What the Heck is a Hog Ringer?

There are plenty of options when it comes to construction fasteners. Most can be simply divided into three categories: a nail, screw, or staple. The hog ring is something a little different.

In the 1800’s, a hog ring was a split metal ring with beveled points that was pushed through the cartilage of a hog’s nose to prevent them from rooting. The tool to do it, a hog ringer, was more like a pair of pliers. It acted as a sort of round staple. Today a hog ring is rarely used in farming as they’ve found more humane ways to address rooting. But they have found many more uses for the fastener itself.

Hog rings can be used to attach wire, fabric, and other materials in place. The most common applications include automotive seat manufacturing, bedding and mattresses, cages, and plant tagging. They are also used extensively in the food industry to seal up bags to keep them fresh.

There are manual hog ringers that look much like they did in the past, similar to pliers. These are good for small jobs, like galvanized steel fence repair. But there are also pneumatic hog ring pliers that make the job of applying hog rings quick and easy. The pneumatic ringers are best suited for industrial applications.

Pneumatic tools can speed up the job and save money. If you’re in the market for a new hog ringer, take a look at BECK and BECK America. We’ve developed a line of tools and fasteners that deliver the time and cost savings contractors demand, while keeping the focus on quality, versatility, and products that can power through jobs faster. We make tool owners happier than pigs in mud. Download the brochure below.