canvas snap tool

[VetteLT193]

Any suggestions for a good snap tool that isn't terribly expensive?

I got a cheap one from west marine but it's too cheap to really get the job done. I need to install 150 snaps or so.

[joseph m. hahnl]

This one looks like it might do the job



http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Heavy-Duty-Pro-Grade-Canvas-Fastener-Snap-Tool-/00/$(KGrHqJ,!lQE4lommmJKBOU70Kn+8g~~48_3.JPG

























http://www.ebay.com/itm/Heavy-Duty-Pro-Grade-Canvas-Fastener-Snap-Tool-/360388709973?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item53e8d74e55&vxp=mtr

[dsparis]

Heavy Duty Canvas Fastener Snap Tool
Vice Grip Style for Perfect Snaps the First Time
No More Loose Snaps
No More will the cheap tool bend
Chinese

[justleft]

PNS-1 Press-N-Snap Tool $112. Come with all the dies you need. You may be able to find cheaper. I have used this
baby for a couple yrs now. I can't imagine trying to do boat carpet or HD canvas with anything less.

http://www.perfectfit.com/15336/154459/Fastener-Tools/Press--N--Snap-Tool.html

74387

[VetteLT193]

I found the one that joseph posted for about 50 bucks and before I posted this thread I was between that one and the press n snap.

I'm sure the press n snap will work but will the other work too? If I intended on using it long term I'd invest in the press n snap but I only have one job to do

[MOP]

For the average boater these complete kits will last them for quite some at lower coat, another plus is these kits have the complete set of dies for both male and female snaps.

http://www.wholesalemarine.com/p/S-S-50048263/

[VetteLT193]

I was looking at this one... http://www.savvyboater.com/store/p/16448-Snap-Setter-Locking-Plier-Snap-Tool.aspx

OR http://www.perfectfit.com/15336/237166/Fastener-Tools/Setting-Attachments-for-Snap-Fasteners.html


If it will set real snaps I'll go for it.

I got the cheap kit from west and it's not vice grip style, it's pliers style. It worked fine on the snaps it came with but when I started using professional grade snaps I can't physically clamp hard enough (at least not physically able to do it 150 times)

[justleft]

1 of the nice things about the Press-N-Snap is that it presses the snap straight together w/ allot of leverage.
This allows you to use commercial SS self-piercing snaps. But I usually stuck an awl through the carpet to help
me locate the hole. You can adjust how far the snap gets pushed together as this gal has leverage to push them
tighter then they need be !

I have put in about 100 snaps in HD canvas (cickpit cover, large cover) Bilt Rite carpet, and a dozen + for other stuff.

[Ghost]

Quick aside: anyone ever try (or know if) you can seal up the edges of Sunbrella with heat/flame? Wondering if someone should invent a tool that cuts and seals the small hole in the canvas before the snap goes in and gets pressed. (A small heated point, akin to the rope cutters that look like big soldering irons.)

[VetteLT193]

Quick aside: anyone ever try (or know if) you can seal up the edges of Sunbrella with heat/flame? Wondering if someone should invent a tool that cuts and seals the small hole in the canvas before the snap goes in and gets pressed. (A small heated point, akin to the rope cutters that look like big soldering irons.)

It's acrylic so it is supposed to be cut with a hot blade. Your idea makes sense, seems like it would make for a stronger end product.

[BUIZILLA]

solder iron with a tapered pin point, found in toy or electronics stores ie; Radio Shack

[Ghost]

solder iron with a tapered pin point, found in toy or electronics stores ie; Radio Shack

LOL, after Vette's post, I realized the tip of my soldering pencil (as opposed to the larger, gun-style) might be about perfect, just as you say. I'll be trying it the next time I do one...

[yeller]

Vette,
the vise grip style will work well and last you a lifetime.
....And you are correct that Sunbrella is suppose to be cut with a hot blade

The Press N Snap is a true commercial grade tool and is a must for the professional.

[Tidbart]

Weller makes hot knife blade for their soldering irons.

[dsparis]

The problem with the cheap kits is that the press is "vice grip style", not vice grip brand.

[VetteLT193]

I ended up ordering the die kit that goes on Vise grips. This way I can buy the vise grips in town.

I'll post the results hopefully when I'm done.

This project is for my back porch. A few years ago I bought clear plastic 'Tarps' to hang inside of my screen. I installed stainless eyes around the top of the porch and ran a cable through them. I then curtained the clear tarps on the wire. The end result was a clear wall of plastic inside of my screen.

The plastic is REALLY effective. In the winter months the sun warms the porch during the day keeping it significantly warmer. If I ever want to spend time out there, even when it is below freezing, simply running "Mr. Heater" for a few minutes warms it up to the same temperature as the house. (And yes, I have a CO detector). In the summer months I would curtain them when we used the porch. The reason I don't take the plastic down anymore for summer is a side effect... the porch stays clean. All the dirt that normally gets all over my stuff out there now sticks to the plastic. All I have to do is take down one panel at a time and clean it and I don't have to wipe down my porch furniture every time I use it.

Now that I know the concept works I'm going to cut them down and install them in a neater fashion. It was kind of a pain to get out the screen door and it doesn't look finished so I'm going to snap them to the Aluminum screen frame.

[joseph m. hahnl]

The problem with the cheap kits is that the press is "vice grip style", not vice grip brand.



The one's from perfect fit are punch & dies only, that fit vise grips





I've used one of these before .The ease of use is worth it's weight in gold
:worthy:
http://www.donzi.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=74387&d=1358125696

[Ranman]

I have the Press-N-Snap as well. Hands down the best snap tool available. If you are a boater, you will have snaps to replace occasionally. There's no way around it.