There aren’t many feelings worse than seeing your favorite guitar crash to the floor as it falls off your guitar strap, trust me on that one. Whether your instrument has had a recent fall, or you want to prevent it from ever happening in the first place, one of the easiest ways to keep your guitar in pristine condition is by using a set of the best strap locks.
Strap locks can take the form of a permanent addition to your guitar, replacing your existing strap pins, or you can get temporary ones that augment your existing pins. Deciding which to go for is all about what you’re using them for, with less-invasive options great for home playing, but a more permanent solution recommended for gigging players. If you’ve got a particularly expensive or fragile guitar like a Les Paul, then I’d suggest going for the most secure option possible, even if you’re only playing it at home.
For me, it doesn’t come much better than Schaller S-Locks if you want to secure your instrument. They’re incredibly well built, work well with thicker straps, and come in a good variety of finishes to match the existing hardware on your guitar. If you’re looking for a cheaper, more temporary solution, then you can benefit from some extra security with the Fender Strap Blocks, which make it easy to switch a single strap between multiple guitars.
If you’re new to strap locks, I’ve added a how to choose section that will guide you through what you should do before you invest in a pair. I’ve also curated loads of commonly asked questions and answered them with 20 years of guitar playing experience in the FAQs. Finally, if you are unsure of any terminology used in this guide, then you can check out the glossary of key terms for more clarity.
My top picks
Schaller S-Locks are one of the most popular strap locks for good reason. Combining outstanding build quality, plenty of color options, and a relatively low profile, they’re the best all-around straplock available right now.
Taking inspiration from the classic Grolsch rubber washer, Fender Strap Blocks offer a great way to secure your guitar for very little money. While not as secure as some of the others here, they make it easy to switch one strap between multiple guitars.
Thanks to tool free installation, the D'Addario PW-SLS-02 Universal strap locks are a brilliant choice for beginner players who might not have installed strap locks before. They’re also very low profile, which means they don’t stick out so far from the guitar body.
Best overall
Overview: Schaller is perhaps the most famous and well-used strap lock manufacturer out there. Alongside Jim Dunlop, the German company is one of the earliest innovators in this field, having first developed its product in 1981.
Build quality: Manufactured from hardened steel, Schaller S-Locks are renowned for their excellent build quality, so you can rest assured that once correctly installed they won’t buckle under any weight. Newer versions have also tamed the squeak that often accompanies straplocks, making them much quieter than before.
Usability: Working on a pull-pin-style system, S-Locks are easy to take off when need be, but sit firmly enough that you don’t have to worry about any accidents. Their extra-long threads make them more suitable for thicker straps than any other product on this list. And these guys are also pretty easy to install, with the button and screw coming as a set piece that you can just screw into place with an allen key.
Best budget
Overview: If you’re planning on taking your guitar strap on and off a lot, and you aren’t an acrobatic performer, then you might want to consider Fender’s Strap Blocks. With their rubber build, they’re unassuming to look at, but they’re actually pretty effective.
Build quality: As they are essentially just a simple rubber washer, you shouldn’t expect the same level of quality that you’ll get with other locks further up this list. That said, these guys are a great no-fuss, tried-and-tested option.
Usability: They slide over the top of your strap and button and can be attached to your guitar in a matter of minutes. As they’re made of stiff rubber, it does take a little bit of effort to get them on, but that’s kind of reassuring.
Best for beginners
Overview: While D’Addario can hardly be thought of as a newcomer to this scene, its PW-SLS-02 Universal Strap Locks are one of the more recent additions to the market. Launched in 2018, they’ve taken off in a pretty big way, becoming a fierce competitor to Schaller and Jim Dunlop’s offerings.
Build quality: As with most D’Addario products I don’t have any qualms about the quality of these strap locks. They’re robustly made, and I really appreciate the low profile design which means they don’t stick out a mile like some straplocks. This means they’re pretty much guaranteed to fit even in a tight hard case.
Usability: Working on a pull-pin-style system, D’Addario’s locks are functional and boast a short profile that sits very neatly alongside your guitar body – something D’Addario was conscious of when designing them.
One key feature of D’Addario’s locks is that their pull pin is mounted on a big button. This can be both a good and a bad thing. On the positive side, the larger surface area is easy to grip – handy for when you need to mount and dismount the locks. On the negative side, there’s more chance that the locks could get snagged on something. This is worst-case scenario stuff, though, and the PW-SLS-02 Universal Strap Locks are generally an efficient and effective solution.
Best for acoustic guitar
Overview: Schaller and Jim Dunlop could justifiably describe themselves as the ‘big two’ of the strap lock world at the moment – however, if this set is anything to go by, German firm Loxx could soon be joining them.
Build quality: Made of steel, these are very solid-feeling strap pins and the manufacturer proclaims they can handle up to 220 pounds of pressure, so they won’t be going anywhere any time soon. They’re very low profile too, which makes them easier to get into a hard case and looks great, too.
Usability: Based on mechanisms designed for the auto industry, the Loxx Strap Lock System works for any guitar, but I particularly like it on acoustic guitars It comprises low-profile pull-pin systems that are neatly cased in smart little buttons. They’re easy off and on, but unlikely to pop off.
One of the best things about the set is the provided fixing tool, which is basically a cross between a spanner and a two-prong case wrench. Look after it, though, as it’s proprietary, meaning you’ll need it to make any adjustments.
Best for gigging
Overview: Very comparable to the Fender Infinity Strap Locks, Ernie Ball’s Super Locks are a great option for those guitarists who like a pinch-button release. They're extra secure, so we love them for heavy guitars like a Les Paul.
Build quality: As you’d expect from some of the most expensive strap locks on the market, the build quality here is exceptional. It gives you that extra reassurance when you're spending a lot of money on a guitar that it'll stay in perfect condition.
Usability: The pinch button release makes them easy to use, but drastically reduces the chances of you accidentally opening them. The looks will be divisive, but ultimately that’s a matter of personal taste, though. Going on quality alone, the Ernie Ball Super Locks are a seriously safe choice that you can put your trust in.
Best for heavy guitars
Overview: Like the Schaller S-Locks, the Jim Dunlop StrapLok Strap Retainers Dual Design (SLS1031N) have carved out a longstanding reputation for quality and reliability. Jim Dunlop’s strap locks are a superb offering and a great alternative to the Schaller S-Locks, especially given their more affordable price point.
Build quality: Aside from being very well put together, one thing to note about button-style locks is that they sit a fair way off the guitar, meaning it won’t fit so well inside a snug hard case with the strap on.
Usability: Whereas Schaller’s locks work on a pull-pin-style system, these have a button-style release, which means they’re a little harder to get on and off but less prone to accidental releases. I love them for bass guitars and heavier guitars as the extra security is reassuring with a heavier guitar.
How to choose
The main things to consider when buying strap locks are how secure you’ll need them to be – will you be thrashing around a lot or sitting down most of the time? – and how much work you want to do when attaching them. Depending on your current setup, you may need to re-drill the screw holes to fit the new buttons.
1. Installation
You can trust Guitar World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing guitar products so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
With most types of strap lock, though, it should be as simple as removing your current buttons and replacing them with strap-lock-compatible ones. Just double-check the gauge of the screws against each other before conducting any work, to ensure that you don't end up damaging your guitar by trying to force thicker or longer screws into place.
2. Form factor
Other things to consider are the profile of the systems and the type of release you want. Some systems end up being quite long after you’ve put all the parts together. If you want something more compact, then the D'Addario PW-SLS-02 Universal Strap Locks and the Loxx Strap Lock Set for Electric Guitar & Bass are probably your best bets.
3. Appearance
The last thing to think about is the strap locks’ appearance. Most types come in a range of different finishes and colors, so you should be able to find something that complements your existing hardware.
FAQs
Do I really need strap locks?
It really depends on how you’re using your guitar. If you’re just playing a beginner electric guitar at home, then strap locks are overkill. If you’re a regularly gigging guitarist, they can be the difference between a great show and a terrible one. Likewise, if you’re playing an expensive guitar anywhere, then strap locks are a must.
Should I buy a strap with built-in locks instead?
You can indeed get a strap with strap locks built into it, like the D’Addario Auto Lock strap, which makes it easier to use the same strap across a bunch of different guitars. Some users have reported that these sorts of straps aren’t compatible with certain guitars though. Some guitarists prefer strap locks, whereas others prefer a locking strap; it’s really up to you to decide.
Do strap locks ever fail?
Yes, unfortunately strap locks do fail sometimes. This is typically due to incorrect installation or wear on parts over time, though. The key to making sure yours don’t fail is following the instructions when installing them, using Loctite (the blue one) or similar thread bonder during the installation, and periodically inspecting the strap lock to check all the parts are working correctly. The latter can be something you add to your process of changing strings and cleaning your guitar.
Will strap locks damage my guitar or strap?
Some guitarists have reported that strap locks have damaged their guitars, but these appear to be rare cases. I’ve certainly never come across a guitar or guitar strap that was damaged by a locking system. I will say that you should be very careful using strap locks with vintage instruments, as damage to the finish here is easier to do, and could be potentially very costly.
Do strap locks loosen over time?
Yes, strap locks can loosen over time, especially if you’re regularly chucking your guitar about while gigging. It’s important to check them over every now and then to be sure, as well as using blue Loctite when you install for extra security.
Will strap locks fit thick or vintage straps?
Most modern strap locks should fit a thicker or wider strap, but some still might need the hole widening to get them to fit. I’d say most of the time you shouldn’t have a problem using a padded strap, but this does vary between different brands of strap locks.
Are strap locks easy to install?
Typically strap lock installation requires you to remove your old strap pin and replace it with the new one, so with a screwdriver you can be up and running in no time. In some instances you might need to reuse the original screw, or even re-drill the hole, but these tend to be rare.
Do strap locks squeak or rattle?
Yes they can make noise sometimes. Again, with modern options, you’ll tend to find that these small noises have been removed via design changes, but you can buy extra rubber washers if you find your chosen straplock is still causing some squeaking.
Can I use strap locks on acoustics or semi-hollows?
Yes, you can use strap locks on an acoustic or semi-hollow guitar, but it may require you drilling into it, which is not as scary as it sounds. You should be careful if you’re drilling into thinner wood however, as this can splinter and cause big problems.
What’s the best temporary fix if I don’t have strap locks?
Many touring guitarists use tape on their guitars to keep the strap attached, or you can use the old Grolsch washer trick, where you use a rubber washer to keep your strap attached.
Are there non-invasive options that don’t require drilling?
Yes, you could use a locking strap if you don’t want to drill into your guitar or alter the existing strap pins. You could also go for the Fender or Ernie Ball Strap Blocks, which let you lock your strap onto the guitar without modifying it.
Can I use Loctite or threadlocker safely?
Yes you can. In fact, I’d say it's recommended to use Loctite just for added security when installing new strap locks. Just make sure you use the blue stuff, because the red Loctite is permanent and could cause you serious problems if you ever needed to replace your strap pins.
Key terms
- Button: The small metal circle that gets screwed into the guitar body to hold the strap. Often referred to as a ‘strap button’.
- Endpin: The strap button at the bottom end of an electric or acoustic guitar.
- Grolsch washers: A DIY method of locking your strap to your guitar, using the rubber washers from Grolsch beer bottles.
- Locking pin: The locking mechanism on a strap lock that secures the strap in place.
- Loctite (threadlocker): A brand of liquid adhesive that helps prevent the screw thread from turning over time.
- Post (stud): The metal part of the strap lock that replaces the guitar’s original strap button or endpin.
- Retention clip (ball bearing): A small component inside a strap lock that locks the mechanism in place.
- Security washer: A rubber or metal washer that goes in between the strap and strap button to stop it slipping off.
How we test
Here at Guitar World, we are experts in our field, with many years of playing and product testing between us. We live and breathe everything guitar related, and we draw on this knowledge and experience of using products in live, recording and rehearsal scenarios when selecting the products for our guides.
When choosing what we believe to be the best guitar strap locks available right now, we combine our hands-on experience, user reviews and testimonies and engage in lengthy discussions with our editorial colleagues to reach a consensus about the top products in any given category.
First and foremost, we are guitarists, and we want other players to find the right product for them. So we take into careful consideration everything from budget to feature set, ease of use and durability to come up with a list of what we can safely say are the best guitar strap locks on the market right now.
Read more about our rating system, how we choose the gear we feature, and exactly how we test each product.
Related buyer's guides
- Best locking tuners: keep your guitar playing consistently
- Best guitar slides: plus how to choose the right slide for you
- Best earplugs for musicians: guitarist-friendly plugs for every budget
- Best patch cables: tidy up your ‘board
