Tack-Tip-by-Dennis-Moreland-2-3-16

Slot Conchos are Easy to Use and Safer than Chicago Screws for Attaching Bits to Headstalls

Tack-Tip-by-Dennis-Moreland-2-3-16

We’ve all see those accidents when a concho comes loose and the bit is left hanging with no connection between the rider and the horse’s mouth. Slot conchos are the safest way to attach the bit end of your headstall to the bit because they won’t come untied and the strings that keep them in place are less likely to become worn than tie strings alone. They will never come unscrewed as can happen with screw conchos (also known as Chicago screws).

Slot conchos http://bit.ly/1S1cPqA can look difficult to remove and attach but once you try it they’re really easy.

To Remove:

  1. With your left hand lift the tie string ends up and place your awl (small screw driver will also work) through the lowest loop on the bleed (knot woven with the tie strings).
  2. Continue holding the string ends up and pull the tie string nearest you completely through the bleed and all the way out.
  3. Lift the tie string ends all the way up again, place the awl through the remaining loop and pull the remaining string through the bleed.
  4. Remove the concho.

To Attach:

  1. Position the bit and put the tie strings evenly through the holes in the bit end of headstall. Slide the concho down the strings.
  2. Open the holes in the tie strings with an awl. You can rub the tie strings with saddle soap to help them slide through the holes more easily in the following steps.
  3. With your left hand lift the tie string ends up. Working from the bottom slide the bottom string end through the hole in the top string.
  4. Lift the string ends and again place the bottom string through the hole in the top string. Pull tight and smooth the strings down. Your slot concho is attached!

At Dennis Moreland Tack you have the choice of slot conchos, tie strings or screw conchos on headstalls but all are made with slot conchos unless the otherwise requested. Slot conchos http://bit.ly/1S1cPqA and tie strings http://bit.ly/1n9YMBS are available as replacement parts as well. If you have any questions give us a call at 817-312-5305.

We’re a full line tack manufacturer and we’re here to help you!

Customer comments:

“Sure beats Chicago screws! I’ve had them unscrew while riding making the bridle fall off”

“Slot conchos are a ton better! I’ve had to use crazy glue or clear nail polish to keep Chicago screws together or carry spares and a screw driver…..I don’t think so! Not fun when a bit falls out of your horse’s mouth! I’d choose Slot Conchos any day.”

“Dennis is so right. They are the safest by far!”