ASTM International

Standard Test Method for Snagging Resistance of Fabrics (Mace)
 N D3939/D3939M

Annotation

This test method determines the snagging resistance of a fabric.

Studies of fabric snagging have shown that this test method is suitable for a range of woven and knitted fabrics made from textured or untextured filament yarns or spun yarns or combinations of these yarns.2,3 This test method is not suitable for (1) open construction fabrics (such as a net) because the points on the mace will snag the felt pad rather than the specimen, (2) very heavy or very stiff fabrics that cannot be made to fit tightly on the drum and felt pad, and (3) tufted or nonwoven fabrics because the apparatus is designed for woven and knitted fabrics.

If after using this test method it is found to be too severe for your fabrics, an alternative method can be used, such as BS 8479 Textiles: Method for Determination of the Propensity of Fabrics to Snagging and Related Surface Defects - Rotating Chamber Method.

The values stated in either SI units or in other units shall be regarded separately as the standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system must be used independently of the other, without combining values in any way. In case of referee decisions, the SI units will prevail.

This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific precautionary statements are given in Section 7.

2 Finnigan,J.A., "Laboratory Prediction of the Tendency of a Fabric to Snag During Wear," Textile Institute and Industry, Vol 10 , No. 6, 1972, pp. 164–167.