Sofia Martinez
KAM snaps are a great alternative to buttons as they are quick and easy to install, require no sewing, and can be installed in less than a minute. They are also bright, colourful, and fun. To attach plastic KAM snaps, you will need KAM snap pliers and awl. You can purchase these pliers from Amazon, eBay, or other smaller fabric and patchwork shops. The process of attaching the snaps involves piercing a hole in the fabric, pushing the cap pin from the front side of the fabric to the back through the hole, placing the stud piece onto the cap pin, and then using the pliers to secure the snap in place.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Installation tools | KAM pliers, Vario pliers, awl, jewelry wire cutters, glue |
| Installation steps | Pierce hole, push cap pin, place stud piece, position pliers, press firmly, repeat |
| Ease of use | Quick, easy, sturdy, no sewing, no buttonholes, better than Velcro |
| Where to buy | Amazon, eBay, fabric and patchwork shops, Kamsnap.com |
| Types | Plastic, metal |
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What You'll Learn
Using KAM pliers
To attach plastic KAM snaps using KAM pliers, you will need to first decide on your snap placement and use an awl to pierce a hole. Then, push the cap pin from the front side of the fabric to the back through the hole. Place the stud piece onto the cap pin from the back side of the fabric. Take your KAM pliers and position it so that the bottom part rests on a table. The cap of the snap will be placed into the black die tray, and the stud will be placed under the white rubber head. Slip the snap pieces into the pliers, ensuring that the cap stays centred on the die tray, with no part of the cap outside of it. Press firmly on the top handle. Finally, remove the fabric from between the pliers; the prong should now be flattened, securing the stud in place.
KAM pliers come in several sizes and shapes, so make sure to get the right one for your needs. The pin length and cap diameter can vary, and they come in various sizes commonly referred to as T3, T5, T8, etc. If you want to use different sizes, get KAM pliers that come with corresponding plastic dies in 3 or 4 sizes. You can also use Vario pliers, but you will need to buy the snap tools separately.
Manual KAM snap pliers will work just fine for occasional installation. You can also use KAM snaps with a bandana bib pattern. One kam snap set means four tiny plastic pieces: two caps for the back of the snap, which will be installed on top of the outer fabric layer, one stud, and one socket.
If your snap becomes loose, try repressing it by placing the pliers on the exact spot where the loosened snap is attached and pressing firmly to bring the two snap pieces closer together. If the snap still falls apart, you may need a different type of KAM snap with longer prongs.
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Attaching the cap and stud
It is recommended to use KAM snap pliers for this process, which can be purchased from Amazon or eBay, along with the snaps themselves. You can also buy a starter kit, which includes both the pliers and snaps. If you are unsure which size to buy, consider a sampler pack with different sizes and lengths of snaps. The most common size is 20, which is available in three prong lengths.
To secure the snap in place, place the cap with the prong facing up at the bottom of the pliers. The cap should sit in the middle of the black disk at the bottom. Place the stud over the prong, also facing up. Squeeze the pliers' handle tightly until the prong is squashed down.
Now, repeat the process on the body of the bag or case, this time using a cap and socket piece. Ensure the stud and socket are facing each other, and the two caps are facing away from each other. Place them together, align, and squeeze with the pliers. Your plastic snaps are now attached!
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Flattening the plastic cap pin
Firstly, mark the placement of the snap with an awl and pierce a small hole through all the layers to allow the cap prong to go through. Then, push the cap pin from the front side to the back through the hole, and place the stud piece onto the cap pin from the other side of the fabric. This will form the flap.
Now, take your KAM pliers. Place the cap into the black die tray, ensuring it sits securely and that no part of the cap is outside the tray. The stud will go under the white rubber pressing head on the other side of the pliers. Make sure the bottom part of the pliers rests on a table, then press the top handle down firmly. This will flatten the plastic cap pin, holding the snap together.
If you are using a table press, ensure the vertical screw behind the handle is not too high, otherwise, it may prevent the dies from bulging out enough to press the snap together. You can adjust the screw lower or remove it if necessary. Also, check that the horizontal pin above the spring coils is fully inserted through the vertical black bar and sticking out on both sides.
If you are having trouble flattening the plastic cap pin, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, ensure that the cap is securely nestled in the die before applying pressure. Each size of snap has a corresponding die, so make sure you are using the right one. For example, Size 20 snaps require a T5 die. Additionally, if you are using pliers and your hands are getting tired, a mounting base for your pliers can help reduce hand and wrist strain.
By following these steps and troubleshooting tips, you should be able to successfully flatten the plastic cap pin of a KAM snap.
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Using a cap and socket piece
KAM snaps are a great invention that make the perfect alternative to buttons. They are quick and easy to install once you have the technique down. They require no sewing, no complicated buttonholes and can be installed in less than a minute for a simple and sturdy closure.
To attach KAM snaps, you will need KAM snap pliers, an awl, and a complete KAM plastic snap set (2 round caps, 1 stud, and 1 socket). You will also need a scrap of fabric or a sewing project.
First, use the awl to poke a hole where you want to install the KAM plastic snap. Then, press the plastic snap cap through the hole created by the awl. The prong of the cap will be visible. Next, slide the press onto the cap and stud, with the cap resting in the bottom black piece of the snap (cap die). The squishy piece on top (rubber head shank) flattens the prong that’s inside of the cap, which secures the first half of the snap together. Squeeze firmly to install the snap.
Repeat this same process from the underside of your bottom fabric. Your hole should be visible from where you poked the awl through both layers. Insert the second cap from underneath the inner fabric, so the prong will be inside the garment. Place the socket onto the other side of the fabric where the prong is poking through. Press firmly with your fingers to ensure the snap is seated properly. Using the press the same exact way, place the cap inside the bottom black piece (cap die) of the press and the squishy part (rubber head shank) should be on the top where the prong pokes through.
Using your KAM pliers, press the two pieces firmly together. The plastic cap pin will get flattened, holding the snap together. Repeat on the body of the bag or case, this time using a cap and socket piece. Double-check that the stud and the socket are facing each other and that the two caps are facing away from each other. Place them together, align, and squeeze using your KAM pliers.
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Repressing the kam snap
To repress the kam snap, you will need a set of KAM snap pliers or a snap press. You can use manual KAM snap pliers if you don't have a table version. You will also need an awl or a hole punch tool to create holes in your fabric where the snap components will be inserted. This ensures a clean and precise placement.
Before repressing the kam snap, use fabric scraps to practice the process. This will help you perfect your technique and avoid mistakes. Mark the spot where you want to place the snap on your fabric using marking tools like chalk, fabric markers, or disappearing ink pens.
To repress the kam snap, first, place the cap with the prong facing up at the bottom of the pliers. The cap should sit in the middle of the black disk on the bottom of the pliers. Then, place the stud over the prong, facing up. Next, squeeze the handle of the pliers tightly until the prong is squashed down. Finally, repeat the process of attaching the socket to the other cap.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need KAM snap pliers, which can be purchased from Amazon, eBay, or smaller fabric and patchwork shops. You will also need the snaps themselves, which can be bought separately or in a kit with the pliers.
First, pierce a hole in the desired place. Push the cap pin from the front side of the fabric to the back through the hole. Then, place the stud piece onto the cap pin from the back side of the fabric. Take your KAM pliers and position the cap of the snap into the black die tray, and the stud under the white rubber head. Slip the snap pieces into the pliers, ensuring the cap is centred on the die tray. Press firmly on the top handle. Remove the fabric from the pliers; the prong should be flattened, securing the stud in place. Repeat the process to attach the socket to the other cap.
A complete snap consists of two caps, one stud, and one socket. The caps are identical and flat, and will be installed on top of the outer fabric layer. One cap will attach to the stud, and the other to the socket.
Plastic KAM snaps are a great alternative to buttons as they are bright, colourful, and fun. They are also quick and easy to install, requiring no sewing or complicated buttonholes. They can be installed in less than a minute, providing a simple and sturdy closure.
