Omar Khalid
Plastic snap buttons are a great alternative to traditional sewable buttons. They are easy to install, durable, and come in a variety of colours and sizes. There are two types of snap buttons: spring snaps and ring snaps. Spring snaps are gentler on fabric and look great from all sides when installed, while ring snaps are better for heavy-duty applications but do not have the same professional look. Plastic snap buttons typically come in sets of four pieces: two caps, one socket, and one stud. To install them, you will need snap pliers or a snap press machine, as well as an awl or hole punch to create holes in the fabric. Mark the placement of the snaps, pierce a small hole, separate the cap and stud pieces, and then use the pliers or press machine to attach them firmly together.
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What You'll Learn
Using KAM pliers
KAM snap pliers are a cheap and easy-to-use tool for installing plastic snap buttons. They are a good option for occasional use and can be purchased as part of a kit with snaps or separately. The pliers can only be used for plastic snaps and require more hand, wrist, and grip strength than a multi-functional press.
To use KAM snap pliers, first, prepare the fabric where you want to install the snap. Then, place the cap side of the snap into the dish-shaped part of the pliers, ensuring the cap sits snugly in the bottom disk of the pliers. The dish part of the pliers needs to match the size of the snaps, so for T5 snaps, you will need a T5-sized dish. Position the stud or socket side of the snap upward, aligning it with the top part of the pliers in the centre of the squishy section.
Once the snap is in place, squeeze the handles of the pliers firmly. Maintain steady downward pressure to keep the snap centred and ensure a more accurate fixture. You will know you have applied enough pressure when the plastic prong in the centre is flattened out and the snap holds firmly in place. If you do not apply enough pressure, the snap will come off when you try to pull it out of the pliers, so you will need to place it back in and try again.
When using KAM snap pliers, it is important to centre the snap properly before squeezing. If the snap is not centred, the squashy parts of the pliers may allow small movements, resulting in unevenly squashed prongs. This can cause the snap parts not to line up perfectly, and washing may magnify the problem, making the snaps harder to fasten and unfasten. Applying too much pressure without centring the snap can also damage the snap parts, especially novelty shapes like stars that are more delicate.
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Marking snap placement
Firstly, prepare your fabric by ensuring it is clean and free of wrinkles. This step is important as it creates a smooth base for the snap placement and installation. Utilize simple tools like a ruler and a fabric marker to mark the precise locations for each snap. Make sure your markers are clear and use a level for accuracy.
When marking the placement, consider the type of fabric you are working with. For example, when working with cotton or denim, it is recommended to place the snap close to the edge of the fabric to prevent strain on the material when the snap is closed. On the other hand, with synthetic fabrics like polyester, opt for smaller and more lightweight snaps, placing them evenly to avoid fabric distortion when fastened.
If you are using a snap button attaching machine, you will need to feed the fabric into the machine, either manually or through a conveyor belt system. The machine will then automatically position the snap parts in the correct locations according to precise feeders and guides.
For manual installation, use an awl to pierce a tiny hole through all layers of fabric to allow the cap prong to go through. This will help guide the placement of the snap components.
Remember, marking snap placement is a critical step to ensure the proper installation of plastic snap buttons. Take your time and double-check the placement before proceeding to the next steps of installation.
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Making holes for the snap
When making holes for the snap, it is important to first mark the placement of the snaps. Use an awl to pierce a tiny hole through all layers, just large enough to allow the cap prong through. You can also use a hole punch for this step, but an awl is more precise. Make sure the hole is not too big, as this will affect the final look of the snap.
The next steps involve pushing the cap pin from the front side to the back through the hole. Then, place the stud piece onto the cap pin from the other side of the fabric. The stud piece is flat on one side and will lock with the socket on the corresponding side. The plain cap of the snap button should be placed on the outside of the fabric, with the donut-shaped socket on the inside.
If you are using Babyville snaps, the specially designed Babyville Snap Pliers come with an awl for poking holes. The pliers themselves are factory-set with the necessary parts for the most common snap sizes. If you are using KAM snaps, you can use either the K1 or K2 pliers, both of which are lightweight and portable. The K1 pliers are sturdier and better for Size 20 snaps, while K2 pliers are more economical and preferred for Size 16 snaps.
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Using the snap setting tool
Place the spring socket on the cap post and then place the base of the cap inside the indent of the anvil, ensuring the socket is facing up. Now, use the snap setting tool to attach the cap and socket. The snap setting tool for the cap and socket is narrower at the end. Place the cap and socket in the tool, then attach them by squeezing the tool.
Next, you will attach the stud and post. The stud post is wider than the cap post, so you may need to make the hole a little bigger. Place the stud on top of the post, then use the wider setting tool with an indent at the bottom. Align the indent with the stud and hammer the setting tool a few times to lock it on the post. The setting tool for the stud and post is wider and has an indent at the bottom.
Finish by testing the snap to ensure it is installed correctly.
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Using a press machine
To use a snap button press machine, first prepare the fabric by laying it flat on a clean, stable surface. Use a marking tool, such as fabric chalk or a pencil, to mark the exact position where the snap will be placed. Accurate marking ensures the correct alignment of the snaps. Then, load the snap button components into the machine.
The specific steps for using a press machine may vary depending on the machine's make and model. Some press machines require the use of dies, which are tools that help with the installation process. When using a press machine with dies, ensure that you select the proper die for the type of snap button you are installing. Refer to the machine's instructions or manual for specific guidance on how to use the dies effectively.
It is recommended to practice on scrap fabric before attaching snaps to your final product. This will help you get a feel for the machine and ensure that you have selected the proper settings. Maintaining your machine is also important; regular cleaning and maintenance will keep it in optimal working condition. Always follow the manufacturer's maintenance guidelines for specific instructions.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need snap pliers, an awl, and a snap setting tool.
A complete snap button set has four parts: two caps, a socket, and a stud.
First, mark the placement of the snaps and use the awl to pierce a tiny hole through all layers. Then, push the cap pin from the front side to the back through the hole. Place the stud piece onto the cap pin from the other side of the fabric. Place the cap into the black die tray and the stud under the white rubber pressing head on the other side of the pliers. Press the two pieces firmly together.
Both K1 and K2 pliers work great for applying plastic snaps and are lightweight, portable, and easy to use. The K1 pliers are KAM-branded and sturdier, making them a better choice for Size 20 snaps. K2 pliers are more economical and preferred for Size 16 snaps as they form a flatter shape.
You can find plastic snap buttons and tools online or in fabric stores.
