ASTM D3939/D3939M-13 (2017) PDF

Full title and description

ASTM D3939/D3939M-13(2017) — Standard Test Method for Snagging Resistance of Fabrics (Mace). This test method describes the mace (rotating drum and mace) procedure for evaluating the propensity of woven and knitted fabrics to form snags when subjected to simulated wear. It specifies apparatus, specimen preparation, test conditions, and procedures for counting and rating snags and reporting results in SI or customary units.

Abstract

This standard defines a laboratory procedure to measure snagging resistance of most woven and knitted apparel and home‑furnishing fabrics using the mace test method. It sets out the test apparatus (mace/rotating drum), specimen mounting, test cycles, snag counting and visual rating schemes, and limitations on applicability (for example, not suitable for open‑construction, very heavy/stiff, tufted or nonwoven fabrics). The method is intended for quality control, product comparison, and research use, while noting limited between‑laboratory precision for acceptance testing.

General information

• Status: Superseded — revised edition published 15 January 2026 (D3939/D3939M‑26). The 2017 designation remains the historical 2017 edition.
• Publication date: 15 July 2017 (designation D3939/D3939M‑13(2017)).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 59.080.30 (Textile fabrics).
• Edition / version: D3939/D3939M‑13 (2017).
• Number of pages: 8.

Scope

The test method determines the snagging resistance of fabrics using the mace test apparatus. It applies to a wide range of woven and knitted fabrics made from filament or spun yarns, singly or in combination. The standard excludes fabrics that cannot be mounted tightly over the drum, open construction fabrics (e.g., nets), very heavy or very stiff fabrics, and many tufted or nonwoven constructions. Values are given in both SI and customary units, each system to be used independently.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition and purpose: quantifies propensity to snag using controlled laboratory abrasion with a mace head against a fabric specimen mounted on a drum.
• Apparatus: rotating drum, mace head (pins/points), felt backing pad, specimen clamps and speed controller.
• Specimen preparation: sample size, conditioning (temperature/humidity), mounting tension and backing pad specification.
• Test procedure: number of cycles, dwell/contact conditions, rotation speed and test duration.
• Evaluation criteria: snag counting method, visual rating scales (appearance, protrusion, color contrast), and reporting format.
• Units and tolerances: SI and customary units are provided and to be treated separately; guidance on repeatability and known between‑laboratory variability.
• Limitations and alternatives: not suitable for open constructions or tufted/nonwoven carpets; suggests alternative methods (for example, other textile snag or wear test methods) when appropriate.
• Safety and handling: basic precautions for test apparatus and specimen handling (users must ensure appropriate safety practices).

Typical use and users

Used by textile manufacturers, quality control laboratories, independent testing organizations, retailers, product developers and researchers to compare fabrics, monitor production quality, evaluate finishes or new yarns/constructions, and support product specifications. Also used by standards committees and specifiers when defining appearance durability requirements for apparel and home‑textile products.

Related standards

Other test methods and standards commonly referenced alongside or as alternatives include AATCC TM65 (snagging tests for certain constructions), ASTM D5362 (bean bag or other snagging evaluations), ASTM D1335 (pile floor covering snagging), and national/ISO test methods for fabric appearance and abrasion. Historical versions of the same ASTM designation (for example, earlier D3939 editions) and subsequent revisions (D3939/D3939M‑26) are also related.

Keywords

snagging resistance, mace test, fabrics, woven, knitted, textile testing, appearance, abrasion, drum tester, snag rating, ASTM D3939, D3939M

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D3939/D3939M‑13(2017) is the 2017 edition of the ASTM standard test method that defines the mace (rotating drum) procedure for measuring the snagging resistance of woven and knitted fabrics.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers apparatus, specimen preparation, test execution, snag counting and visual ratings, reporting requirements, and limitations on fabric types for which the method is suitable. It gives values in SI and customary units and includes guidance on interpretation and use for quality control and research.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Textile mills, apparel and home‑textile manufacturers, independent test labs, retailers, product developers, and researchers use it for quality control, comparative testing, product development and specification compliance.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The D3939/D3939M‑13(2017) edition is the 2017 release of the method. It has since been revised; a later edition (D3939/D3939M‑26) was published on 15 January 2026. For current testing and procurement you should refer to the latest ASTM designation (the 2026 revision) and confirm which edition a contract or specification requires.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of ASTM Committee D13 textile test standards and exists alongside related test methods for fabric appearance, abrasion and pile/pile coverings. It also exists in a sequence of revisions (earlier and later editions) that maintain the same D3939/D3939M designation with a year suffix.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Snagging resistance, mace test, fabric snag, woven fabrics, knitted fabrics, textile testing, ASTM D3939, visual rating, drum tester.