How to Put a Chin Strap on a Football Helmet

Updated October 25, 2026 · Helmet Market

To put a chin strap on a football helmet, attach the strap ends to the snaps on both sides of the helmet, put the helmet on, center the cup on the chin, then tighten the straps evenly until the helmet does not move when you open your mouth.

Before you start: high or low mount?

Most modern helmets use a 4-point chin strap, which attaches at two points on each side. Helmets have snaps in a higher and a lower position, and a strap is described as high-mount or low-mount by where it attaches. Check which positions your helmet and facemask use before you buy a strap. Riddell SpeedFlex helmets can also use Riddell's Cam-Loc chin straps.

Step by step

Loosen the straps so you have room to adjust.
Attach the strap ends to the matching snaps on each side of the helmet, two per side for a 4-point strap. Press each snap until it clicks.
Put the helmet on and place the chin cup so it is centered on the point of the chin.
Tighten evenly: adjust the straps on both sides a little at a time so the cup stays centered.
Test the fit: open your mouth wide; the helmet should pull down slightly, not shift. Push the facemask up and down; the cup should stay on the chin.

Common mistakes

Straps tighter on one side, pulling the cup off-center.
Cup sitting under the jaw instead of on the chin.
Snaps not fully clicked, so the strap pops off on contact.

Shop chin straps

We carry the Riddell SpeedFlex Cam-Loc hard-cup chin strap in 12 colors and a chrome 4-point low-mount strap. See all football chin straps.