Snap Cap Dents When Setting

[quinatt]

HELP! what is going on here?

Got some new snaps and when I put them in the anvil and start tapping to set it with my mallet, the cap gets this square shaped dent. Is it my anvil or what. Only thing i can think is the snaps arent true line 24 size and the indent in my anvil is a little small? it seems to fit like its supposed to. Take a look at the pictures and let me know what you think. Thanks

[Undeadzombiehunter]

I have had this rpoblem and still do sometimes.

I am sure it is not the anvil.

I have experienced this with cheap snaps, or when the material is too thin. I am sure what you are seeing is the internal post compromising the cap shape from inside, which could be the result of being over driven withe thin material, the post has to go back soemwhere if there is insufficient material to contain some of the post material.

Do you have a photo of the cap attched to the material, say a few mm's of leather.

Just my guess, others might have bettr explaination, I just didn't want to leave you hanging.

Tony

[raysouth]

I have experienced a very similar problem with snaps of late. What I found was indeed, related to the post. Apparently, in my case the snap cap was a two piece affair when made and the center was collapsing when struck. My solution was to take a small punch and drive the interior section down, by tapping around the post gently,until it made contact with the cap and then install. Extra work but it performed as I hoped.

Seems the post portion of the snap was weak and could not handle being struck while suspended.

Hope this is clear enough.

Could not see the underside of your snaps to determine if your problem was same as mine.

God Bless.

Ray

[quinatt]

Thanks guys. I figured it was the post material making the dent but I couldnt figure out why the shape of the anvil wasnt preventing this from happening. Heres a Picture of the backside of cap and it is a two piece design. Im gonna try and return them. I guess just because they are solid brass snaps, doesnt mean they are high quality.

I tried using a small punch this morning to tap down the post a little like you suggested Ray, and only a couple very light taps left the same square indention.

[Tree Reaper]

What make are the snaps and how much post is above the snap prior to setting?

[quinatt]

Heres the snaps I bought

http://www.ebay.com/itm/221238588333?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

They have a longer post than i usually would need but I cut them shorter so that there is only 1/16" - 1/8" sticking up. I've previously been really successful at setting snaps with the tandy anvil and setter tool. very rarely screw up the post and usually get it to roll over very nicely. This is the first time ive had a problem with the cap denting like this

[Tree Reaper]

I'd switch to pull the dot.

How are you cutting them?

[quinatt]

I cut it with some end cutters then round it back out with some needle nose pliars. These simply cant be set with the basic anvil and setting tool. Even the slightest little taps with the mallet and the post starts denting through the front of the button. I'll try and find something more solid I guess. Or invest in a better setting tool which I cant really afford right now.

[Tree Reaper]

I made a jig for trimming posts and use a twist drill to trim them down.

[quinatt]

^^ Thats a good way to do it.

I ordered a Press N Snap setter tool. I'll let you guys know if my problem gets fixed or not.