AndyL1 Report post Posted March 17, 2009 Hey All, I've made a few wristbands/cuffs for a friend. The problem is he has a metal allergy and is very sensitive to certain metals. Anyone know where to find stainless steel snaps? The problem is the flat side of the snap touches his skin and he gets a wicked rash. I was also know that these tend to get rusty over time from hand washing and sweating. The stainless could fix that too. Or is there some sort of lacquer I could coat the metal with? Maybe a dab of polyurethane? My wife suggested clear nail polish, but would that last? Cheers, Andy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ryano Report post Posted March 17, 2009 Beilers Manufacturing and supply. 717-768-0174 part# 12633 5/16 SS Durable Snaps. $20.00 per 100. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Saddlebag Report post Posted March 23, 2009 A friend also has a metal allergy. Some items she puts clear nail polish on. She wears a watch with a plastic case. Yet she can wear 18k gold or higher. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tonyc1 Report post Posted March 23, 2009 A friend also has a metal allergy. Some items she puts clear nail polish on. She wears a watch with a plastic case. Yet she can wear 18k gold or higher. Oh, she's high maintenance,Eh? 18 carat gold! Tony. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DeeAnna Report post Posted March 31, 2009 "...he has a metal allergy... Anyone know where to find stainless steel snaps?...." Um, well, stainless may not be the solution to this problem, unless you know he is definitely not allergic to the metals in common stainless steel alloys. Many people are allergic to chrome or nickel, and many stainless steel alloys have these metals in them. Two common examples: 316 stainless has 10-14% nickel and 16-18% chrome. 304 stainless has 8-11% nickel and 17.5-20% chrome. Brass (an alloy of mainly copper and zinc) might be another alternative to consider. But maybe the easiest and best solution is to coat or cover the metal parts next to his skin. Paint might do the trick, but have you considered covering the interior part of the snap that will be next to his skin with a glued dot of leather? That's what I do when I make a sheath or holster and want to protect the knife, cell phone, or whatever from being scratched. Another idea would be to install a full lining of undyed "skiver" or pigskin. The "dot" method: Cut a circle of leather, oh, about 1/8" to 3/16" larger all around than the snap diameter. Use a scalpel or exacto knife to carefully skive (taper) the edges of the leather "dot" to a feather edge. Fix in place with permanent-bonding adhesive. It's a little tricky but it sure looks nice and might be a good solution for your situation. --DeeAnna Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AndyL1 Report post Posted March 31, 2009 Thanks DeeAnna. I like your solution as I don't have to buy a whole bunch of different snaps for a small job. -Andy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tashabear Report post Posted March 31, 2009 I have an on-again, off-again nickel allergy. I've had reactions to my dogtags, white gold jewelry, even the coins and keys in my pockets. The rashes on my forearms from the armor positioning snaps on my motorcycle jacket were particularly entertaining, as they were inside the lining and I couldn't reach them. Stainless steel is of the devil when you have a nickel allergy. I've used nail polish on watch backs and inside rings with excellent results. It does wear off, but it's not like it's hard to redo. The leather dot solution sounds like it'll work nicely, though. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
