Why are Snaps so bad????

[Ledhep]

I really struggle sourcing quality snaps. They basically just pop open with the least amount of pressure. I need to build a couple of belts and I want to buy some quality snaps in a variety of colors. Lets GO!

[AEBL]

For belts: try "Chicago" screws.
If the unscrew themselves ... I will put a drop of loctite on them (Loctite BLUE, not RED - you will never get them off if you use red.)
https://www.buckleguy.com/chicago-screws/

[Ledhep]

6 hours ago, AEBL said:

For belts: try "Chicago" screws.
If the unscrew themselves ... I will put a drop of loctite on them (Loctite BLUE, not RED - you will never get them off if you use red.)
https://www.buckleguy.com/chicago-screws/

I love Chicago Screws. But ya got those peeps who just want a snap. 

[fredk]

I had the opposite problem; snaps too hard to open. With suggestions on here I solved the problem; by inserting a bar of the correct diameter into the snap socket and whacking it, opening it up slightly. The setter tool was bending the base plate into a 'dish' shape, making the socket too tight. 

By reverse logic; if you were to hit the snap socket with a setter tool so the base plate was to 'dish' a wee bit it might tighten up the snaps

[Digit]

As far as I'm aware there are two different snap designs: s-type and ring-type. An s-type snap has a ball on the male side and an opening on the female side in which two parallel spring bars are visible (on the inside these form an s-shape, hence the snap type name). A ring-type snap has an upright rim on the male side and a loose-fitting circular spring on the female side.

S-type snaps have two small contact areas between each spring bar and the ball, so they come apart easily. These are mostly used in clothes for closing pockets or a zipper cover in a jacket.

Ring-type snaps have a full circle of contact area and are harder to open and close. Depending on the material from which the spring is made, they come in different hardnesses. My supplier has snaps with a brass ring ('normal') and with a copper ring ('hard'): https://www.lederhuis.com/nieten/drukknoop.php?l=e&action=warenkorb&L=Nieten_Druckknopf

 

If you're using s-type snaps, try switching to ring-types. If you're already using those, try finding ones with different spring material, or larger ones (large snaps have more contact area between rim and spring, so they are stronger). If they still come loose too easily, try doubling up or tripling up on snaps.

Edited Monday at 06:33 AM by Digit

[MClark]

Get the LOXX Brand snaps by C S Osborne.  They will hold well.

 

[Frodo]

On 5/3/2025 at 11:16 AM, AEBL said:

For belts: try "Chicago" screws.
If the unscrew themselves ... I will put a drop of loctite on them (Loctite BLUE, not RED - you will never get them off if you use red.)
https://www.buckleguy.com/chicago-screws/

 

to release loctite use a solder iron 

hold it on the screw and the loctite will melt and let go