My snaps are crooked

[Warhauk]

I'm using some L20 snaps that I got from hobby lobby when I first started buying hardware for my leather. I'm not sure if it is me or the snaps causing the problem, but I just can't seem to set the snap straight. It comes out misaligned every time and all the tips and instructions I've found in videos don't really work. Setting rivets goes perfectly though. Any advice would be appreciated.

[Tugadude]

It isn't the snaps.  I've had the same issues with all sorts of snaps and have come to the conclusion it is difficult to keep them perfectly straight when setting them.  A press, designed for the task is helpful in reducing problems.  If the leather is thin and there is a lot of post exposed the issue becomes even worse.  I've seen videos on youtube that offer suggestions on how to reduce or eliminate the problem.  You might try searching for some there.

[mike02130]

 I don't use those but I do use the spring/glove snaps.  When setting them you don't wallop them with the hammer.  It's better with a series of light blows all the while moving the tool in a circular motion so that it flares the post evenly.  

[chuck123wapati]

are the posts to long for the material? if so they will bend offset every time

[jcuk]

21 minutes ago, mike02130 said:

 I don't use those but I do use the spring/glove snaps.  When setting them you don't wallop them with the hammer.  It's better with a series of light blows all the while moving the tool in a circular motion so that it flares the post evenly.  

Yes keep turning the setting tool with light taps with a mallet.

Hope this helps

JCUK

Edited December 12, 2021 by jcuk

[Dwight]

2 hours ago, Warhauk said:

I'm using some L20 snaps that I got from hobby lobby when I first started buying hardware for my leather. I'm not sure if it is me or the snaps causing the problem, but I just can't seem to set the snap straight. It comes out misaligned every time and all the tips and instructions I've found in videos don't really work. Setting rivets goes perfectly though. Any advice would be appreciated.

Go to Hobby Lobby . . . ask for their snap setting tool . . . 

It works really great on line 24 . . . and I would imagine on the line 20 as well.  And it does not make any difference how long the post is . . . if it is long enough . . . they work great.

They had a 1/2 price sale going the other day . . . bought me a new one then. 

May God bless,

Dwight

https://www.hobbylobby.com/Fabric-Sewing/Sewing-Quilting-Notions/Fasteners/Heavy-Duty-Snap-Pliers---5-8/p/109268

Edited December 12, 2021 by Dwight

[Frodo]

3 hours ago, Warhauk said:

I'm using some L20 snaps that I got from hobby lobby when I first started buying hardware for my leather. I'm not sure if it is me or the snaps causing the problem, but I just can't seem to set the snap straight. It comes out misaligned every time and all the tips and instructions I've found in videos don't really work. Setting rivets goes perfectly though. Any advice would be appreciated.

Line 20 snaps work well in 3 - 4 oz leather thickness for things like change purses. For a bit thicker leather (5 - 6 oz) like that used in a jackknife case, we could use either the line 20 snap or the line 24 snap with regular post. If you get into 8 - 9 oz leather thickness for belts, you will need the line 24 snap with the long post.

[Squid61]

I had that problem, I started placing the anvil on my poly cutting board instead of the granite slab and the problem stopped.  What I think was happening was the anvil was sliding on the granite; if I hit it just a bit too hard the anvil slipped and the post offset.  With my arthritis I can't squeeze one of those setting tools so I'm forced to use a mallet on snaps and I generally try to use Chicago Screws where I can.

[Spyros]

4 hours ago, chuck123wapati said:

are the posts to long for the material? if so they will bend offset every time

In my experience that's the problem 99% of the time.  

Unfortunately you just have to stock different snaps with different length posts and choose the correct length for every different thickness of leather. 

It just adds to my hardware anxiety LOL

[Dwight]

47 minutes ago, Spyros said:

In my experience that's the problem 99% of the time.  

Unfortunately you just have to stock different snaps with different length posts and choose the correct length for every different thickness of leather. 

It just adds to my hardware anxiety LOL

That tool from Hobby Lobby will also cure this problem.  I carry one length of snaps . . . have very little trouble with this tool.

May God bless,

Dwight