When it comes to protecting your instrument, nothing beats the peace of mind you get from the best guitar strap locks. A friend’s guitar slipped off its strap mid-gig, and he caught it with his foot. His shoe did save the guitar, but not his toe. That moment taught me of the value of strap locks.
Best Guitar Strap Locks in the World | Best Guitar Strap Locks in the World Product Image | Product Title | *GEARANK | **Sources | Check Prices |
 | 94 | 28950+ | |||
 | 98 | 975+ | |||
 | 95 | 1450+ | |||
 | 93 | 1200+ | |||
 | 95 | 2600+ |
*Gearank = Rating score out of 100.
**Sources = Number of gear owner and user opinions analyzed for these product Gearank Ratings.
Research Process: How Gearank Works
Most guitarists don’t think much about strap lock systems. A regular strap usually does the job, but if a strap pin slips out of its leather slot, your guitar, and everything it lands on, can take a serious hit. If you’re someone who jumps, spins, or moves around while playing, straps alone aren’t enough. They rely on the strap hole, which can stretch, loosen, or even snap over time. I’ve seen it happen more than once, and it’s never pretty.
This is exactly where strap locks for guitar come in. They’re designed to stay secure, keep your instrument safe, and let you move freely without constantly worrying about your gear. Locking guitar straps don’t just protect your guitar, they give you the confidence to play naturally and expressively.
For anyone ready to stop stressing over strap mishaps, here’s a guide to the best strap locks that will let you focus on the music, not the gear.
Best Guitar Strap Locks
Fender Strap Blocks
If you are considering the best strap locks that’s inexpensive and holds your guitar in place, the Fender Strap Blocks 0990819000 is a go-to solution. It serves as a block that prevents your guitar from slipping. The universal attachment fits any guitar button and there’s no special setup required.
Pros:
- Unintrusive design
- Adds extra security to a regular strap.
- Universal fit
- Not as precise and secure as a regular strap lock.
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The Fender Strap Blocks is a quick and easy solution for securing your guitar in place, with no modifications needed.
Out of the box, it comes with 2 pairs of fender strap locks–1 red and 1 black pair. Installing it is a breeze and it’s done by placing the strap blocks in front of the guitar strap.
Compared to the common Fender Infinity Strap Locks, there’s no need for any drilling or screwing the pin in place. It slips into any existing strap button, and it does a great job securing your guitar in place.
Of course, with its non-slip design, pulling out the strap locks would also take some effort. Also, since these strap blocks are more of a universal solution to any pins, you might need to adjust them a bit to secure them in place.
Fender’s strap blocks are an easy recommendation to any guitarist as they are an inexpensive solution and do the job with minimal setup.
- Rubber blocks hold your strap in place
- Just slip on over the strap peg
- No modification or drilling needed
Dunlop Straplok SLS1401N Guitar Strap Locks
It’s the best guitar strap lock system that features a 360º locking system that’s easy to attach or reattach. Once properly installed, you won’t have any issues with your guitar falling off. Whether you’re a regular performer or a flashy one, this long-lasting and resilient strap lock is good to have.
Pros:
- Handles movement well
- Simple to release and reattach
- Secure locking mechanism
- Tricky installation
- Lengthy strap pin
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The Dunlop SLS14001N is a strap-fitted lock that’s earned itself a decent following among that guitar community. Dunlop’s brand reputation plays a huge role here. However, many have dubbed it as the best strap lock for guitar due to its reliable design and mechanism.
One of its main selling points is its sturdy groove and ball design. It could go 360º without any issues of it getting stuck or breaking. It’s also battle-tested and could hold a weight of up to 800lbs. In addition, you can use it both as a regular strap button and with the strap lock feature.
This strap lock could withstand regular or acrobatic guitar playing, locking your guitar without the risk of coming off while performing. On the other hand, it’s easily detachable with just a thumb push.
The only pain you’ll have to undergo would be the installation. You need several tools like a drill and several screws to secure it. Some have reported that you need to bore out holes if the screw holes are too small. Another minor complaint about this strap lock is also its length. It might be too long for some, and it wouldn’t fit in their hard case anymore.
Overall, this strap lock is considered a classic among seasoned guitarists, and it won’t give up on you easily. I could easily recommend the Dunlop SLS14001N for guitarists and bassists alike.
- Secure Attachment ensures your guitar strap stays firmly in place, preventing accidental drops.
- Flush Mount Design provides a sleek, low-profile look by mounting internally.
- Durable Construction made from high-quality nickel for long-lasting performance.
- Easy Installation can be installed with basic tools, suitable for both amateurs and professionals
Ernie Ball P04600 Super Locks
The Ernie Ball P04600 Super Locks offers a unique two-finger pinching mechanism for secure attachment and easy detachment. With an audible click for added assurance, it stands out among the best strap locks for those seeking reliable performance with a user-friendly design.
Pros:
- Fit well with various strap thicknesses
- Secure internal mechanism
- Can be easily removed or attached with an audible click
- Intimidating installation process
- Especially if drilling is required
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Strap lock designs might look identical at first until you examine the nuances of their locking mechanism. The Ernie Ball P04600 Super Locks stands out due to its robust locking design, which attaches and detaches easily.
Compared to the Dunlop SLS1401N, Ernie Ball has a two-finger pinching mechanism that grabs onto the guitar strap buttons. I could compare it to a two-factor authentication but for unlocking a guitar.
There’s not much of a difference holding the guitar in place. However, the two buttons mean that it won’t unlock accidentally as you have to press it with your finger and thumb.
Another cool perk I liked about it is the audible click it has when attaching or detaching the lock.
Of course, for any intrusive guitar setups, comes the pain of the installation process. Installing this is by no means hard but it might require you to put a hole on your guitar. When in doubt, it’s better to get this installed by a professional luthier.
The Ernie Ball Super Locks P04600 earns its spot as one of the best strap locks for the guitar due to its function. This locking guitar strap is best for people who want a pinch-and-go mechanism.
- Securely lock your guitar onto your guitar strap
- 360-degree secure connection
- Sturdy nickel-plated steel
Dunlop Straplok Dual Design SLS1035VN Guitar Strap Locks
The Dunlop SLS1035VN offers a reliable 360-degree design with a wide flange button for added stability. Available in several colors, it’s a great choice for vintage-looking guitars. Great stability and security–play at any position, but it won’t fall off.
Pros:
- Blends well with vintage instruments
- Painless attachment
- Securely strapped for any position
- Drilling depends on the guitar type you have
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These guitar strap locks are another design option from Dunlop’s line of guitar accessories. They function the same way as the Strap Locks SLS1401N in terms of its key features. However, this one has a wide flange button design at the bottom for extra stability when attaching it to the guitar.
It also comes with a few color options like nickel, vintage nickel, black nickel, and gold. I find it especially fitting for guitars with vintage designs and the classic-looking one among the colors would be the vintage nickel.
The Dunlop SLS1035VN has received glowing reviews with its 360-degree design and its ability to hold your guitar in any position without the lock coming off. Despite being a single button, it does a great job of preventing accidental releases.
As with any other good strap locks, this might also require you to do some slight modifications. That seems to be the only disadvantage of this model.
Other than that, this is the best strap lock for aged-looking guitars but nothing’s preventing you from buying it for more modern designs as well.
- Durable, reliable 360-degree groove-and-ball design
- Tested at 800 lbs. of pull before releasing
- Includes 2 units for instrument and strap
- Wide flange button for extra security
Schaller S-Locks 14010401 Strap Locks
Known for their reliability and sleek design, these strap locks ensure your guitar strap stays secure during performances. Easy to install and featuring a smooth, pull-pin style system mechanism, they provide peace of mind for musicians seeking the best strap locks for guitar.
Pros:
- Accommodates thicker straps more easily
- Visually appealing
- Easy to attach the strap locks securely
- Long strap button; Can reach the floor with low-profile guitar stands
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Schaller strap locks have earned themselves a stellar reputation for their products. It’s no wonder the likes of Tom Morello, Billy Joe Armstrong, and John Frusciante swear by their reliability and design.
The Schaller S-Locks, unlike the previous designs, are quiet, elegant looking, and easy to install. Fresh from the box, you get two of each: strap buttons, locks, felt washers, and lock wheels.
What’s special about the locks is that, instead of using ball bearings, they have used a U-shaped, horseshoe design to surround the strap button. It spins with no issues, and the notch that clips onto the hole locks it in place with no risk of falling.
The pull-pin style system also makes it a breeze detaching the strap from the guitar.
One thing to be aware of would be that these expensive strap locks are long. Although its length hasn’t been specified, some users have reported that using a low-profile guitar stand might cause the strap button to hit the floor.
Most users have reported that it’s an easy install, just requiring you to screw the parts straightforwardly. It takes about 5 to 10 mins, and most of the process involves hand screwing then with tools to tighten them up.
Check out the Schaller S-Locks 14010401 if you want guitar strap locks with a proven track record. Cool, aesthetic design with great and robust features–it’s a must-have for any guitarist and bassist.
- Durable, reliable 360-degree groove-and-ball design
- Tested at 800 lbs. of pull before releasing
- Includes 2 units for instrument and strap
- Wide flange button for extra security
Things To Consider When Choosing The Best Guitar Strap Lock System
Compatibility
Most of the best strap locks today are pretty universal and will work on almost any electric guitar or bass. Installing them usually just means screwing in a few parts onto your existing strap buttons. That said, I’ve learned to double-check the screw holes on your guitar first. Some can be slightly bigger or smaller than the strap lock you’re adding, and if you force it, you could end up with stripped threads or worse.
Screw length is another detail that gets overlooked. Use the specs for your guitar or bass to make sure you’re not putting too long or too short a screw in, because either can cause issues. Honestly, if you’re not 100% confident, having a luthier install them is worth every penny. It saves headaches and keeps your instrument safe.
If you need a refresher on guitar parts, this guitar parts diagram is a great reference.
Locking Mechanisms You Might Encounter
The point of a strap lock is simple: to keep your guitar from falling and to let you move freely without worrying about it. They aren’t standard parts, so you won’t normally see them in a guitar parts diagram.
The market has tons of different designs, but most strap locks fall into three basic categories. Each has its own advantages, and which one works for you depends on how wild you get on stage.
Strap Block
This is the most affordable type of strap lock and doesn’t require any special tools. It basically just keeps your strap from slipping off the pin. For casual players or anyone who mostly sits or stands in one place, it does the job. But if you like spinning your guitar around or jumping mid-song, this one might not hold up to your “acrobatics.”
Groove-and-Ball Locking System
Also called a ball bearing lock, this is the most familiar style and the one you’ll see most often. The ball bearing clips onto the strap button and spins 360 degrees, letting you move freely without worrying about accidental drops. Releasing it usually involves pressing a button on top, though some models, like Fender Infinity Locks, have a two-button side-pinch system for extra security. One thing to keep in mind is that these bearings occasionally need a bit of lubrication to stay smooth.
Schaller S-Lock Type
Schaller is known for making some of the most reliable locking guitar straps. Their horseshoe-shaped U-lock design has a notch in the middle, which makes attachment and removal simple while letting you play in any position. Plenty of brands copy this style, but Schaller’s build quality usually outshines the imitators. Many guitarists I know say this is the only strap lock you’ll ever need.
Color and Design Options
Once the technical stuff is sorted, strap locks also give you a chance to add a little style. Some come in vintage finishes, others in sleek modern designs. My rule is to pick a lock that not only works flawlessly but also complements the look of your guitar. A strap lock should feel like part of the instrument, not just an add-on.
Best Guitar Straps Selection Methodology
This guide was first published in September 2024. The current edition was published in August 2025.
We first scoured the market for the most popular and top rated guitar strap locks. As usual, we filtered our initial list to good guitar strap locks that are readily available in the USA. For this edition, we ended up gathering over 44,400 ratings and reviews, which we then fed into the Gearank Algorithm. This process gave us the rating scores our of 100 that we used to narrow down our original shortlist to the best guitar straps recommendation you can see above. For more information about our methods see How Gearank Works.
About the Author and Contributors
Here are the key people and sources involved in this guide’s production – click on linked names for information about their music industry backgrounds.
Lead Author & Researcher
Contributors
Alexander Briones: Editing/Supplementary Writing
Jerry Borillo: Illustration/Product Research
Media / Image Credit
Main/Top Image: Created by Gearank.com using a public domain photograph.
The videos have been embedded in accordance with YouTube’s Terms of Service.
The individual product images were sourced from their respective manufacturers’ websites, promotional materials or supporting documentation.
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