Snaps are used to temporarily attach two layers of material. Snaps are available in a wide range of sizes and styles. The most common types of snaps include "line 24" snaps which are best for heavy-duty uses such as motorcycle, RV accessories and heavy clothing. "Line 20" snaps are a smaller version of the larger line 24 snaps and are frequently used on clothing and other medium-duty projects. Lite-duty "line 16" snaps are used on gloves and simular lite clothing. Each style of snap typically includes four pieces, the "button" or "cap" which is attached to the "socket" (female) and the "eyelet" post which is attached to the "stud" (male). In addition to the basic button cap, decorative line 24 snap caps are available in a wide range of designs such as skulls, crosses and military symbols which can add a unique look to any project.

Each size snap requires a size-specific setter and anvil tools. There are many types of hand tool setters. Clamp style setters are used like plyers to squish the post in place, many users find it difficult to keep the snap centered and straight. Basic setter/anvil tools allow setting further from edges and better control while setting. Osbourne brand setters have the reputation of being the best leathercraft tools being very durable and easy to use. In addition to hand tools, other styles of large bench presses and machine setters are available for commercial applications.

Always work on a sturdy table using a rubber pad to protect cutting tools and use setting tools directly on a hard material such as marble or plate steel to prevent bouncing while setting. A rawhide, wood or rubber mallet will provide a strong strike without damaging tools, never use metal hammers. First, determine how and where you want the finished item to snap together. It is best to pre-punch holes in the material, although some snap posts can be pushed through thinner fabrics. Place the concave anvil on your work surface and insert the button cap up-side-down into the anvil. Insert the button post into the material hole from the face side. Stack the socket, female side up, onto the button post to sandwich the material. Working from the back-side of the material, carefully line up the setter and lightly tap with inceasing strength until the button post is rolled tightly onto the socket and the snap is snug.

The eyelet and stud are set onto the second layer of material the same way as the button cap and socket. Place the eyelet post directly onto the work surface or into the eyelet side of the anvil (Osbourne anvils only). Insert the post through the material hole making sure you are applying it to the correct side of the material. Sandwich the material with the stud, male side up, and lighty tap the eyelet post onto the stud until the snap is secure and snug. Test the finished snap by snaping and unsnaping, there should be resistance without being too difficult to use. On thiner material the button post may require additional strikes using any flat-head tool to squish the rolled barrel flat onto the socket to allow clearence for the stud to completely fit into the socket. If the snap is not woking properly verify the small ring inside the socket is not deformed causing the snap to jam. If the entire snap post slipped while setting and is offset or there is damage to the snap, remove by using a drill to grind the post down and release the broken snap with plyers. With practice and the right tools, it is easy to set snaps with professional results.

LeatherRush Store: Snaps