Optimal shaft length on snaps?

[CaptQuirk]

As if installing snaps by hand isn't difficult enough... I was having issues installing line 20 snaps in 8-10oz leather, especially if it was lined. I was told to use the heavier line 24 snaps. "Cool", I thought, "That sounds easy enough!" Apparently not. I ordered some line 24s, and the website said (I think it was them) that the shaft was 5/16". After ruining several, I start measuring the shaft on the snaps. It was 3/16", and on top of that, there was about a 16th recess on the snap. Using 7-8oz leather, the shaft cleared the leather by about a 16th, maybe a 32nd of an inch. So, the shaft was just inside the snap, with a hair of clearance. I called the company back and asked about the snaps, thinking there was an error in the snaps. "No, we use them all the time on 10oz leather in the shop." Turns out that they are using a hydraulic press to set them.

So, my question is, what is the right length of shaft to look for? Using 7-8oz leather with 2-3 oz lining, these snaps won't cut it. I had a hard time setting them in about a 5oz leather, and I am using one of those punch setters and the little round anvil.

[glamb]

Just skive under it a little so that the post comes through farther.

[brmax]

These snaps I hear are sold many places in smaller qty. Honestly I use them 24's on canvas stuff and buy min of 100 generally 500 but doing one every 8" around a 30 boat you go through jus a few. I know when it is compressed it doesn't matter if its leather, canvas, nylon etc.

In some projects using different length post can fall short with "standard" studs, these standard studs actually have their center raised a bit and give tension of a sort. In some or maybe a great pick for leather sometimes is to use a "flat base"/ low base stud these will have the center flush/flat with the surface. These low base studs I use most on hard surfaces and with pop rivets on boat stuff many times so in short can give or gain a 1/16 darn near, so maybe look for these options possibly.

good luck

Floyd

Edited October 15, 2016 by brmax

[TinkerTailor]

Ohio travel bag sells line 24 snaps in 11/64" to 25/64" lengths and maybe longer of you look.

Tip one is to case the hole with a wet cuetip to soften the leather around the hole and allow it to squish some when you set the snap. This can be done in finished leather but be careful of over casing and leaving a water mark around the snap. A small water mark will be hidden by the snap.

Tip two is to modify a set of vise grips/pliers with a hole in one jaw for the post to pass, allowing you to squeeze the fastener together before you set it.

If you still have troubles, an arbor press is only a few 20 dollar bills away.

[CaptQuirk]

Thanks for the tip on wetting the hole. But nobody has actually answered the question- What is the right length for 8-10oz leather? A lot of places sell snaps, and most of them are different length from the next dealer. Anywhere from 3/16 to 5/16 is what I see, but what they say will work, doesn't always work.

[TinkerTailor]

I would get a small pack of 1/4 and 5/16 and see what works for your particular combination. It sounds like you need just a little longer because of the way you set them, I would bet 1/4 will work fine. If it is too long you may find the snaps don't close properly after they are set, usually a few more wacks will take care of this. Don't try to cut them, it is either a pain in the donkey or looks like donkey waste....

[brmax]

This   http://www.rochfordsupply.com/shop/Upholstery_Tools/Snap_Fastener_Tools/Pres-N-Snap_(Aluminum)_for_Installing_Fasteners/index.html

snap tool is the cats az for my boat canvas work, it truly only sucs when it falls into the drink, and when your eighty miles away from shop its a cost for sure, but a very cheap item in some situations that I cannot graciously explain anywhere. I have added another new one if that explains it.

Let me give it a try what your asking, but as I mentioned the flat or low base few people sell, but may be an item to chase down.

I use Scovill mfg for snaps

ok with total veg thickness listed with the two layers roughly 8-9oz follows, this is crimped with tool above. I think using the mallet with a die set can work perfectly fine with this listed.

1. snap button with brass post 5/16 with std spring, total .280"/2veg.

2. flat back post, nickel plated w 3/8"post-other side using standard stud base works best, total .262/2veg.

3. flat back post, nickel plated w 3/8"post-other side using "lowbase" stud, at total .275"/2veg. this is great, easy setup but to loose, This setup works good though use of "another" separate purchased die, the low base die 8662 and just gives a variable.

The veg-tan initially compresses so if doing this somehow prior, can be used as I'm sure many no that trick

good day there

Floyd

 

 

Edited October 16, 2016 by Art
By Mod at request of poster -- Art

[NVLeatherWorx]

For the future you may want to purchase your snap components from Ohio Travel Bag as you actually purchase each piece separately which allows you to buy a range of shaft lengths to accommodate every thing you will need.  To ensure you have adequate security when set you should at having at least 3/32" of shaft penetrating into the corresponding clasp/ring before you set it.  OTB has a few options that make it easier to meet these needs and these apply to both their Line 20 and Line 24 series snap parts.  When you purchase your snaps from any other source you are just paying them for whatever set make-up they have put together into one bag and have to hope that it was done with some forethought (which rarely is the case).

Good luck with your endeavors.

 

[CaptQuirk]

Ok, thanks guys. Those are the answers I was looking for. It isn't as much a matter of where I buy, as much as what length I buy. I really don't have the money to spend on more advanced tools at this point, as it is still in "hobby" stage. Sure, I am making and selling, and want to insure the best quality that I can... and I should be able to do that with basic tools. But at least I know what to look for before buying, and I owe you folks for that.

[Studio-N]

On 10/15/2016 at 7:11 PM, CaptQuirk said:

Thanks for the tip on wetting the hole. But nobody has actually answered the question- What is the right length for 8-10oz leather? A lot of places sell snaps, and most of them are different length from the next dealer. Anywhere from 3/16 to 5/16 is what I see, but what they say will work, doesn't always work.

do the math.  the leather is 10 oz (10/64th). the snap ring thickness is probably 2/64th.  You need a good 1/8" to roll over nicely and hold well. And any material you're lining with.

So - 10+2+8 is 20/64th or 5/16th as a minimum without having to fight it.  Larger with a lining material. so the 25/64 Tinker mentioned should work. and you can always snip them smaller for thin work.

[CaptQuirk]

I don't work with 64ths, as I can't see that small anymore Seriously though, I'm going on THEIR word that the leather is actually 8oz, or 10oz, or whatever it is that I order. I don't have calipers to measure it out, and my ruler goes as far as 16th's. Anything smaller would be just a blur anyways. But thanks for your input as well.

[TinkerTailor]

2 hours ago, CaptQuirk said:

I don't work with 64ths, as I can't see that small anymore Seriously though, I'm going on THEIR word that the leather is actually 8oz, or 10oz, or whatever it is that I order. I don't have calipers to measure it out, and my ruler goes as far as 16th's. Anything smaller would be just a blur anyways. But thanks for your input as well.

A penny is 3/64 thick which is the same as 3 ounces in leather. 3 pennies thick should be ~9 ounces.