Canvas Snap Installation Tool

[wish2fish]

I did a google search of this site and all the posts were 3 years or older so I thought I would bring up a new thread to see if there are any newer recommendations.

I bought a new cover OEM replacement cover for my 2011 Bennington Pontoon. The snaps are not installed on the cover yet so I will need to install when the cover arrives.

Based on the previous older posts the recommendation seemed to be to buy a snap tool that looks like vice grips to do the job.

Anyone bought a tool recently that they would recommend?

Do I need to buy another tool to punch a hole in the cover for the snap? if so, what did you buy?

thanks

 

[Do Over]

this is the one you need...it's a couple bucks but you won't be sorry

http://www.sailrite.com/Pres-N-Snap-Fastener-Tool

 

[Lazy Daze]

Nah, nothing really new in the world of snap tools that I'm aware of. The Press-n-Snap is still the king, the vise-grip looking one is a good homeowner version. Search for "leather hole puncher", or similar. Any hole puncher will work for canvas.

 

[All's Well]

The one listed above is similar to one that I have used and it works very well.

The one that you would buy from West Marine is junk, it's too flimsy to take the pressure required to curl the stem on the snap.

 

[jason78]

this is the one you need...it's a couple bucks but you won't be sorry

http://www.sailrite.com/Pres-N-Snap-Fastener-Tool

This is definitely the best one out there.

 

[Quint4]

Buy the Press -n-snap.....no hole punch needed......it does it all in one action. Take your time with setting the snaps, don't be in a hurry.

Pull canvas over snap stud on boat and mark a "dot" on canvas with a soap stone pencil. Then install snap cap exactly on the dot with your tool.

 

[Henry Boyd]

While you are shopping on Sailrite, look up the quick fit pin socket snaps. They are a female snap cup that has a tack like pin.

here is a link:
Quick Fit Pin Socket - Snap Positioning System


You snap them onto the existing studs and pull your new canvas down over the pin. This allows you to go to the other side and pull it tight. If it is uneven, don't worry the pin does not damage the canvas. All you do is reposition the sides until the canvas is even. I bought a dozen when I replaced our canvas. But I probably could have gotten by with half that number because as you locate the new snaps and install, it frees up the pin socket for elsewhere.

Henry

 

[Lazy Daze]

Buy the Press -n-snap.....no hole punch needed......it does it all in one action.

You know, I've never thought to try that! Is the male snap's "post" strong enough/sharp enough (and is there enough leverage with the tool) to even go through a layer or two of canvas and a black nylon strap (used as a 'backer')?

 

[rcknecht]

this is the one you need...it's a couple bucks but you won't be sorry

http://www.sailrite.com/Pres-N-Snap-Fastener-Tool

This is the one I have, it is great...

 

[Quint4]

You know, I've never thought to try that! Is the male snap's "post" strong enough/sharp enough (and is there enough leverage with the tool) to even go through a layer or two of canvas and a black nylon strap (used as a 'backer')?

Absolutely.....will go through about anything.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Absolutely.....will go through about anything.

Excellent. Thanks for the tip!

 

[Groucho]

I have the "vise grip" style I bought from Great West. Pretty much useless as you can't get enough pressure to get a good solid crimp.

 

[Quint4]

A word to the wise........ careful around the docks with this $140 tool........they like to fall in the water and reside on the bottom.

Ask me how I know!

 

[Woody]

Excellent. Thanks for the tip!

There are other dies available for the Press n snap. What all I don't remember, but I know you can get the hole cutters and dies for grommets.

 

[MonacoMike]

Another vote for Press n Snap

MM

 

[Lazy Daze]

There are other dies available for the Press n snap. What all I don't remember, but I know you can get the hole cutters and dies for grommets.

It's funny, we've got a drawer full of various dies for our Pres-n-Snaps (it's nice to be able to borrow these tools!). I'm sure some of them are hole cutters, but I've never checked! I've always just grabbed the hole cutting tool, the P-n-S and a handful of snaps. Never thought to use just the P-n-S or different dies.

 

[eweise]

Press-n-Snap is the way to go. I have it and the vise grip style. Can't remember where I hid the vise grip one. It pretty much sucked.

 

[boltman]

To keep from falling water , use Velcro wrist bands works for for sure !!!!


Boltman

 

[melida]

Just got the Great lakes boat top's snap tool from post office delivery as I bought from them two weeks ago.
Will try in the afternoon and report back.

 

[dvx216]

A word to the wise........ careful around the docks with this $140 tool........they like to fall in the water and reside on the bottom.

Ask me how I know!

Years of working on large open oil filled transformer all our hand tools had 1/4" lanyard tied them so they didn't end up at the bottom of the transformer. A couple dollars worth of nylon cording was cheap insurance to prevent the obvious.