Encyclopedia

D-ring

Item of hardware

Wikipedia contributorsAdapted for Fathomly · View authors

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Source updated June 20, 2026

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A D-ring is an item of hardware, usually a tie-down metal ring shaped like a capital letter 'D' used primarily as a lashing or attachment point. The term is found interchangeably spelled in different forms, such as: D ring, D-ring or dee-ring.

A D-ring may be used at the end of a leather or fabric strap, or may be secured to a surface with a metal or fabric strap; though there are D-rings with a middle body designed to be welded to steel. Ideally, a D-ring swings freely after it has been secured. D-rings may vary in composition, geometry, weight, finish and load (rated) capacity.

Though there are differences, a weld-on pivoting link is commonly called a D-ring.

To minimize obstruction when the D-ring is not in use, recessed tie-down rings are designed that accommodate the D-ring so it is flush to the surface. There are some non-recessed designs that have an adhesive base. Work load limits are specified where appropriate.

For D-rings used in the bed of a truck to secure loads, regular preventative maintenance is important to avoid costly repairs.

D-rings may be made of plastic for applications such as fixtures for straps for hiking equipment.

01Common uses

Applications of D-rings include:

For light loading applications such as clothing and luggage, D-rings made of plastics such as nylon may be used, as they weigh less and are impervious to rusting.
As a component for lacing up items of footwear like hiking boots or any adjacent heavy-duty footwear.
At the end of a tow-rope or chain, to allow the creation a bow around an item or part of an item that is being towed.
With a chain to tether a boat to a dock or tree when it is being moored.
In theatres, commonly used where a piece of scenery has to be lifted or "flown". D-rings are attached to the tops or bottoms of flats with a "drift line" and turnbuckle attached to adjust the "trim".
A D-ring on an M16 or variant type rifle is used to increase the pressure on the extractor and reduce malfunctions. This D-ring is a rubber grommet shaped like a "D" and fits over the extractor spring adding tension to it.
On breathing sets and scuba divers' buoyancy compensators
A bit ring used on the bit of a horse.
A D-ring carabiner has a section which opens and can be secured, to attach a rope for climbing or caving or to attach other items.
A part of a saddle (see saddle#D-ring)
A D-ring binder is a type of ring binder which uses D-shaped rings to accommodate larger documents or more pages.
To attach a leash or tag to a collar or pet harness, or to a waist belt, either for dog walking or for sports where the dog is intended to pull.
On a prisoner transport belt to accommodate a pair of handcuffs
As part of BDSM restraints, clothing, or furniture, to act as an attachment point for rope or chain
For hanging a framed picture, D-rings attached to a small metal plate with a hole in it are used: the D-ring is attached to the frame with a screw through the hole, and the wire to hang the picture passes through the D-ring.
Two adjacent D-rings can be used as an adjustable fastener for a strap in clothing such as overalls.

Watch videos about D-ringExplainers and documentaries on YouTube (opens in a new tab)

Sources and credits

This article is adapted from the Wikipedia article “D-ring”, written by its contributors and licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Fathomly has changed the layout, removed citation markers, navigation and maintenance notices, and adjusted punctuation. This adapted version is shared under the same license. For references, see the original article.

Images, from Wikimedia Commons:

D-ring cargo tiedown.jpg by Hydrargyrum, Public domain
D-Ring&Weld-on PivotLink.jpg by Tortillovsky, CC0
D ring binder.jpg by Gordeonbleu at English Wikipedia, Public domain

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