Snap Repair by Owner

[Hampton]

Does anyone do their own snap repair? It seems like it would be easy to get a gun and snaps. They look like they go on like cherry rivets.

Anyone know where to get a snap gun?

 

[midway]

Something like this,

http://www.beaconfabric.com/vindex.html?cat202.htm

Then in the second block down click on Snap Tools.

 

[STIHLBOLTS]

Go down to the "Recovery Room" repair shop on Thomas Drive just up from the Sonic. Prices are very reasonable. He does make slip calls. :thumbsup:

 

[Sea Gull]

I just can't resist. This job is a snap!!!

The tool is inexpensive and the snaps are readily available.

 

[Quint4]

the 18.99 snap tools are not very good....I bought one and most of the snaps fell apart and the tool broke after just a little use...the pros use the "vise grip" type tool...although it's a little pricey.

 

[Dancin Dave]

The best investment you can make 149.99 and if you search the web you may find it for 20 bucks less. Be self reliant and feel great when you get er done. I drill out an old snap than just pop these in and press. A pros tool, no more waiting for someone to show up and do it under warranty or for a fee. I did a snap on the runner in the salon, one old snap on the dash cover and of course for my friends at the dock.

No frustratrion with this one and it will last forever. In time it will pay for itself. You can always timeshare the thing :smt043

 

[Hampton]

Thanks.

I love being independent. I need 4 snaps done on the interior of my 250, and one on the cockpit cover that was missed when they fabricated it.

I need one done on the interior of my 340, and one above the helm on the bimini. That one allows rain down on the instruments - small price.

 

[LMBoat]

There are jaws that you can buy for vise grip pliers that work. I've have them and have used them for years. I've done 2 tops, carpet runners and cockpit carpet with them. I've never tried the pro tool, but I'm sure it workss better, but I think I paid $12 bucks for the one I have. I think I got mine at Sailrite.com

 

[STIHLBOLTS]

The cheap tool you buy from West Marine is just that, cheap. It broke the 1st time out. :smt021 The pro tool is well worth the money if you are a do it yourselfer. Like the old adage says "The right tool for the job makes the job easier". :thumbsup:

 

[Hampton]

R & R contacted me and loaned me his device. Thanks!

 

[STIHLBOLTS]

Hey, it pays to have contacts in low places. :smt038

 

[Sundancer]

I went to a local upholstery shop and they gave me a tool that has a mandrell and a punch. You just hammer the snap using the appropriate pieces. It was under 10 bucks and included a bunch of male and female snaps. I've done our boat, the neighbors boat, ski helmets, replacement straps and a bunch of other things. At first I was mad that I had to pay for it, but it's worth it's weight in gold and it's part of the boat toolbox now! It's probably harder to use than the more expensive tools, but it works! The female snaps fit in the mandrel which is designed to hold it while you hammer it.

 

[Hampton]

I'm all for efficiency, but one of my snaps was on the bimini on my 340. All of my I-glass is up and attached to it. To take it down and get it into a position to hammer it would have taken at least an hour, and I probably would have damaged more snaps!

In this case, I needed a plier-type tool to get 'er done.

 

[Nehalennia II]

The most expensive thing in the world is Convenience. :thumbsup:
Yes you can call the guy to fix it.......service call etc. I took my slant back canvas into the Canvas shop I had make my towing cover and for $30 he replaced all of my 20+ snaps. Cheaper than a tool, I got a professional job and other than a little leg work to drop it off and pick it up during the winter (low boating months) it was great.

 

[Aarrhh & Aarrhh]

No problem Hampton! Let me know if you need anything else!!!!

 

[sbw1]

If you do replace all your snaps, stainless steel snaps work the best. I bought the good tool years ago because I was always pulling snaps off or the wind would cause them to loosen and fail. My last pieces of canvas, a drop curtain and an aft curtain, are going into their third year and show no signs of failure. For my money, the good tool and stainless snaps are the way to go.