap locks later?

Select No and keep the standard mounting holes. They can be enlarged later if you decide to install strap locks.

Can an enlarged strap-lock hole be made smaller again?

No. Once leather has been punched or cut larger, the removed material cannot be restored.

Do strap locks change the width, length, or construction of the strap?

No. Selecting strap-lock compatibility only changes the size of the mounting holes. The rest of the strap remains the same.

Will every strap-lock system fit every leather guitar strap?

Not necessarily. Strap-lock systems vary, and the hardware must accommodate the thickness of the leather. Always follow the manufacturer’s fitment and installation instructions.

Build it correctly the first time. Play it with confidence.

Good ain’t cheap. And cheap ain’t good.