A bolt snap is a type of snap hook with a manually operated bolt action slide gate of medium security used to clip a light load to a ring, eye, loop or bight to temporarily secure or suspend an object.

They are used for a wide variety of applications including dog leads and for clipping scuba equipment to the diving harness.

Chrome plated zinc and plastic bodies are only suitable for light loads such as key rings, handbag straps, and leads for small dogs.

The hook body is generally gripped by the fingers, one of which may be passed through the swivel ring to help support and stabilise the load when applicable, and the thumb used to pull the bolt back to open the gate.

The opening is then passed over the target and the bolt released, so that it snaps back to close the gate.

Bolt snaps are commonly used in scuba diving to clip equipment to the diver's harness for security and to keep them in place.

[1] Bolt snaps are one of the common connectors used for attaching tethers to animal collars or harnesses.