Chains and Fasteners on this page are sold individually (unless indicated otherwise). We have the largest selection of Dog Tag chains available online in many colors, materials and functions. The most popular mil-spec chain is the 30β³ Stainless Steel Ballchain Necklace. We also carry hard-to-find specialty military chains and chain sheaths. If you would like to order a complete set of 2 Dog tags with chains and silencers, go to our Dog Tag Maker page.
What are Dog Tag Chains for?
Most people wear their Dog Tags around their neck with a long and short stainless steel ballchain as per standard military issue and tradition. However we have fasteners for many other uses such as identification for pets, keychains, luggage, mailboxes, crab-traps, belongings, and whatever else you can come up with. You should select whichever fastener is most appropriate for your purpose and you can choose different fasteners for each tag so you are free to mix and match. Some people prefer to get two long chains so that each individual tag in a set can be worn by a different person (like sweethearts!)What are the official Military Dogtag Chains?
Each of our Dog Tag sets includes a modern mil-spec stainless steel 30β³ long and 4.5β³ short ballchain by default for no extra cost. All of our mil-spec ballchains are made in the USA. We also offer different types of chains and necklaces from different military eras, such as fatter WWII era ball-chains, WWII era cotton cords, hard-to-find WWII era curb chains with J-Hooks.How do I assemble my mil-spec chains?
- Insert the long chain into the hole of one of the dog tags.
- Connect the last ball of the chain to the connecter by inserting the ball into the cavity and then pulling with both hands on either side of the chain until you hear it snap into place.
- Insert the short chain into the hole of the other Dog Tag.
- Pass the short chain through the loop of the long chain.
- Then close the short chain the same way as the long chain above.
What are chain sheaths for?
Some people are sensitive to the ballchain rubbing on their skin or getting tangled in hair. By inserting the chain into an optional paracord or silicone sheath it can feel smoother on your skin and also adds a personal aesthetic touch to your chain. See our Youtube video below on Chain Sheaths.You can order ball-chain sheaths as part of your set of custom made dog tags (with optional pre-assembly) or you can order them separately here.
The chain is too long, can I make it shorter?
How do I open the ball-chain clasp?
To open a ball chain connector, simply pinch the chains on both sides of the connector between your thumb and forefinger as in this photo. Then just bring your fingers together and the balls will easily snap out.What is the best way to attach tags to pet collars?
On larger pets with dangling tags we suggest using a durable S-hook or Split-Keyring. To fasten flush with the collar using a 2-hole tag use rivets. If you have a small pet with a collar 3/8 inch or less in width, use a large split-ring with the following method which eliminates the "dangling" look, which is cumersome on small pets. As well, the tag will face more directly outward. Follow this procedure:
- Put the ring on the tag
- Next, thread the collar THROUGH the ring instead of attaching the ring onto the collar hardware.
Ready to browse? Jump to a Chains & Fasteners subcategory:
- Metallic Long Ball-Chains
- Colored Long Ball-Chains
- Ball-Chain Sheaths
- Metallic Short Ball-Chains
- Colored Short Ball-Chains
- Long Natural Cords
- Short Natural Cords
- Wrist & Neck Bands
- Rivets
- Nails
- Screws
- Hooks & Rings
Metallic Long Ball-Chains
All of our ballchains are made in the USA! If you want your dogtag to lie perfectly flat on your chest, consider using a pinch-bail clasp.
Colored Long Ball-Chains
All of our ballchains are made in the USA! If you want your dogtag to lie perfectly flat on your chest, consider using a pinch-bail clasp.
Ball-Chain Sheaths
Some people are sensitive to the ballchain rubbing on their skin or getting tangled in hair. By inserting the chain into an optional sheath it can feel smoother on your skin and also adds a personal aesthetic touch to your chain. See our Youtube video on paracord and silicone tube sheaths.
Metallic Short Ball-Chains
Colored Short Ball-Chains
Long Natural Cords
Our leather and Cotton Twill cords are cut to length from a spool and come untied. We recommend knotting your cord necklace using these instructions.
