a catch hook device for a front hood , or the like , on motor vehicles has a closure hoop and a catch hook , which can be fastened alternatively on the front end of the body of the car or on the front hood . the device holds the front hood in a slit - open position after the opening of the closure by mutual hook engagement . the hook engagement is detachable and can be obtained automatically upon the closing of the hood . in order to optimize the dependability of the closure and to prevent deformations , larger tolerance , etc . from leading to an unintended release of the hook engagement , the catch hook has a first hook part between the end sections of its two legs for the passage of the closure hoop on the one leg end section of which there is pivoted a second hook part which is developed as a closure part and which closes the opening in a force - locked manner .