Let’s face it – guitar strap locks are not always very high on the priority list when you’re buying your guitar accessories. However, they should be.

After all, the last thing you want is to get lost in the moment and end up losing control of your guitar – you don’t want to end up with a destroyed guitar. You want to safeguard your investment, so you definitely need guitar strap locks.

Many people believe that these are only for those who are doing crazy things with their guitars, such as spins or other tricks. The truth is, they are for anyone and everyone who is playing guitar.

The good news is, it’s not going to cost you an arm and a leg. There are plenty of affordable options on the market today!

Best Guitar Strap Locks

Now, we will take a look at several options for guitar strap locks and help you figure out which one is best for you.

1. Dunlop SLS1031N Straplok Dual Design Strap Retainer System

Dunlop SLS1031N Straplok Dual Design Strap Retainer System, Nickel

$20.25  in stock
12 new from $19.99
Amazon.com
as of March 28, 2024 3:37 pm

The first set of guitar strap locks we’re going to look at is the Dunlop SLS1031N.

This company is backed by a long history of keeping guitars safely in the hands of the performer. This straplok system is comprised of a button and locking pin. This is an affordable option.

The strap lock button can be easily swapped out with your old one. Some experts will tell you to use a drill to widen the hole but try to screw it straight in first. You don’t want to drill unless it is your only option.

Most of the time, it will go straight in. If you struggle with it too much or it’s going to require excessive force, get out your drill. You will attach the pin part of the strap lock to your guitar strap.

Once you have the strap lock system in place, you can push the pins on the strap into the buttons on the guitar. To disconnect, just press the release pin.

These strap locks are easy to put on and remove, so you can swap them out if you have multiple guitars or a favorite strap. Of course, instead of having to remove and install every time you switch, why not have multiple sets and have them installed on all of your guitars and straps.

Additionally, this system comes in four color options to easily match them with your guitar hardware.

Advantages

  • Tried and true, reliable system
  • Easy to switch strap between several guitars
  • Easy to install and use
  • Affordable
  • Can purchase additional buttons separately
  • Four color options

Disadvantages

  • The screws provided are low quality, easy to strip
  • Screws may not be the right size for every guitar.

2. Schaller S Locks Guitar Strap Locks & Buttons

Schaller S Locks Guitar Strap Locks and Buttons (Pair) Nickel

$25.90  in stock
11 new from $25.90
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of March 28, 2024 3:37 pm

These strap locks are on the more expensive side, but they are also one of the more dependable ones on the market.

When you look at them, the quality is obvious. Schaller uses hardened steel in their products, unlike many of the other systems on the market today.

The system features a threaded ring attached to the strap and a locking screw attached to the guitar. The instructions provided for installation are a bit complicated, but once you have the pieces in your hand, the process moves quite quickly.

Once you have the system installed, the two pieces slide together with a click. Once you hear that click, you can be sure that the pieces are not moving until you pull the knob to take them apart.

The locking screw on this system is longer than many of the other systems, so you can easily use a thicker strap if that’s what you prefer.

Additionally, like most of the other options, these locks can be attached to one strap and then swapped between several different guitars. Finally, this system comes in three color variations – chrome, nickel, and gold.

Advantages

  • High quality
  • Easy to install and use, easily swap between several guitars
  • Low profile
  • Available in three colors
  • Compatible with Fender guitars
  • Can be used with thicker guitar straps

Disadvantages

  • Price
  • Metric hex keys required for installation
  • Cannot purchase strap lock buttons separately

3. Ernie Ball Super Locks

Ernie Ball Super Locks, Nickel

$19.99  in stock
13 new from $19.99
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of March 28, 2024 3:37 pm

This company has established for itself a reputation for making good quality accessories for your guitar. Thankfully, their strap locks maintain that reputation.

These are made from nickel-plated steel and have a really interesting aesthetic. They stand out from the many other strap lock systems on the market because their emblem is emblazoned on the release mechanism.

The piece that goes into the guitar can simply be swapped out with the one that is currently in there. The other piece is attached to your guitar strap with the built-in screw and washers that came in the kit. This is the piece that contains the release mechanism.

Once you have it installed, you can easily lock or unlock the strap by pinching the release mechanism. This is a smooth operation, and while you don’t have to apply a lot of pressure, you do have to apply pressure from both sides, so it’s next to impossible to engage accidentally.

This system comes in three colors – gold, nickel, and black.

Advantages

  • Difficult to accidentally engage
  • Available in three colors – gold, black, and nickel
  • Easy installation
  • Smooth operation of locking mechanism

Disadvantages

  • Cannot purchase strap lock buttons separately
  • The strap lock button is larger than most others.

4. Eison Straplocks Premium Guitar Strap Locks & Buttons

Fender Straplock W/ Button Chrome

$15.99
$9.99
 in stock
11 new from $9.99
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of March 28, 2024 3:37 pm

This system is similar to the others that are on this list so far and is a mid-priced alternative. However, this brand is not as well-known in the industry.

The screw that goes into the guitar should be an equal swap for the one that is already in it. You should not have to do any drilling. You can purchase the strap lock buttons separately, so if you have several guitars and only one strap that you really like, you will be able to swap the strap from one to the other easily.

This strap lock system only comes in black nickel-plated steel. While this is perfectly fine for Metalheads and Goths, not everyone likes black. However, if you don’t mind the color, this is a perfectly viable option to keep your guitar safe when you’re playing it.

The locking mechanism is a push release and a horseshoe slide-in device that locks into place. It’s pretty easy to release the strap, but it is sometimes tricky to engage.

The quality is excellent, but the operation isn’t as smooth as some of the other options.

Advantages

  • Can purchase additional buttons separately
  • Low profile
  • Easy installation
  • Durable 

Disadvantages

  • Only available in black
  • The lock can be difficult to engage.

5. Fender Straplock W/ Button

Eison Guitar Strap Locks and Buttons Security Quick Release Straplocks Strap Retainer System Nickel (2 Pieces Pack)

$12.99  in stock
Amazon.com
as of March 28, 2024 3:37 pm

Surprisingly, Fender seems to be the only guitar manufacturer that also makes guitar strap lock systems.

This is the final of the two-piece strap lock options. Let’s see what their strap lock system is all about!

The strap lock button is a replacement for the one that is already on the guitar. The locking pin will be attached to the strap. The instructions claim that they’re easy to install, but if you do have issues, there is a five-minute instructional video that can help you.

There is a felt washer that you use with the button to protect the guitar and give the button something to bite down on besides your guitar.

When the locking mechanism that is attached to the strap slides into place, it gives a nice clunk sound. You will have no doubt that there is a secure connection. The spring-loaded release pin has a nice, smooth operation.

Fender does offer separate strap lock buttons, and while they are Fender brand, they are not all that expensive. In fact, they fall on the less expensive end of the spectrum for the entire system or the separate buttons.

Advantages

  • Can purchase strap lock buttons separate
  • Compatible with Schaller
  • Smooth operation
  • Affordable
  • Includes a felt washer for the screw in button 

Disadvantages

  • Only available in chrome

 

Bottom Line

When you are practicing or performing with your guitar, the last thing you want to happen is to get in the moment, and your guitar slips out of your hands. You risk damaging your guitar beyond repair in this instance.

However, you can avoid this catastrophe by getting a guitar strap lock system to secure your guitar so that you don’t drop it. We hope that we have been able to help you determine which one is best for you!