Gear article

Fat Cat Snare Wire Strap & Cord 2-Pack

The Fat Cat Snare Wire Strap & Cord 2-Pack is a dedicated hardware accessory set designed to secure snare wires to a drum's throw-off and butt plate. This maintenance kit provides both flat straps and braided cords to ensure a compatible and reliable fit for various drum configurations.

Fat Cat Snare Wire Strap & Cord 2-Pack
Fat Cat Snare Wire Strap & Cord 2-Pack
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Overview

The Fat Cat Snare Wire Strap & Cord 2-Pack serves as a fundamental maintenance component for drummers. It is specifically designed to work seamlessly with Fat Cat Snappy Snare wires, though the utility of the straps and cords extends to general snare drum maintenance. The pack includes two plastic/nylon straps and two durable cords, offering drummers two distinct methods of mounting their snare wires based on their specific hardware requirements or personal preference for tension response.

Components and Functionality

The kit is divided into two types of fasteners:

  • Snare Straps: These are flat, durable strips typically preferred for their ability to keep the snare wires perfectly centred and flat against the bottom drumhead (snare side). They are less prone to stretching over time compared to some lower-quality cords.
  • Snare Cords: Braided high-tension cords that provide a traditional mounting method. Cords are often preferred for older or vintage-style throw-offs that may not have a wide enough slot to accommodate a flat strap.

By providing both, Fat Cat ensures that the drummer has the necessary parts to 'tighten their snares in confidence' regardless of the specific snare drum model being serviced.

Neotech Soft Sax Strap Regular Swivel Hook Red
Neotech Soft Sax Strap Regular Swivel Hook Red

Installation and Compatibility

While these accessories are a 'guaranteed fit' for Fat Cat's own Snappy Snare line, they follow industry-standard dimensions, making them suitable for the majority of modern snare drums. It is important to note that this product is an accessory kit only; it does not include the metal snare wires themselves. The installation process involves threading the cord or strap through the end plates of the snare wires and securing them into the strainer and butt plate clamps.

User Suitability and Value

At a typical price point of approximately £2, this 2-pack is positioned as an essential, low-cost utility item for a drummer's stick bag or repair kit. It is particularly suited for touring musicians who require reliable replacement parts in the event of a strap breakage or cord fraying during a performance. Because the kit includes two of each item, it provides enough material to fully outfit one drum with spares, or to perform basic maintenance on two separate drums.

Comparison to Alternatives

Compared to other drum hardware accessories like the Fender Strap Blocks or K&M Classical Guitar Capos, the Fat Cat Snare Wire Strap & Cord pack is a highly specialised percussion tool. While generic nylon cords or plastic strips can be found, this specific pack is tailored for the tension requirements of snare wires. Unlike the Neotech Soft Sax Strap or Protec NC310M, which focus on instrument support and ergonomics, this Fat Cat product is focused on the mechanical operation and tonal consistency of the drum's snare response.

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Frequently asked questions

What is included in the Fat Cat Snare Wire Strap & Cord 2-Pack?
The pack includes two flat snare straps and two braided snare cords. It is designed to provide multiple mounting options for a single snare drum or enough parts for basic maintenance across multiple drums.
Are snare wires included with this product?
No, snare wires are not included. This is a dedicated accessory pack containing only the straps and cords used to attach metal snare wires to the drum hardware.
Will these fit snare wires from brands other than Fat Cat?
Yes, while they are a guaranteed fit for Fat Cat Snappy Snare wires, the dimensions are standard. They should work with most snare wire end plates and drum strainers on the market.
Why does the pack include both straps and cords?
Drummers have different preferences for how they mount their snares. Straps generally keep wires flatter and more centred, while cords are more versatile for different types of vintage or narrow throw-off clamps.
What is the typical price for this accessory pack?
The typical price range for this 2-pack is approximately GBP 2. This makes it an affordable essential for any drummer's tool kit.
How many drums can I service with one pack?
If you use only cords or only straps, you have enough to secure one set of snare wires (one for the throw-off side and one for the butt plate). If you use one of each, you could potentially service two drums, though matched sets are usually preferred.
Are the straps made of plastic or fabric?
The straps are typically made of a durable, thin synthetic material like nylon or reinforced plastic. This ensures they do not stretch significantly under the tension required to engage the snares.
Can these be used on an oboe or saxophone?
No, these are drum-specific accessories. While brands like BG and Neotech make straps for oboes and saxophones, the Fat Cat Snare Wire Straps are exclusively for snare drum maintenance.
Do I need special tools to install these?
You will generally need a standard drum key or a small screwdriver, depending on the type of screws used on your snare drum's strainer and butt plate.
How often should snare cords or straps be replaced?
They should be replaced whenever they show signs of fraying, cracking, or stretching. Regularly replacing them ensures the snare wires remain responsive and do not drop out during a performance.
Are these straps compatible with vintage drums?
Yes, the cords in particular are excellent for vintage drums that may have narrow mounting points that cannot accommodate modern, wider plastic straps.
Is this product suitable for orchestral snare drums?
Yes, it is suitable for any snare drum that uses standard mounting methods for its snare wires, including orchestral, marching, and kit snare drums.