Button Pull Testing for Garment Safety explained in a Simple Way

Introduction

The button pull testing is a kind of mechanical safety tester. The Button Pull Testing checks the holding strength of snap fasteners, buttons, and small accessories used in garments. It ensures that the button or trims do not detach under normal use. This test is widely used in children’s wear, sportswear, workwear, and safety-sensitive garments. This test is crucial for the clothing brands. Clothing brands can assess the safety and durability of trims through pull tests. The machine can test almost any trim that needs a pull force check. The following are some items for testing: (N.B.: Grips type depends on the test items. For example, grip use for a button is not the same for the zipper pull test)

1. Buttons
2. Snaps
3. Eyelets
4. Hooks and bars
5. Zipper
6. Rivets
7. Labels with metal parts

This article will discuss the calibration process of the button snap pull tester, the working process, and how to make a report for button pull testing.

Objective

1. Pull tester uses to measure the pull strength of snaps.
2. It is check whether the attachment meets brand and safety standards.
3. This tester is used for measuring and recording the force at which buttons and other small parts (e.g. snaps or poppers) in children’s clothing (and toys) break free of the fabric and pose a choking hazard.
4. Additionally, it is used to compare garment accessories from different retailers.

Why are manufacturers using a mechanical safety tester?

Manufacturers are using this mechanical safety tester to ensure the following points.

1. The mechanical safety tester helps brands avoid trim failure.
2. It supports factory audits and compliance checks.
3. Pull tester reduces the risk of small parts coming loose.
4. It ensures that trim attachment meets global safety rules.
5. It also helps maintain consistent quality during mass production.

Thus, manufacturers are using a button pull tester or a mechanical safety tester.  

Parts name of Button Pull Tester

The button pull tester is used to ensure garment safety.

Parts name	Function
Bench top stand	It is used for controlling the movement of force gauge.
Force gauge	The function of force gauge is display the reading of pulling force.
Zero tare ring	Zero tare ring is used to set the pointer of force gauge to “ZERO”.
Lever arm	It is used for operation the test.
Upper grip	Upper grip is used to grip the female and male parts of snaps, button, zipper.
Flywheel	The flywheel controls the movement grips.
Lower fabric clamp	Fix the fabric specimen with snaps or buttons firmly, flatly, and securely to minimize any fabric slippage.

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Pull Tester Calibration Process

The button pull testing is important for garment safety. The accuracy of the pull test depends on proper calibration. Routine calibration ensures an accurate garment safety test result. The button pull tester is calibrated by “Weight Test”. The following is the calibration process of the pull tester.

1. At first, the upper grip is removed from the machine.
2. Now, the Hook Adapter is replaced on the force gauge.
3. Then, the force gauge is set to the ZERO position by adjusting the Zero Tare Ring. (Note: The force gauge is under the “ON” visible position).
4. The next, Calibration weight (15 LB) is hung on the hook of the scale.
5. Now, the weight reading is verified accuracy of the force scale.  An acceptable reading is one that is within the tolerance of ±0.5% of full scale. 
6.  If the weight test failed, adjust the weight by moving the Zero Tared Ring (15LB). Otherwise, you can call for the expert.

Button Pull Testing Procedure

1. The machine should calibrate before starting the test.
2. Now, the Upper Grip is attached to the hook of the Force Gauge.
3. The Force Gauge is “ON”.
4. Then, the Pull Gauge pointer is set to the “ZERO” position by adjusting the “Zero Tare Ring”.
5. Next, the lever arm is moved upward. So the Force Gauge Station can be held above the Lower Fabric Clamp for specimen preparation.
6. Subsequently, test specimen is placed on the Convex Stop of the bulging device.
7.  A bottom cavity/interspace is formed between the fabric and the accessory once the specimen’s fabric is secured. 
8. Now, adjust the Force Gauge level by lowering it.
9. The Flywheel is turned to anti-clockwise, and then locate the prongs of an upper grip to the butter interspace.
10. Then, the upper grip is moved upward by rotating the Flywheel clockwise.
11.  By using the Flywheel, hold the test specimen at 7kg for 10 seconds, then release it.
12. As soon as the accessory separates from the fabric or if the specimen is broken, take a reading from the Force Gauge.

Test Result

1. When snap/button/zipper components are separated, record the breaking load and mark it as FAIL.
2. During the force hold at 7 kg for 10 seconds, if the snap components separate, report it as FAIL.
3. When the snap components remain securely at 7 kg for 10 seconds, report the result as PASS.
4. During testing, record any damage to the fabric containing the snap.
5. In the case of a slippage of the clamp during a test, this is referred to as a clamping failure.

Test report (button pull testing)

Textile Trainer
Testing Method: ASTM D1776		Testing Condition:		Brand Name:		Material Identification:
Types of Specimen:		Manufacture code:		Operator name:		Date:
Test No:	Breakage						Pass (Force applied without breakage)	Fail
	Accessory			Fabric
	Broken during the procedure	Hod 7 kg force (10 sec.)	Hold less than 7kg force (10 sec.)	Broken during the procedure	Hod 7 kg force (10 sec.)	Hold less than 7kg force (10 sec.)
1.0
2.0
3.0
4.0
5.0
Remark:
Signature:

Conclusion

Button pull testing is a simple process. It is also known as a mechanical safety tester.  It checks the strength of snap, zipper, and button attachments and ensures garment safety. The Button pull tester helps brands to maintain garment safety and durability. If you have any questions about the pull tester, let me know in the comments box.

FAQs

1. What is a pull tester used for in garments?
   • Answer: A pull tester measures the force need to remove buttons, sipper, snaps and other small parts from the garments. It also helps check trim attachment strength to ensure garment safety.
2. Which trims can be tested with a pull tester?
   • Common trims include buttons, snaps, rivets, zippers, cord ends, eyelets and small metal parts.
3. Can a pull tester be used for both metal and plastic trims?
   • Obviously. Pull tester can be used for both metal and plastic trims.
4. What standards cover button pull testing?
   • It covers the standards such as ASTM, CPSC, EN71 or brand-specific guidelines.
5. Do I need special jaws for different trims?
   • Yes. You need special jaws for different trims for proper gripping. Buttons, snap caps, zippers, and rivets often require different jaws.

Reference

1. Booth, J. (2008). Principles of Textile Testing. New Delhi: BS Publishers & Distributors.
2. P. Angappan, R. G. (2009). Textile Testing. Tamil Nadu: S.S.M. Institute of Textile Technology.
3. Saville, B. P. (1999). Physical Testing of Textiles. New York: Woodhead Publishing Limited.
4. Wang, L. C. (2008). Physical and mechanical testing of textiles. In Fabric Testing (pp. 90-124). New York: WoodHead Publishing Limited.
5. SafGuard Universal Mechanical Safety Tester manual

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