Any advice on installing snaps on a new cover?

[mrsrobinson]

Should we all wait for the OP to reply, or just keep giving him advice? We ARE good at that.

 

[MonacoMike]

If you already own the tool and use it a lot you should consider the upgrade to the "fast load" retainer.

What is that? A search on "fast load" had no results.

 

[KevinC]

What is that? A search on "fast load" had no results.

I may have confused the name - I called them fast load and I think the Pres-n-snap official name is Easy Load. Regardless this is the new retaining ring:



The squared opening makes the loading much easier and they still hold the standard cap in place.

-Kevin

 

[KevinC]

This is what you want to use to fit the snaps onto the cover.

https://www.sailrite.com/Quick-Fit-Pin-Socket-Snap-Positioning-System

I have these and have used them in the past. The pins are brass and soft and do not hold up well under heavy materials - I have bent and snapped many of them trying to get them to pierce. This is typical with GLBT visors and side curtains that have eisenglass to the edge and then layers of facing and even spray welt or webbing. I find it much easier to simply mark each with a soapstone pencil and then pierce the barrel of the snap through with the pres-n-snap tool.

-Kevin

 

[Creekwood]

When I have done my two sets of GLBT tops I used a thin point soldering iron to make the holes for the snap pins. It melts and seals the thread in the top and nylon web backing. Seemed to work and last. I bought their vice grip style tool. It is a painful workout to use.