3.29.2011

How To Install a Metal Snap


I loved making bibs for The Bubb. Something about the terry cloth was just so much fun to work with. However the only downside was installing the snaps. Although the thought of them seemed fun, it was definitely not. It took me about an hour to do each snap and many many packets of snaps (I had to take a lot of them out). I was asked to make some bibs and while I agreed and was really looking forward to figuring out the fabric pattern placement, I was absolutely dreading doing the snaps. I decided to find all the different snap install tools at the store and conquer this 'problem' once and for all. And you'll never believe that the simplest hammer method is by far hands down the easiest, fastest and just is absolutely awesome. The snaps on these bibs are just fabulous. I am so excited by them that I sorta want to come up with a project just to use more snaps!

This is the tool that I was using, it also makes eyelets, kinda like an all-in-one. That was probably my down fall. They just never properly installed with this "press".


This is the new tool. You just need a hammer, that is it. The package came with 4 snaps, but they were used by the time I took this picture (I wasn't planning on blogging about it as I didn't know how simple they would be and would want to share!)




So here are the steps to install the snaps. The diagram on the back of the package is less than helpful. First thing first, figure out where you want the socket part to be. Then position the prong part on the opposite side of the fabric and push it through, it goes really easily.



Then use a pencil eraser to push the fabric down in the middle of the snap so all the prongs are sticking up nicely.


Next position the socket part on top. Because of the grooves, you can sort of feel when it is positioned correctly because you can turn it and it feels like it is in a groove.


Position the metal tool (not sure what this is called) over it, to hold the socket in place, then hammer. I hammered probably 4 times, checked to make sure it was installed correctly, then hammered about 4 more times to make sure it was really on well.



All done!



For the other side, the snap ball, figure out where you want it to be then push the prong piece through the fabric.


Use a pencil eraser to push the fabric down so all the prongs are showing, then position the snap ball on top of it. It will feel like it is in a groove and you can spin it and it won't move when it is in the right place.



Position the metal tool on top (it has a little hole for the ball part to fit in). I thought that it would get stuck in it, but it just twists out.


Then hammer away, I did the same as before, 4 taps then check then 4 more taps.


All finished. It was so easy!





And it looks and worked so much better than any of the bibs that I made for The Bubb. I am so excited by how these bibs turned out. And it only took me about 30-45 mins to practice and then install all of them (and take pictures of the process).

8 comments:

  1. Great tutorial! I recommend putting the whole snap/fabric combo on a thick magazine or an old phonebook before hammering away. I've left plenty of 'snap shaped' divots on my worktable.

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  2. Thank you so much for sharing this! I am just finishing Halloween costumes and adding snaps the old sew on way. I needed something faster cause I have quite a few still. Off to get that tool!

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  3. Where did you buy it? I've looked everywhere for one. Am I just blind?

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    1. Hi :) I got it at Joann but I am pretty sure I've seen them at other craft stores too. And you can probably find it online as well. Hope that helps!

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  4. Where do you buy your snaps from? I am having problems finding this kind.

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    1. Hi :) See above answer...I found it in the notions section. Hope that helps.

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  5. Wonderful tutorial. Thanks. I couldnt use the pliers as it hurts my wrist. Can this tool be used to apply "the snap store" snaps? The snaps at joann seem expensive than the ones at snap store. Just wondering if the tool could be used with different brands.

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    1. Hi. Not sure? I've never shopped there before? The tool is only a couple of dollars so it wouldn't be too much of a waste to try it out. I am pretty sure it only takes metal ones and I've used two different sizes with it and it has been fine. Pretty sure plastic ones won't work with it but I've never used that kind before.

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Hi! I love getting comments :) Please email me if you have a specific question and I'll get back to you. Thanks :)

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