Line 20 and 24 snaps - post bends

[Frodo]

Just a follow up

 

[DoogMeister]

Have used a small grinder to shorten the snap post when using lighter leather, such as 4-5 oz.  Not the best solution for high-volume work, but it does produce a seated snap w/o the bend you have been experiencing. 

[Wepster]

These pliers might be helpful when reducing the post...(I got nothing if you get these). I bought these, there are others out there....

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002L6HJAA/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

[NatesLeatherGds]

Thanks all. 

I ended up doing 400 ring snaps (fun!). Separately found that glove snaps work pretty good for thinner leather. 

[Doc Reaper]

Ffffffffffffffaaaaaaaaaaakkkkkkkkkkk!       First off, glove snaps suck! They have a limited life span and they are made differently today than when they were 25 to 30 years ago. I use line 20/24 snaps because they are better on wear and tear and easier to work with. If the post is too long it will bend or crack because the metal has a limited stretch capability. The post should NOT stick above its mated part or it will bend or split. The post should be slightly lower which limits the amount of metal that needs to be rolled over, limiting bending or splitting. If you needing to make them shorter use a grinder or a belt sander to get your desired length. 
     I made a jig to hold like 15 to 20 snap post. Go to your home improvement store and purchase about 6 or 7 nailers (found with the hurricane straps)  the holes found in these will allow a line 20 to fit loosely in the hole. Line 24 will require that those be made a bit larger than the hole already is, after the holes a made wider clean off the metal wire left by the drill that made the hole bigger. You can then stack the nailing plates (making sure the holes line up) and either tape the edges with good strong duct tape or  use a soldering iron and soldered the edges together so moving is limited. I started out with 3 hurricane straps cut with a hacksaw and improved the design as time went on. 
     I have about 3 different jigs for each size of snap just to have em when I need em. Use a minimum of 3 plates and have jigs with either 4 or 5 plates, maybe even  6 or.7 plates as needed, play around with different thicknesses of leather and you will find that "sweet spot" and making a large number of snaps is easy. Use another plate or wood piece to sandwich in the post so the don't fall out when grinding or sanding. I just might make a video but it is mind numbingly easy to do - unless you're Biden. If you have. Questions I'll be here. 

[NatesLeatherGds]

2 hours ago, Doc Reaper said:

when grinding or sanding.

Hi Doc! Thanks for the great info. Yes, agree on all points....

But, I'm in an apartment (small, too) -- no grinder, no sander, no power tools  a knock off dremel is best I can do. But will keep your advice in mind for whenever the dream of more space happens... sigh

Thanks again!!

[Frodo]

On 4/12/2024 at 4:43 AM, Doc Reaper said:

Can't edit this out

[Frodo]

My issue with all snaps is they are made with crappy materials,  the metal is paper thin and the post will rip out/off of the cap

they do not  last, Does anyone know where to buy well made snaps?

the chi chi stuff is