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CAN CGSB 4.2 No. 76-94 (2013): Technical Guide to Snagging Resistance Testing for Textiles
Understanding the Mace Test Method for Fabric Durability Assessment
Scope and Application
CAN CGSB 4.2 No. 76-94 (2013), issued by the Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB), specifies a method for determining the resistance of textile fabrics to snagging using the mace test apparatus. This standard applies to both woven and knitted fabrics, except those with a high degree of stretch (greater than 50 % in the warp or weft direction) or fabrics where the test method would produce unrealistic distortions. The method is intended to simulate the snagging damage that can occur during garment wear and care, providing a laboratory rating that correlates with end-use performance.
The standard, originally published in 1994 and reaffirmed in 2013, remains widely referenced in Canada for quality assurance in apparel, upholstery, and industrial textiles. It is part of the comprehensive CGSB 4.2 series of textile test methods, which parallels many ISO and ASTM standards in scope but maintains specific adjustments for Canadian textile products and regulatory requirements.
Technical Requirements: Test Apparatus and Procedure
Mace Test Apparatus
The mace test apparatus consists of a rotating cylinder lined with a set of sharp metal tines (or needles) that impact the fabric surface as the cylinder rotates. Key parameters include:
- Cylinder diameter: 200 mm ± 2 mm
- Number of tines: 15 equally spaced rows, each containing 4 tines, for a total of 60 tines
- Tine projection length: 8 mm ± 0.2 mm measured from the cylinder surface
- Rotation speed: 300 ± 10 min⁻¹
- Test duration typically 600 revolutions (may be adjusted for different fabric types)
Sample Preparation and Conditioning
Specimens are cut to 140 mm × 140 mm, with the warp (or wale) direction parallel to the longer side. At least three specimens per fabric are tested. Prior to testing, all specimens shall be conditioned in a standard atmosphere of 20 °C ± 2 °C and 65 % ± 4 % relative humidity for a minimum of 4 hours. The specimens must be free of folds, creases, or any visible defects.
Test Execution
Each specimen is mounted on a fabric holder (a flexible rubber pad) and placed against the rotating mace cylinder. The specimen is held in contact with the tines under a specified pressure (typically 100 Pa). After the prescribed number of revolutions, the specimen is removed and evaluated. To simulate wear from multiple directions, it is common to test the same fabric in both the face and back orientations, as well as at 90° rotations of the feed direction.
Tip: For consistent snagging ratings, ensure the tines are replaced after every 1000 test specimens or when visual inspection reveals bending or dulling. A calibration check using a reference fabric every 100 tests will help maintain reproducibility between operators and shifts.
Interpreting Snagging Ratings
After the test, the specimen is compared to a set of standard photographic reference scales, or ratings are assigned using a master rating scale (e.g., 1 to 5, where 5 = no snagging, 1 = severe snagging). The rating is based on the number, size, and prominence of snags. The final reported value is the median of the individual ratings for the multiple specimens.
| Rating | Description | Typical Appearance |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | No snagging | Surface unchanged; no raised fibres or loops |
| 4 | Slight snagging | Very few, short snags visible only on close inspection |
| 3 | Moderate snagging | Several snags of varying length, clearly visible at 50 cm viewing distance |
| 2 | Considerable snagging | Numerous snags, some up to several millimetres high; surface distortion apparent |
| 1 | Severe snagging | Dense formation of raised loops and pulled yarns; severe surface change |
A minimum acceptable rating is usually set by the buyer or product specification. For many apparel applications, a rating of 3–4 is considered satisfactory for normal wear. The standard does not prescribe pass/fail criteria; it only provides the test method and rating system. Establishing limits is the responsibility of the contracting parties.
Warning: Be cautious when testing open-weave or delicate fabrics. The standard explicitly excludes fabrics with more than 50 % stretch, but it may still be necessary to reduce the number of revolutions (e.g., to 300 rev) for fragile structures to avoid unrealistic damage that does not reflect real wear conditions. Always document any deviation from the standard test duration.
Implementation and Compliance Considerations
Laboratory Accreditation and Training
To ensure compliance with CAN CGSB 4.2 No. 76-94 (2013), laboratories should be accredited to ISO/IEC 17025. Personnel must be trained in the correct mounting technique, because improper specimen tension directly affects snag formation. The standard recommends that raters demonstrate consistent scoring (±0.5 rating points) on a set of reference fabrics during periodic proficiency tests.
Choosing the Right Test Conditions
The standard allows for variation in the number of revolutions (default 600) and the type of tines (standard or fine). The table below summarises the most commonly used options.
| Test Option | Revolutions | Tine Type | Typical Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 600 | Standard (60 tines, 8 mm projection) | Woven apparel fabrics, upholstery |
| Light-duty | 300 | Standard | Delicate knits, lace, or lightweight fabrics |
| Heavy-duty | 1000 | Standard or reinforced | Denim, heavy canvas, workwear |
| Fine tine | 600 | Fine (42 tines, 6 mm projection) | Fine or sensitive surfaces such as microfiber |
Correlation with End-Use Performance
While the mace test provides a controlled laboratory assessment, it is important to correlate the ratings with actual garment wear trials, especially for products with complex constructions or finishes (e.g., anti‐snag coatings). The standard does not address correlation, but reputable quality systems will establish internal benchmarks linking laboratory ratings to field performance data.
Success: When implemented with rigorous calibration and trained raters, CAN CGSB 4.2 No. 76-94 yields highly repeatable results, enabling effective quality control, competitive benchmarking, and objective communication between fabric suppliers and garment manufacturers.
Safety note: The rotating mace cylinder presents a mechanical nip hazard. Always ensure that the apparatus is fitted with a safety guard or interlock that stops rotation when removed. Operators must not wear loose clothing or jewellery near the machine. Lockout/tagout procedures must be followed during maintenance and tine replacement.
Regulatory Status and Updates
CAN CGSB 4.2 No. 76-94 (2013) is reaffirmed as a National Standard of Canada. It has not been superseded by a newer version as of 2026. However, users should consult the CGSB website to verify the latest reaffirmation status. The standard is sometimes referenced in combination with related CGSB 4.2 test methods (e.g., for pilling resistance, colour fastness) to provide a complete fabric durability profile.
Q: Is CAN CGSB 4.2 No. 76-94 (2013) still the current version?
A: Yes, the standard was reaffirmed in 2013 and remains current. Users should check with CGSB for any amendments or revisions, but no newer edition has been published as of 2026.
A: Yes, the standard was reaffirmed in 2013 and remains current. Users should check with CGSB for any amendments or revisions, but no newer edition has been published as of 2026.
Q: What types of fabrics are excluded from the standard?
A: The standard excludes fabrics with more than 50 % stretch (in warp or weft), as well as highly elastic knitted structures that would distort excessively during the test. Very open or fragile fabrics may also require modified test conditions (e.g., reduced revolutions) to yield meaningful results.
A: The standard excludes fabrics with more than 50 % stretch (in warp or weft), as well as highly elastic knitted structures that would distort excessively during the test. Very open or fragile fabrics may also require modified test conditions (e.g., reduced revolutions) to yield meaningful results.
Q: How does the mace test differ from other snagging test methods (e.g., bean bag or ICI snag tester)?
A: The mace test uses a rotating cylinder with fixed tines, while the bean bag test (ASTM D3939) employs a loose metal ball impacting the fabric. The ICI snag tester uses a rotating fabric tube against sharp points. Each method produces a different snagging pattern; the mace test is generally considered more aggressive and is preferred for durable fabrics. Correlation between methods is not linear, so consistent use of a single method is recommended for product grading.
A: The mace test uses a rotating cylinder with fixed tines, while the bean bag test (ASTM D3939) employs a loose metal ball impacting the fabric. The ICI snag tester uses a rotating fabric tube against sharp points. Each method produces a different snagging pattern; the mace test is generally considered more aggressive and is preferred for durable fabrics. Correlation between methods is not linear, so consistent use of a single method is recommended for product grading.
Q: Can CAN CGSB 4.2 No. 76-94 be used for fabrics with coating finishes (e.g., PU laminates)?
A: The standard does not specifically prohibit coated fabrics, but the mace test may cause delamination or surface cracking that is not purely snagging. In such cases, alternative methods (e.g., fabric snagging via a marcel approach) may be more appropriate. If the standard is used, the report should note any coating-related damage separately from true snagging.
A: The standard does not specifically prohibit coated fabrics, but the mace test may cause delamination or surface cracking that is not purely snagging. In such cases, alternative methods (e.g., fabric snagging via a marcel approach) may be more appropriate. If the standard is used, the report should note any coating-related damage separately from true snagging.
© 2026 — Prepared for technical reference under CGSB framework.