Replacing Snaps

[Fishtales]

I needed to replace a few snaps this year on the bow cushions and the enclosure that broke off this year.
I got a snap kit from west marine that I have to say was fairly inexpensive but works very well. It has a hand crimp tool and a bunch of snaps for less than $30 and it worked well for the five that I needed to install.
The reviews are all over the place, but I was more than happy with it. Time will tell....

http://www.westmarine.com/buy/west-mari ... l--8679912

 

[suzukidave]

i highly recommend the die sets from these guys for installing snaps. they do male and female and fit over a set of irwin # 10 vise grips which will cost you $15 at a hardware store if you don't have one, and you get a bonus set of vise grips since the die set is removable. the website looks like it is from the 60s but i find they work like a pro tool on thick vinyl. i ordered just the snap die set for $15, but wish i'd ordered the other dies now.

http://www.timesavertool.com/kits.php

 

[Meanwhile]

I just got the heavy duty kit made by Timesaver. I bought online at Defender, about $78.

It looks very easy to use, I'll let you know in a week or so. I also have to mend some torn seams on my canvas. Buying rot resistant thread can be expensive. I found some PTFE solarfix thread online where they sell a smaller bobbin, just enough to make small repairs. I'm not much at sewing but I'll try it for a repair. I'm due new canvas in a year or two.

Randy

 

[1998sailfish]

This is my "go to" place for everything that has to do with zippers, fabric, snaps, upholstery supplies.

http://www.sailrite.com/#