Setting Snaps...

[Sixer]

These little things are driving me nuts! Im using Line 24, Line 20, Segma, and Glove snaps for various projects. Right now I just have the set-all kit that comes with the little cheap anvils and setting tools. I'm using a good solid surface, but can't set a good snap to save my life.

Is there an easier way to set snaps that doesn't cost a couple hundred dollars?

[Art]

Hi ???

Pres-N-Snap

$110

Works

http://www.rochfordsupply.com/shop/Upholstery_Tools/Snap_Fastener_Tools/Press-N-Snap_%28Aluminum%29_for_Installing_Fastener/index.html

Art

These little things are driving me nuts! Im using Line 24, Line 20, Segma, and Glove snaps for various projects. Right now I just have the set-all kit that comes with the little cheap anvils and setting tools. I'm using a good solid surface, but can't set a good snap to save my life.

Is there an easier way to set snaps that doesn't cost a couple hundred dollars?

[mountain man]

These little things are driving me nuts! Im using Line 24, Line 20, Segma, and Glove snaps for various projects. Right now I just have the set-all kit that comes with the little cheap anvils and setting tools. I'm using a good solid surface, but can't set a good snap to save my life.

Is there an easier way to set snaps that doesn't cost a couple hundred dollars?

what oz is your leather

[Sixer]

Hi ???

Pres-N-Snap

$110

Works

http://www.rochfords...ener/index.html

Art

what oz is your leather

Thanks for the link Art! I could probably swing $110 for something like that, but I'll need to sell a few more holsters first

Mountain Man - I'm using anything from 7/8 oz 3/4 oz Herman Oak.

Edited January 11, 2011 by Sixer

[Lwleather]

These little things are driving me nuts! Im using Line 24, Line 20, Segma, and Glove snaps for various projects. Right now I just have the set-all kit that comes with the little cheap anvils and setting tools. I'm using a good solid surface, but can't set a good snap to save my life.

Is there an easier way to set snaps that doesn't cost a couple hundred dollars?

CS Osborne makes a snap setter that I use. It's simple and pretty hard not to get them set. # 230-SET. I bought mine from The Hide House in San Dimas. It was around $13.00. Good luck.

[Chief31794]

These little things are driving me nuts! Im using Line 24, Line 20, Segma, and Glove snaps for various projects. Right now I just have the set-all kit that comes with the little cheap anvils and setting tools. I'm using a good solid surface, but can't set a good snap to save my life.

Is there an easier way to set snaps that doesn't cost a couple hundred dollars?

I use the press that Tandy sells (about $120 if you are an elite member, course then you have to buy a set of dies for the Line 20 Snaps, the Line 24 snaps, Rivets, etc, they ain't cheap), while I know you said you didn't want to spend a couple of hundred bucks, if you do a lot of these it's worth the money. They produce absolutely perfect connections every time and the resulting "curls" where the post is rolled back is perfect and looks very professional. I highly recommend them.

Ken

[lazybum]

Just wondering if anyone tried the vice grip pliers from ohiotravelbag? (T-1239). It looks like they work similar to the press n snap.

Its pretty cheap, costs around 50 bucks including the line 24 dies. Im thinking of ordering one

Edited January 15, 2011 by lazybum

[reddevil76]

I am using the Tandy kit you mentioned and have no problems currently. (is it the one which the anvil is flat, with four concave holes in it?http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/search/searchresults/8105-00.aspx?feature=Product_2&kw=setter+snap )

May I ask, beside a good surface, did you insert a piece of solid metal directly beneath the snap, between layers of leather? (assuming you couldn't always get the anvil in)

I always keep a 1"X1" piece of steel handy, which I use beneath rivets or snaps when I am setting them, if the provided anvil does not fit (small coin pouches). And I tend to use the flat rivet more than dome head (line 24)

Also to take note, if the rivet side's head is dome, you would use the concave side of the anvil. If you are using the flat head rivet to set the snap, you should use the flat side of the anvil.

Starting out, I have once mistakenly used the concave anvil to set a flat head rivet and it wouldn't set correctly. I am thinking if that could be your situation.

Edited January 15, 2011 by reddevil76

[RobDude30]

I am using the Tandy kit you mentioned and have no problems currently. (is it the one which the anvil is flat, with four concave holes in it?http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/search/searchresults/8105-00.aspx?feature=Product_2&kw=setter+snap )

May I ask, beside a good surface, did you insert a piece of solid metal directly beneath the snap, between layers of leather? (assuming you couldn't always get the anvil in)

I always keep a 1"X1" piece of steel handy, which I use beneath rivets or snaps when I am setting them, if the provided anvil does not fit (small coin pouches). And I tend to use the flat rivet more than dome head (line 24)

Also to take note, if the rivet side's head is dome, you would use the concave side of the anvil. If you are using the flat head rivet to set the snap, you should use the flat side of the anvil.

Starting out, I have once mistakenly used the concave anvil to set a flat head rivet and it wouldn't set correctly. I am thinking if that could be your situation.

I, too, use the Tandy kit you mentioned with good success as I only set a few snaps now and then. One other tip I can add is to make sure that you rotate the tool around in a circular motion as you tap the rivet several times. Don't hit it too hard either or you will deform the snap and make it very hard to clasp together. I use a medium weight rawhide mallet and tap fairly lightly. As the others have said, if you plan to set a lot of snaps, the good tools are probably money well spent.

[Relly]

These little things are driving me nuts! Im using Line 24, Line 20, Segma, and Glove snaps for various projects. Right now I just have the set-all kit that comes with the little cheap anvils and setting tools. I'm using a good solid surface, but can't set a good snap to save my life.

Is there an easier way to set snaps that doesn't cost a couple hundred dollars?

I was buying the line 24 snap kits for $10 each, and here is what I learned:

You can get bags of 100 snaps relatively cheap. Brass is particularly cheap, but looks really nice.

Once you have the snap anvil and setter, setting the snaps by hand is relatively easy with practice.

A couple good, solid hits with a light rubber-headed hammer will do the job.

Line 24 snaps are for 5-7 ounce leather, which is roughly 2 to 2.75mm thick.

If the leather is TOO THICK, the snaps won't form or hold properly.

If the leather is TOO THIN, you will deform the snaps trying to get them together.

Different snaps are meant for different thicknesses of leather.

I use a 1/2-ton hand press (dirt cheap, $40) and the snap die and setter from one of the kits.

It's quicker than the hammer and less noisy for my downstairs neighbor

You can measure thickness with a pocket caliper like this one:

Home Depot Store SKU # 501570

(Needs lubrication, I suggest any except WD-40)

Reducing the thickness of leather is called skiving.

The Tandy super skiver requires practice to use, but it's $10.

A round knife can be used to skive, but it requires a LOT of practice and sharpening skills.

(That's where I am at, trying to learn how to use it).

I am still new to this hobby, I hope that my tips help you.

Relly