Chicago Screw Safety

Chicago screws are often used to attach reins and fasten bits to bridles. They make it easy to remove a bit or a set of reins. All you need is a couple of minutes and screwdriver. They look great too. Many screw-on fasteners are quite decorative and add a bit of flash. The downside of Chicago screws, though, is that they are notorious for becoming loose and disconnecting at the most inopportune moment. Those little pieces of metal are also nearly impossible to find in deep arena footing or on the trail.

To avoid holding a pair of suddenly detached reins, or watching the bit fall out of your horse’s mouth, putting a drop of clear nail polish in the receiving end of the hardware will make it more secure. Or, you can replace the screws with a strip of narrow leather or a strong cord, such as a shoelace. If you have Chicago screws holding your equipment together, take an extra moment to inspect and tighten them before you ride.

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