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Top 5 Bit Keepers & Fasteners for Curb and Pelham Bits in Canada (2025): Stubben Steeltec, Nunn Finer, Korsteel, Bobby's, Shires — Expert Guide to Secure, Safe, Convenient Choices

Published on Monday, August 25, 2025

Clips, keepers, and fasteners for curb and Pelham bits are small parts with an outsized impact: they lock bit components into the correct position on bridles, reduce pinching or twisting, and improve rein consistency and rider control. In Canada, riders choose between stainless steel clips, traditional leather keepers, plated fittings and modern quick-release designs based on durability in wet and cold climates, ease of use at the barn, compatibility with different bit types and the horse’s comfort. This category appeals to riders who value reliable fit, low-maintenance materials that resist corrosion in variable Canadian weather, and safety features that reduce the risk of entanglement during a ride. Whether you favor classic tack aesthetics or contemporary convenience, the right keeper or fastener preserves bit geometry, extends the life of your bridle, and supports better communication with the horse.

Quick Menu

1. Best Durable Steel Clip

2. Best Classic Leather Keeper

3. Best Stainless Chain Hook

4. Best Quick-Release Fastener

5. Best Padded Leather Curb Keeper

1
BEST DURABLE STEEL CLIP

Stubben Steeltec Bit Clips

Stubben Steeltec Bit Clips

Stubben Steeltec Bit Clips earn a top position for curb and Pelham bits because their hardened Steeltec alloy delivers exceptional strength and low wear, giving a long service life under heavy use. Compared with leather keepers and cheaper plated clips, they offer superior corrosion resistance and predictable fit, which justifies the premium for riders who prioritize durability and reduced replacement costs over time.

4.4
★★★★☆

  • Rustproof grip

  • Slimline profile

  • Rustproof grip

  • Slimline profile

Review Summary

88%

"Users generally praise the Stubben Steeltec Bit Clips for their solid construction and secure hold on Steeltec bits, noting long-term durability; a few mention they can be a bit stiff to open at first. Overall they’re seen as a premium, reliable clip for frequent riders."

  • Sun-catching sparkle

  • Solid steel construction resists corrosion.

  • Sun-catching sparkle

  • Solid steel construction resists corrosion.

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Time-Saving Convenience

Stubben Steeltec Bit Clips earn a top position for curb and Pelham bits because their hardened Steeltec alloy delivers exceptional strength and low wear, giving a long service life under heavy use. Compared with leather keepers and cheaper plated clips, they offer superior corrosion resistance and predictable fit, which justifies the premium for riders who prioritize durability and reduced replacement costs over time.

  • Rustproof grip

  • Slimline profile

  • Sun-catching sparkle

  • Solid steel construction resists corrosion.

  • Secure snap-fit works with Pelham and curb cheekpieces.

  • Rustproof grip

  • Slimline profile

  • Sun-catching sparkle

  • Solid steel construction resists corrosion.

  • Secure snap-fit works with Pelham and curb cheekpieces.

Order Now

$25-40 CAD

2
BEST CLASSIC LEATHER KEEPER

Nunn Finer Leather Bit Keepers

Nunn Finer

Nunn Finer Leather Bit Keepers are a market leader for riders seeking traditional aesthetics and supple leather performance on curb and Pelham bits; their top-grain leather is finished to resist stretching while remaining comfortable against the horse. Financially they are mid-priced compared with stainless options and provide a classic look that outperforms bargain leather in longevity, though they require more routine care than metal fasteners.

4.7
★★★★☆

  • Soft leather hug

  • Mute-clink comfort

  • Soft leather hug

  • Mute-clink comfort

Review Summary

92%

"Shoppers appreciate Nunn Finer Leather Bit Keepers for high-quality leather, neat stitching, and a classic look that softens with use; some buyers comment on the premium price but feel the longevity justifies it. They’re widely recommended for show and everyday use."

  • Tack-trunk aroma

  • Top-grain leather provides long-lasting flexibility.

  • Tack-trunk aroma

  • Top-grain leather provides long-lasting flexibility.

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Skill Development & Mastery

Nunn Finer Leather Bit Keepers are a market leader for riders seeking traditional aesthetics and supple leather performance on curb and Pelham bits; their top-grain leather is finished to resist stretching while remaining comfortable against the horse. Financially they are mid-priced compared with stainless options and provide a classic look that outperforms bargain leather in longevity, though they require more routine care than metal fasteners.

  • Soft leather hug

  • Mute-clink comfort

  • Tack-trunk aroma

  • Top-grain leather provides long-lasting flexibility.

  • Traditional style complements English bridles and curb straps.

  • Soft leather hug

  • Mute-clink comfort

  • Tack-trunk aroma

  • Top-grain leather provides long-lasting flexibility.

  • Traditional style complements English bridles and curb straps.

Order Now
From 47.75$
3
BEST STAINLESS CHAIN HOOK

Korsteel Stainless Steel Curb Chain Hooks

Waldhausen

Korsteel Stainless Steel Curb Chain Hooks stand out for offering solid stainless construction and simple, secure engagement designed specifically for curb chains on Pelham and curb bits. Technically they strike a balance between cost and corrosion resistance—more durable than plated alternatives and more affordable than specialty alloys like Steeltec—making them a practical choice for barns that need dependable hardware without a premium price tag.

4.3
★★★★☆

  • Heavy-duty clasp

  • Corrosion-proof life

  • Heavy-duty clasp

  • Corrosion-proof life

Review Summary

86%

"Korsteel Stainless Steel Curb Chain Hooks are viewed as sturdy and rust-resistant with a straightforward, functional design; a minority report slight finish imperfections or fit variations on certain chains. They’re considered good value for heavy-duty use."

  • Polished wink

  • Stainless steel construction offers strong rust resistance.

  • Polished wink

  • Stainless steel construction offers strong rust resistance.

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Time-Saving Convenience

Korsteel Stainless Steel Curb Chain Hooks stand out for offering solid stainless construction and simple, secure engagement designed specifically for curb chains on Pelham and curb bits. Technically they strike a balance between cost and corrosion resistance—more durable than plated alternatives and more affordable than specialty alloys like Steeltec—making them a practical choice for barns that need dependable hardware without a premium price tag.

  • Heavy-duty clasp

  • Corrosion-proof life

  • Polished wink

  • Stainless steel construction offers strong rust resistance.

  • Precision-shaped hook fits common curb chains securely.

  • Heavy-duty clasp

  • Corrosion-proof life

  • Polished wink

  • Stainless steel construction offers strong rust resistance.

  • Precision-shaped hook fits common curb chains securely.

Order Now
From 16.91$
4
BEST QUICK-RELEASE FASTENER

Bobby's English Tack Quick Release Bit Clips

Bobby's English Tack Quick Release Bit Clips

Bobby's English Tack Quick Release Bit Clips are prized for their convenience and speed, featuring a quick-release mechanism tailored to trainers and riders who frequently change bits or need fast removal in schooling environments. While not as heavy-duty as full stainless or Steeltec options, they deliver clear operational advantages and lower short-term cost for tack rooms prioritizing ease of use over ultimate longevity.

4
★★★★☆

  • One-thumb pop

  • Emergency-friendly snap

  • One-thumb pop

  • Emergency-friendly snap

Review Summary

79%

"Bobby's English Tack Quick Release Bit Clips are liked for their convenience and speed when changing bits, making tacking up easier; a number of users note the spring mechanism can wear faster than metal alternatives. They’re popular for ease-of-use despite some longevity concerns."

  • Race-day ready

  • Spring-loaded quick-release for fast detachment in schooling.

  • Race-day ready

  • Spring-loaded quick-release for fast detachment in schooling.

Time-Saving Convenience

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Skill Development & Mastery

Bobby's English Tack Quick Release Bit Clips are prized for their convenience and speed, featuring a quick-release mechanism tailored to trainers and riders who frequently change bits or need fast removal in schooling environments. While not as heavy-duty as full stainless or Steeltec options, they deliver clear operational advantages and lower short-term cost for tack rooms prioritizing ease of use over ultimate longevity.

  • One-thumb pop

  • Emergency-friendly snap

  • Race-day ready

  • Spring-loaded quick-release for fast detachment in schooling.

  • Durable plated metal built for frequent use.

  • One-thumb pop

  • Emergency-friendly snap

  • Race-day ready

  • Spring-loaded quick-release for fast detachment in schooling.

  • Durable plated metal built for frequent use.

Order Now

$20-45 CAD

5
BEST PADDED LEATHER CURB KEEPER

Shires Velociti Leather Curb Strap Keepers

Shires Velociti Leather Curb Strap Keepers

Shires Velociti Leather Curb Strap Keepers combine modern treated leather technology with reinforced stitching to offer a high-performance, low-maintenance option for curb and Pelham bits. They sit between traditional leather and metal fasteners in price and maintenance requirements, delivering the look and comfort of leather with improved resistance to stretching and moisture compared with standard keepers like those from some budget makers.

4.3
★★★★☆

  • Featherlight tuck

  • Breathable supple feel

  • Featherlight tuck

  • Breathable supple feel

Review Summary

85%

"Shires Velociti Leather Curb Strap Keepers receive positive reviews for supple leather, good finish, and secure fit on curb straps, with most users reporting they hold up well under regular use; a few mention sizing is tighter on thicker straps. Overall they’re seen as dependable and comfortable."

  • Speedy-fit charm

  • Soft padded leather reduces rubbing on the horse.

  • Speedy-fit charm

  • Soft padded leather reduces rubbing on the horse.

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Time-Saving Convenience

Shires Velociti Leather Curb Strap Keepers combine modern treated leather technology with reinforced stitching to offer a high-performance, low-maintenance option for curb and Pelham bits. They sit between traditional leather and metal fasteners in price and maintenance requirements, delivering the look and comfort of leather with improved resistance to stretching and moisture compared with standard keepers like those from some budget makers.

  • Featherlight tuck

  • Breathable supple feel

  • Speedy-fit charm

  • Soft padded leather reduces rubbing on the horse.

  • Keeps curb straps aligned and securely fastened.

  • Featherlight tuck

  • Breathable supple feel

  • Speedy-fit charm

  • Soft padded leather reduces rubbing on the horse.

  • Keeps curb straps aligned and securely fastened.

Order Now

$35-60 CAD

Why quality keepers and clips matter — research-backed benefits

Research in equine welfare, bridle fit, and materials science supports selecting bit keepers and fasteners that match use conditions and tack maintenance practices. Properly positioned bit parts reduce uneven pressure on the horse’s mouth and poll, materials that resist corrosion last longer in harsh climates, and quick-release mechanisms can lower the risk of entrapment in accidents. Below are plain-language takeaways from relevant scientific areas to help beginners make informed choices.

Bridle fit and oral health: Veterinary and equine biomechanics studies show that consistent bit angle and stable hardware reduce localized pressure points and mouth discomfort. Secure keepers help maintain that consistency during work and transitions.

Material performance in variable climates: Materials testing and corrosion science indicate that stainless steel and solid brass resist rust and pitting far better than plated metals in wet, salty or freeze-thaw conditions common across Canada.

Leather vs. synthetic: Leather keepers offer flexibility and a traditional look but require conditioning to stay supple and water-resistant. Synthetic and stainless options reduce maintenance needs and are less affected by damp barn conditions.

Safety and quick-release designs: Industry safety guidance and accident reviews suggest that quick-release fasteners and properly fitting curb hooks can reduce the chance of entanglement or prolonged snagging after a fall, improving horse and rider outcomes.

Durability and cost-of-ownership: Long-term field testing and consumer reports show that investing in corrosion-resistant fasteners reduces replacement frequency and total cost over seasons, especially in regions with heavy road salt or coastal humidity.

In the Canadian context, choosing the right keeper depends on climate, tack style and safety priorities. The five options featured here—Stubben Steeltec Bit Clips, Nunn Finer Leather Bit Keepers, Korsteel Stainless Steel Curb Chain Hooks, Bobby's English Tack Quick Release Bit Clips, and Shires Velociti Leather Curb Strap Keepers—cover the range from low-maintenance stainless options to classic leather and modern quick-release designs. For most riders seeking a balance of corrosion resistance, broad compatibility and long-term value in Canada's varied conditions, the Stubben Steeltec Bit Clips are often the best choice. We hope you found what you were looking for; if you want to narrow by material, price, or safety features, refine or expand your search using the site search.

Discover More
  • Bit Guards for Curb and Pelham Bits
  • Cheek Guards for Curb and Pelham Bits
  • Bit Covers and Sleeves for Curb and Pelham Bits
  • Replacement Parts and Repair Kits for Curb and Pelham Bits
  • Transport and Storage Accessories for Curb and Pelham Bits

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