The WORST Leather Snaps You Can Buy!

[@TheCraftySmith89]

As soon as I knew I needed to work with snaps I looked you up, and of course, you delivered yet again! Thank you my friend!

[@bigstacksshop]

@xDarkmoonrising. Thank you very much my friend, I appreciate it.

[@russellayton6408]

I found a tip to get away with the longer post on thinner leather. Tap the tip of the post with a phillips screwdriver. Just enough to leave 4 light marks. You don't want any splitting. Just barely enough to suggest to the setting tool that there are 4 started points symmetrically around the post. It worked like a charm for me on the first try. Also there was no visible difference to the set stud. It was evenly set

[@bigstacksshop]

@russellayton6408 I appreciate the tip, thank you!

[@michaels2208]

Thank you. Snaps have been a challenge for me. Admittedly I bought a set from Amazon a little different than you had. This is a huge help for me.

[@bigstacksshop]

Michael, I appreciate the comment. I made this video because snaps have been a challenge for me as well, and I wanted to share my experience with you and others who might be sharing these same frustrations.

[@062809]

Ditto, new guy here. I took it for granted, I thought no big deal I’ll eventually add snaps to my projects. Now realize it’s not so simple. Thanks Big Stacks 👍🏼

[@CraftescapeTX]

This video is exactly what I needed! I have Tandy Leather snaps that just won't stay together. I need a strong snap to hold mugs and pouches on my renfest belt so they won't come off easily. Now I have a way of fixing them! Thank you!

[@bigstacksshop]

@CraftescapeTX glad I could be of help!

[@matkosmat8890]

Hey man, snaps a very sore subject for me. I've been trying to develop a coin purse inside a bifold wallet, and I haven't been able to finish it for 3 months now. I bought snaps from all over the place. Eventually, got some good line 20 and 24s from Tandy, but the really small ones are a bummer: either they are so low quality they can't even grip, or they are way too thick for my needs. I found some tiny magnets, but even they are too thick, they don't disappear in the leather. The search continues. Who knows, maybe by the time I find a solution, we will have abandoned coins in my country.

[@bigstacksshop]

@matkosmat8890 It was for this exact reason I made this video. Most snaps just suck.

[@sustorres765]

Thanks for this episode, super helpful, nice one dude 👍

[@bigstacksshop]

@sustorres765 Thank you for your feedback. Keep an eye out for a new video soon about copper rivets.

[@douglasscott3541]

Hi Big Stacks, Thanks for your video, It was my first one. Albe it farmiluar topic watching with an open mind i learnt somthing which pleased me! Over the years tight snaps have cased me mor frustration and ripped fabric than loose one s ever will. But Your tightening method was a lightbulb moment ! What if snaps could be freed the oposite way with long nosed or better yet curclip pliers! It works a treat. Looking foward to no more ripped weather covers on account of tight snaps! Thank you Scotty

[@bigstacksshop]

Thanks Scotty, snaps can be very frustrating. They were for me - and as the video shows, can still be frustrating at times. I'm not sure if you can loosen them or not, but that's a good idea I'll have to research.

[@douglasscott3541]

@@bigstacksshop Stacks, No worries mate,😉. My process was to put the jaws of rounded curclip pliers inside the rolled flange of the female snap (I could have........ but didnt say "inserted into the female part with the split ring"). Then gently press outwards, carefully working like so around the circumference in sequence (like wheel nuts). Frequently checking for fit against the male part. Previously i had used only 4 or 600 grit (Australian not US? ) sand paper to good albe it perminate effect. But a light polish dose help to so i think i shall combine both methods. My problem has been a bad combination of salt water, HD S.Steal snaps, set in light weight fabric boat awnings, predictably resulting in ripped out corners through clients yanking on tight and tarnished snaps. Chees Scotty

[@bigstacksshop]

@@douglasscott3541 Nice. Funny you mention boats, the guy who taught me how to tighten snaps was a Yamaha Outboard Master Tech and a good neighbor of mine. We live on the water as well. Nice to meet you Scotty, and thank you for the advice.

[@mypintofview]

Good idea with tighting them up! Wil do! Greets from Vienna!😊

[@bigstacksshop]

@mypintofview From Austria? Vielen Dank! My family is originally from Graz, Austria. I'm working toward making a video where I talk about all the tools my Austrian-born grandfather used that one day became mine.

[@mypintofview]

Yes! Good old Austria! And Graz is also a very nice small city. Looking forward to Austrian Tool Videos from you! Do you speak German yourself?

[@bigstacksshop]

@@mypintofview I speak a little German, learned in high school and college over 20 years ago - so it's rusty now. Nur etwas Deutsch, aber versuche ich manchmal.

[@dave5176]

I use my drum sander to grind down the Weaver style snaps for use with thinner leather.

[@bigstacksshop]

@Dave5 that is a great idea. I'm going to have to try that with my disc sadder. I just need to hold the snap firmly with a pair of pliers so I can keep my fingers away from the spinning wheel. Thank you for sharing.

[@dave5176]

@@bigstacksshop Take a scrap piece of leather, punch a hole in it, put the rivet in and back it up with another piece of leather so you don't burn your thumb. That way you don' t drop the rivet or have it flying through the air. You're welcome.

[@bigstacksshop]

@@dave5176 very awesome, thank you for the finger (& thumb) saving advice.

[@harrylime5147]

The snaps on my motorcycle jacket collar we’re not holding. Thanks for showing me how to adjust them to make them tighter

[@bigstacksshop]

@harrylime5147 Thank you very much my friend. What do you ride?

[@theartsypixie2771]

I let my husband talk me into buying a multicolor set on Amazon instead of the packs and sets i wanted from Weaver... came here to see what your opinion was after the snaps i installed on the wallet, i made my son, had the studs kept getting stuck in the button and popping off...😑. Had to run to tandys and unstitch a few parts to reinstall more durable ones that will last. 😊

[@bigstacksshop]

@theartsypixie7771 Thank you for commenting. Sounds like derp down you knew exactly the leather you needed. I hope my video helped with the small choices.

[@matthewryan8463]

Great information, thanks - I was debating those very same art store snaps for a book cover project I want to do, so good to know they come with even a mini-anvil [wish I'd known before buying a little 15-lb anvil from Harbor Freight, haha]. Although I guess I need to buy a decent set of punches too, I sort of expected that the snap kit from the art store would come with an appropriately sized punch. Bigger question about the art store ones in particular would be to see how well they hold up with repeated snapping and opening - I don't need the snaps to hold the book cover closed as tight as those Weaver ones, but I *do* want something that can stand up to long term use and at least semi-abuse, especially if they don't tighten very well. Other question - how difficult is it to take these snaps *out*, like if you need to replace them?

[@bigstacksshop]

@matthewryan8463 If you need to replace a snap, all you need to do is drill it out. I haven't had issues with the snaps wearing down, but I'm not sure if my personal experiment is enough data to quantify their overall durability. As far as that anvil, if you keep leatherworking you will definitely be glad you purchased it. It's ombre of those tools most people don't buy, but it's so very useful, especially when it comes to seeing tubular rivets.

[@christoFlair777]

I learned something today!! Thanks brother!!!

[@bigstacksshop]

@ChristoFlair777 Thank you very much for the compliment and comment, my friend.

[@tommcqueen3145]

Good show. I'd like to find an alternative to snaps and velcro

[@bigstacksshop]

Tom, have you ever tried leather button studs? They don't have the holding power of snaps, but they are a great alternative depending on what you are making.

[@carolscott4295]

I have more trouble setting Weaver snaps more than any others I’ve used. And I use a press. The post doesn’t roll well it breaks.

[@bigstacksshop]

@carolscott4295 thank you for sharing. I was wondering if the weaver snaps would work better with a press. Now you've answered my question. The craft store snaps are still my favorite to work with, I wish it was easier to find line 20 snaps there.

[@carolscott4295]

@@bigstacksshop you’re welcome. From now on, I am going to use Sam Browne studs as much as possible. More money and they have their problems as well.

[@bigstacksshop]

@@carolscott4295 why do you think you will choose these?

[@carolscott4295]

@@bigstacksshop sorry I just saw this. I like the way they look, simple to use, they have been around forever and I think on 8-9oz studs work better. The studs I bought attach like Chicago screws. No more hoping the crimp is strong enough. Did I mention classy? Snaps do have their place and I like them better on lighter leather. I’m not an expert on this stuff, just my experience. I’ve only been doing this since 2017. I learned at a leather club in Sun City Az. If I was smart enough to put a photo on I’d show you my last project.

[@achadhaamoratsim7098]

The tester is brilliant. I’m going to make one this afternoon for my revolving punch and drive punches.

[@bigstacksshop]

@achadhaamoratsim7098 Thank you so much. I love my tester, but you'll have to make a new one for every new set of punches you purchase. I bought the larger set of Owden punches a while back and have to make a new tester for them.

[@Rosie-di6ed]

I agree 100% thank you sir for your time I went with the Weaver because the Weavers are made on this side of the ocean, we once got a virus from the other side of the ocean USA👍🏻🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@bigstacksshop]

Very awesome. I'm looking forward to seeing what you make. Please tag me on Facebook and Instagram with @bigstacksshop if you post any pictures.

[@genecarden780]

You can use the Weaver snap on thinner leather by simply cutting a leather washer to make up the difference.You probably knew this but I thought I would throw it out there.

[@bigstacksshop]

I did not know this, so I learned something new. Thank you for sharing this.

[@bubbalansdale6301]

@@bigstacksshop Also for using large snaps like the weaver on thinner leather use a phillips screw driver to start your set. that will cause the post to split and roll without going crooked on you. Not necessarily right but it works. or trim the post length with a moto tool (the more correct but time consuming way)

[@bigstacksshop]

@BubbaLansdale thank you for the advice. Much appreciated.

[@AlexanderMason1]

So there’s actually different snap setters for different sizes and the ones you’re using on the Weaver ones are not made for it. There is also a different post length snaps that you can get from higher end snap makers, and the snaps you have from Weaver have longer post so you need to use thicker leather. The Weaver snaps are actually some of the best quality ones you can find. The Amazon ones are pretty low quality.(usually.) but you can’t find some decent stuff, although it usually costs a bit more. Essentially the cheapest ones are made of carbon steel that’s plated with whatever color you want. The more expensive ones are made of solid brass or stainless steel and they may or may not be plated with whatever color you like (ie Nickel plated brass) or they may also just be antiqued (making the brass oxidize so it looks like antique bronze).

[@bigstacksshop]

@AlexanderMason1 I wasn't aware you had to buy different setters depending on the brand you are using. I was informed the studded line 24 and line 20 was their own universal sizes. The post on the snap I was using was definitely too long for the thickness of leather ai was securing it on. It was designed for thicker leather.

[@metalheads228]

What is the block of (wax?) stuff that you roll the punch tip in? And why? Thanks 😀

[@bigstacksshop]

@lindaharris8154 That is a block of beeswax. I use it so when punching holes, it will free the punch from the leather easily.

[@lesolson7145]

I’m enjoying your videos. I wish I had something like this when I started 4 years ago. Just a comment about different types of snaps…. Line 20 and line 24 Ring Snaps are for different purposes than the Spring Snaps. Like you said, the shafts are typically different lengths, depending on the thickness of leather. ring Snaps are for a stronger application, and Spring Snaps are for finer. At least IMHO. 😊 Keep up the great work.

[@bigstacksshop]

+Les Olson thank you for the information. When I made the video, I was experimenting and didn't understand all the snap differences. I've since learned what line 20 and line 24 are, but spring snaps still confuse me. When you say spring snaps are for finer, what do you mean? What advantages do they bring? Honestly I think they suck, but I'm still new to them. 🤣🤣

[@JeepGeeks]

This video was RIVETING. Jeep Geeks stamp of approval.

[@bigstacksshop]

Thank you very much Jeep Geeks. I do think an actual RIVETING video may be due in the near future.

[@loublacksail1995]

The word play here is astounding. What a stud!

[@bigstacksshop]

@@loublacksail1995 I'll keep you posted 🤣🤣🤣

[@ex3qtor]

To tighten the third "amazon" snap you need to bend the tiny wire inside the socket. Put an diamond awl between the wire and the socket and lightly twist the awl. Squeazing the socket like you did here will do nothing.

[@bigstacksshop]

@Mateusz Grybczynski Wow, thank you very much for answering this question which I didn't ask, but should have. I'm going to give this a shot and maybe give the spring snaps another try. I appr3ciate it very much, my friend.

[@kobudo]

Segma snaps (the cheap Amazon ones) are the fiddliest snaps around, even the good ones from Weaver. I usually stick with Tandy’s “heavy duty” line 20 and 24 snaps, even for projects where they are overkill. They don’t rust, and are made of a stainless steel alloy. They will only work with the heavier setting set, and take more force to set securely. I have to set the anvil on my vise’s anvil, and a good set may take half a dozen heavy blows with a stout non-marring mallet. For lighter leather, you just have to trim the stems down with a dremel, which I made a jig for. Just set a line 24 HD set in a minimalist style wallet made from 2-3 oz. vegtan tonight, as a little experiment. If anything fails, it’ll be the leather.

[@thomasbeckett1245]

It’s all mechanics, if things are terrible junk it. But if it’s close, sometimes it’s reparable. Quality snaps work every time and come with the correct dies to make them fit perfectly. Bigger ones tend to be easier , smaller ones more temperamental. For gloves a medium size is best. Small are often used for shirts. And large ones are often used with camping gear. It’s nice to get something appropriate, and have it work.

[@bigstacksshop]

@thomadbeckett1245 It all makes sense. Thank you for sharing.

[@RandomJim42]

Great video!!

[@bigstacksshop]

@jimhj85 Thank you very much.

[@tedblackburn8679]

The thing about the snaps from "overseas" is they are way cheaper than the rest. But you get what you pay for. Cheap for cheap. We'd be paying the same price for the Weaver type if our governments didn't run all the company's out of town 40 years ago and send them "overseas" to use that slave labor they love so much. Now we're paying for it. Cheers from the North.

[@bigstacksshop]

@tedblackburn8679 Thank you for sharing. You hit the nose right on the head and unfortunately it is exactly what you stated, slave labor. I have an upcoming video talking about this very subject. Anyone who is interested in seeing this upcoming video should subscribe to my channel and check the notifications box.

[@tedblackburn8679]

@@bigstacksshop cool , I will definitely check that out and subscribe. Have a great day. 👍

[@bigstacksshop]

@@tedblackburn8679 thank you

[@PaulSchofield-p1t]

Watched your video and was disappointed. First snaps have two fittings the male and the female. Second, you picked the wrong winner and you owe Weaver an apology. There product is certainly more robust. The longer stud on the Weaver snap is to accommodate thin leather and thick leather. This reuires wire cutters to trim the post to the correct length for thinner leather. I would be impressed if you did this test again.

[@bigstacksshop]

@user-np5xg9be8f I can totally agree with the fact the weaver snap was a line 24 and is meant for thicker leather. Will the length of the stud affect the holding power of the snap?

[@CapitanFantasma1776]

Thanks!

[@bigstacksshop]

@CaptainFantasma1776 Thank you, my friend.

[@BirdSpotter43]

Dang, and I have the Amazon set, good advice means I need to invest in higher quality snaps.

[@bigstacksshop]

@Brian Smith They hold okay for some items, but the stuff I make I would prefer to have a better hold. Someone told me there is a way to tighten them as well, so I plan on testing it soon. Thank you for commenting.

[@dataluskazan4006]

very interesting

[@bigstacksshop]

@Datalus Kazan thank you very much

[@larrygramps1908]

Lots of snaps out there. Each has its use and limitations. The Amazon Glove snaps are for light leather and don't compare to Line 24 and 20 snaps for heavier leather. Using correct setting tools helps insure a tight snap. Some tricks for tighter fit besides washers are using a small cross point screwdriver to start spreading the center post for even mushrooming or filing down the length of the post.

[@bigstacksshop]

Thank you for sharing

[@69uremum]

Awww snap!

[@bigstacksshop]

Lol, it was only a matter of time!

[@bigbossimmotal]

I am confused, if you have no knowledge about these products, have never even used them before, don't even own the tools to set them properly, what makes you qualified to teach people about them? Or to try and dictate which snap is best or worst?

[@bigstacksshop]

@bigbossimmortal I tested the holding power of the snaps and was looking for which one held the strongest. I feel the results of this video show I was successful with what I had set out to accomplish.

[@mukoshh]

These are standard products in leather working, and the reviewer is a talented leather working craftsman. It’s like asking a plumber to test pipes or tap components: He knows exactly what determines a product to be of quality. Pretty basic review concept. We trust the wisdom of others who know more, pretty simple.

[@bigbossimmotal]

@@mukoshh As a leather crafter, I am well aware of the products. Based on your comment of him being "a talented leather working craftsman" I can only assume that you are NOT. Even if he were, how on Earth could you consider this a valid review? Using your analogy of a plumber, would it be a valid review if the plumber did not even have a torch to solder, the dies to cut threads, or the tools to crimp the pipes in place properly in order to test them? You may trust his "wisdom", and believe that he 'knows more than you', that's not my problem. I personally set the bar much higher. My comment stands.

[@bigstacksshop]

@mukoshh thank you very much my friend. I appreciate your support.

[@alocasio5896]

​@@bigbossimmotalHe took the time to learn about snaps and shared his information. Which is more than you do for the community. He's actually helpful while you're here being a pompous jackass.