How Metal Buttons Are Tested: Pull Strength, Corrosion & Safety Standards
Learn how metal buttons are tested for quality: pull strength tests, corrosion resistance, nickel release, and safety compliance. Essential guide for brands.
Quality is not a claim — it is measurable. Metal button testing ensures that snap buttons, jean buttons, rivets, and eyelets meet the performance and safety standards required by global markets. Whether you are selling in Europe, North America, or Asia, understanding these tests helps you demand the right quality from your supplier and protect your brand from costly failures.
- Pull Strength Testing
- Corrosion and Salt Spray Testing
- Nickel Release Testing
- Colorfastness and Plating Tests
- Children's Product Safety Standards
- How to Request Test Reports
1. Pull Strength Testing
The pull test is the most fundamental form of metal button testing. It measures the force required to detach a button or snap from the fabric. A tensile testing machine grips the button and pulls it perpendicular to the fabric at a constant speed until failure occurs.
| Component | Minimum Pull Force | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Snap buttons (adult) | 50N (11.2 lbf) | ASTM D7142 |
| Snap buttons (children) | 70N (15.7 lbf) | EN 71-1, 16 CFR 1500 |
| Jean buttons (tack) | 90N (20.2 lbf) | Brand-specific |
| Rivets | 70N (15.7 lbf) | ASTM D7142 |
| Eyelets | 45N (10.1 lbf) | Application-dependent |
2. Corrosion and Salt Spray Testing
Salt spray testing (ASTM B117) evaluates how well a button's plating resists corrosion. The button is placed in a chamber with a 5% salt solution mist at 35°C. The test duration indicates the quality level:
- 24 hours — basic quality, indoor use only
- 48 hours — standard quality, general garments
- 96 hours — high quality, outerwear and sportswear
- 200+ hours — premium quality, marine and military applications
This is a critical component of metal button testing for any product exposed to sweat, rain, or washing.
3. Nickel Release Testing
Under EU regulation EN 1811, any metal component that contacts skin must release less than 0.5 micrograms of nickel per cm² per week. This is particularly important for snap buttons that touch skin directly. Non-compliance can result in product recalls and legal penalties in European markets.
4. Colorfastness and Plating Tests
Metal button testing also covers the durability of surface finishes. Key tests include:
A crock meter rubs the button surface with dry and wet cloth for a set number of cycles. Measures how easily the finish transfers or wears off. Standard: AATCC 116.
Buttons are subjected to repeated wash cycles (typically 25-50 washes) at specified temperatures with standard detergent. Evaluates plating adhesion and color stability over the garment's expected lifetime.
5. Children's Product Safety Standards
Products for children under 12 face the strictest metal button testing requirements. Key regulations include:
- CPSIA (USA) — limits lead content to 100 ppm total in children's products
- EN 71 (EU) — covers mechanical safety, flammability, and chemical composition
- GB 31701 (China) — specifies safety requirements for infant and children's textile products
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100 — Class I certification for baby products with the strictest chemical limits
6. How to Request Test Reports
When evaluating a supplier, request the following test reports before placing a production order: pull test results with specific Newton values, salt spray test duration and results, nickel release certification (for EU markets), and OEKO-TEX or CPSIA certificates for children's products. A transparent supplier will provide these without hesitation.
Quality You Can Verify
Ata Buttons provides full test reports with every order. Request samples with certified test documentation today.
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