How-to Undo the Locking Clip and Buckles

Whilst the locking clips in the top strap buckles are very effective at keeping the neckbands securely on animals, they can be a challenge to undo when you need to adjust or remove a neckband.

When you do need to adjust or remove the neckband, you may find it difficult to remove the locking clip, especially when you are doing this for the first few times. (After a few insertions and removals, the small barbs that hold the clip in place get a little bit worn and rounded, and removal becomes easier).

To remove the locking clip, use your fingers to push from the back of the buckle to pop the clip out. If this is too hard, then you can use a flat blade screwdriver to lever the clip out, as shown in the video below.

Locking clip failures (clips splitting or releasing)

Locking clips and top straps are wear items and can occasionally fail, allowing a neckband to fall off.

If you are experiencing repeated clip or top strap failures - particularly more than the occasional one-off, such as one or more per day - report this to the eShepherd support team. Failed clips are wear items and can be supplied as replacement parts under warranty.

When requesting replacements, let support know the total number that have failed and, where possible, include a photo of the failed parts. Support may ask whether any pour-on or drench treatments have been applied to the animals, and may request that failed clips and top straps be returned for laboratory testing to help identify the cause.

v1.1, 7/2026

Updated on: 21/08/2026