Line 24 snaps vs Pull the dot snaps

[Shorts]

Just curious in the differences between these two snaps. I'm using snaps on holsters on 8/9oz leather.

[mikeymoto]

I use pull-the-dot fasteners on 8/9 oz. leather.

The diameter of the snaps is for all intents and purposes the same. A line 24 snap can be opened from any direction and snaps firmly in place. A pull-the-dot snap can only be opened when pulled in one direction (so be thoughtful when you set them) and can only be fastened in the opposite direction, and the "standard" pull-the-dot has a lighter snap action than a line 24. I have noticed that they sell a version that is a harder snap, but I have not tried those. When fastened, the pull-the-dot snaps are more loose/jiggly than line 24 snaps.

Be careful of the eyelet post length when you buy pull-the-dot fasteners because my experience is that most online places sell short posts for work with linens. The design of the pull-the-dot stud requires a longer post! I recommend the .370" eyelet.

Also of note - when setting pull-the-dot fasteners on leather the "dot" does not get stamped into the button. You'll see what I mean about this when you get some. Not a big deal in my opinion as the direction of pull for snaps on a sheath should be self-explanatory.

I have bought happily from dotfastenersdirect.com.

[mikeymoto]

This cross-draw knife sheath is a recent example where I used pull-the-dot snaps in conjunction with line 24 snaps. The line 24 is on "top" and the pull-the-dot is on "bottom":

My design calls for the top snap to unbutton easily, so the "pin lock" can slide out and rotate away on the second snap. The pull-the-dot snap does not accidentally pull off when you're pulling on the upper snap, since the pull-the-dot only comes off if you pull "up" on it (in the opposite direction). The strap can still be removed if desired for retention-free carry, and is easily replaced.

Here you see that the pull-the-dot snap does not sit flush and so it "jiggles" a bit when fastened:

Lastly here is the difference in the look of the studs:

I stitched around the line 24 stud since it requires some force to unfasten, and I don't want the layers of leather to start pulling apart. Since the pull-the-dot fastener comes undone easily when pulled in the right direction, it does not require the same reinforcement, IMO.

Edited April 14, 2008 by mikeymoto

[Randyc]

I use a arbor type press and dies to set my line 24 snaps. Would I be able to use the same dies and press to set pull-the-dot snaps?

Randy

[mikeymoto]

Yes. I have the hand press Tandy sells and I use the line 24 dies for pull-the-dots.

[Shorts]

mikeymoto, excellent explanation and pictures. Thank you for your time.

[Randyc]

Mikeymoto

Thanks that's what I wanted to here. I never want to go back to setting snaps by hand!

BTW, great looking sheath.

Randy

[Russ]

Pull the dot snaps are very popular on commercial law enforcement gear. Personally, I hate them, as I can never seem to get them to open when I want. Maybe a snap that's been installed by someone like "us" that takes care to do it correctly opens easier. These days, I generally replace mine with 24's if I know I'm going to be opening the snaps regularly. I've done the same for some of my fellow officers. When I construct an off duty holster, I always ask the customer if they really want the PTD snaps. Some like 'em, some don't.

On the other hand, that's a great use for the PTD snaps on that sheath. Well thought-out.

[jfr04]

1. Be careful of the eyelet post length when you buy pull-the-dot fasteners because my experience is that most online places sell short posts for work with linens. The design of the pull-the-dot stud requires a longer post! I recommend the .370" eyelet.
   
2. Where can you buy the eyelets with longer posts?
   

Thanks

[dakotawolf]

• Be careful of the eyelet post length when you buy pull-the-dot fasteners because my experience is that most online places sell short posts for work with linens. The design of the pull-the-dot stud requires a longer post! I recommend the .370" eyelet.
• Where can you buy the eyelets with longer posts?

Thanks

I know this is old, but where can one buy pull the dot snaps with the longer posts? I've been scouring the internet for an hour - that's how I found this old thread.