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 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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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')?

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

Another vote for Press n Snap

MM

 

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.

 

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


Boltman

 

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.

 

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.

My experience with these ( I broke three)... They are CR*P...

 

Keep in mind that the "vise grips" type sold at West Marine is NOT the same thing (at least from what I've seen in there catalog) as the 'vise-grips' I was referring to. The one I was referring to is the one that Melida pictured. That one works quite well. The P-n-S is still better, but then you have to consider 'cost difference' vs 'performance' vs 'how much a typical owner will use it'.

Edit: Rod, it's interesting to hear your experience with these. I have not experienced that with them. Was it from Great Lakes? I take it that the problem was probably a bad weld of the dies?

 

I bought mine, the ones I that I broke, from great lakes... Great Lakes gave me the better one (big C) free, after I broke three... The metal cracked after about three snaps... If you squeeze hard the metal cracks and bends... If I can crack the metal, it is not very strong...

 

I have both the Press-n-Snap and Vice Grip. The Press-n-Snap is by far the best and worth every penny. However the Vice Grip is very dependent on the brand of snap used, the proper adjustment and worked very well with the snaps I purchased on Amazon. The snaps that I purchased from Great Lakes work best with the Press-N Snap tool. The snaps from West Marine sucked period on no matter what tool I used. All I can say is practice and patience in finding that perfect adjustment and you"ll get by with the Vice Grip's.

 

This very much mirrors my experience. Never had good luck with the Great Lakes vise grip tool. The Press-n-Snap worked perfectly. I would say one main reason is that both pieces of the snap can be secured in the P-N-T making alignment of the snap a breeze.

 

I have the Great Lakes vise grip tool and it worked good the first few times. Now it won't hold the snap heads and the female part comes loose after a few canvas removals. Might have something to do with the brand of snaps used since I have a bunch from different sources.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

Spend the money and get the PressnSnap. Wayyyy worth it!

 

The press and snap is worth the extra money I just got one, excellent tool, worth every penney

 

bought one on ebay new for less than 120 shipped