cosmosamson Report post Posted July 28, 2013 (edited) Hello. Relatively new to the forum and leather working. I did look around a bit for an answer but couldn't really find what I want to know... I've been using line 20 and 24 snaps and have only used the anvil/hand setter tool that you have to strike with a hammer. I am looking to buy one of the handheld plier type setters to try. I've seen a few different ones at craft stores ( Michaels, Joanne fabrics) and have read reviews on some and just wondering if anyone has used one they prefer. Or are they any good for leather? Most I'm sure are made more for fabric projects. I appreciate your help, thanks in advance ! Edited July 28, 2013 by cosmosamson Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Murf Report post Posted July 31, 2013 If you find one, look that specific one up on the internet before you buy it. I have looked at several on amazon and other places and all of them have horrible reviews. I think hammering is the next best thing to a press just because of the lbs or pressure created and the shock factor. But if you find a good hand snap setter that doesnt tweak or break when you bear down on it let me know =) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dwight Report post Posted July 31, 2013 I have a snap setter I bought at Walmart 5 or 6 years ago, . . . have used it for literally hundreds of snaps, . . . but the model I have is only good for line 24 snaps. Hobby Lobby carries the tool now, . . . it is $25, . . . you will find it in their sewing section, . . . it looks like a blue handled pair of pliers. The throat is short, . . . so you have to be careful where you place your snaps. I have heard people bad mouth the tool, . . . but when you listen to what they said, . . . they must be ham handed brutes who would break anvils with a rubber mallet. The tool is good, . . . functional, . . . and is far superior to the hammer tool sold by Tandy. Just remember, . . . squeeze it until you feel it come to a stop, . . . open it up and look, . . . you will be pleasantly surprized at the wonderful results. May God bless, Dwight Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tree Reaper Report post Posted July 31, 2013 have only used the anvil/hand setter tool that you have to strike with a hammer Are you having a problem with the above method? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cosmosamson Report post Posted July 31, 2013 Are you having a problem with the above method? It seems like a gamble a lot of the time, you make this nice thing that you spent so much time on, then go to put on the snaps and they get screwed up. I guess it just takes time getting used to the hammer anvil type, but I know I've seen a snap gun where it was quick and simple. thanks everyone for their replies. I will keep updates on what I find and try out Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
immiketoo Report post Posted August 6, 2013 Cosmosamson, if you want to buy ONE tool and be done, buy this. http://www.rochfordsupply.com/product_listing.asp_Q_ProdID_E_3390_A_SubCatID_E_505_A_CatID_E_421# You will never need another one AND it works flawlessly. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TomG Report post Posted August 7, 2013 I have a snap setter I bought at Walmart 5 or 6 years ago, . . . have used it for literally hundreds of snaps, . . . but the model I have is only good for line 24 snaps. Hobby Lobby carries the tool now, . . . it is $25, . . . you will find it in their sewing section, . . . it looks like a blue handled pair of pliers. I have heard people bad mouth the tool, . . . but when you listen to what they said, . . . they must be ham handed brutes who would break anvils with a rubber mallet. Well, Dwight.. I must be one of the ham handed ones. I bought the one from Hobby Lobby and it bent after the 2nd or 3rd use. Exchanged it and same thing. Got one from West Marine and it had the same issue. The West Marine sales guy (who has been there for years), said they have made them with lighter metal now. He gets lots of returns. I had an older plier-type double-cap rivet setter and it is made from metal 50% thicker than the new ones. Like a lot of things, manufacturers have cheapened up their product to save money. Tandy stamps are another example. Now, in all fairness, I WAS putting the snaps into thinner leather (about 7 oz) when they bent. So, maybe that had something to do with it. But the West Marine model is primarily used for canvas and vinyl on boats, so go figure. Tom Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cosmosamson Report post Posted August 7, 2013 Cosmosamson, if you want to buy ONE tool and be done, buy this. http://www.rochfords..._A_CatID_E_421# You will never need another one AND it works flawlessly. that looks awesome, and relatively affordable. thanks! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AndyL1 Report post Posted August 17, 2013 Cosmosamson, if you want to buy ONE tool and be done, buy this. http://www.rochfordsupply.com/product_listing.asp_Q_ProdID_E_3390_A_SubCatID_E_505_A_CatID_E_421# You will never need another one AND it works flawlessly. Does this work with line 20 and 24 snaps? The price is attractive but unless I'm reading it wrong I don't see where it says what size snaps the dies are for... I'm getting fairly frustrated setting snaps lately too. The posts keep bending on me even if I take my time and tap slow and light. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
