Snap Setting Tools and Technique

[Pipe Wrench]

I have a snap setter for Line 20 snaps. The setter looks like punch and you give it a few good whacks with hammer to compress the snap post, so that the sap is set.

The problem is that often the snap post does not compress properly but gets bent, which results in the two snap halves being misaligned.

Are there a better tools than what I use, or is just my technique so lousy?

Tools used:

snap setter, snap anvil (two-sided), hammer

 

[AZ Pete]

need to work on your technique. Tap, tap, tap. making sure you are getting an even mushroom.


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[Pipe Wrench]

That was my first thought, too.

 

[MattT]

I somehow push the snap down with a couple fingers while holding the punch vertical. Yeah I know it sounds impossible

Another thing you might be using snaps with too long a post for the material thickness you're working with. About 1/8" of post showing seems to work well for me.

 

[spike99250]

I like to start mine with a center punch and use a rolling(circular) motion while hitting it. It helps to start the rolling over process.

 

[Pipe Wrench]

The 3/8" posts on those Line 20 snaps seem too long for the thickness of material (5-6oz leather - Tandy says these rivets are ideal for 8 oz leather. There's nothing I can do about that because I can't find Line 20 snaps with an antique copper finish and a shorter post.

Another problem seems to be that the post's edge does not seem to roll over enough and the post does not sufficiently flare to be pounded down properly. I think spike's suggestion of using a center punch to get the flare started on the post is a good one.

 

[spike99250]

You could also try cutting them down with a dremel cutoff wheel. I had the same problem , sometimes they smash down but not evenly. as long as it is one of its my own projects, so as long as it holds i'm fine with it being crookedly smashed.

I also use a roll pin punch instead of the supplied one.

 

[Pipe Wrench]

I'll try a roll pin punch. Thanks!

 

[Pipe Wrench]

I added a small #6 stainless steel washer between the cap and the leather. That way the post protrudes less. The washer remains hidden. This works.

 

[flyingblind]

An arbor press with dies is the best way.

 

[Milton Shaw]

The best tool I have found is the hand snap punch like they use on boat covers etc. Seems like I paid less than $100 for a set up with several size punch and die sets and a starter stock of snap pieces. They are always aligned and work great. The brand I have is Snap and Punch by Hoover Products.... They also have the snap parts that go screwed or riveted to the boat.