How to Attach Metal Snap Fasteners | How to Use Snap Setting Tools
Here’s a clear guide to attaching sturdy snap fasteners with setting tools—no sewing required.
Once attached, they will look like this.
These sturdy snaps are commonly used on tote bag openings, jackets, wallets, key cases, card holders, leather goods, and many other ready-made products.
They give a professional finish, but the installation itself is not difficult. Beginners can attach them successfully by following each step carefully!
You can also use special components to make your own decorative snap buttons.
They pair beautifully with leather projects, too!
Snap fasteners can be used in many ways beyond opening and closing flaps.
A removable inner section for a wallet
A detachable accessory for a handle
How to Attach Metal Snap Fasteners | How to Use Snap Setting Tools
Materials and Preparation |
Important Tips and Snap ComponentsWhat to check before you begin |
1. Attach the Top HalfAssemble the top-half components and attach them with the setting tool.🎥 Video available |
2. Attach the Bottom HalfAssemble the bottom-half components and attach them with the setting tool. |
Finish!!Final checks and finishing tips |
Materials
Here are the materials you will need:
Snap Fasteners
Snap fasteners come in a variety of designs and sizes.
This guide uses a simple round M size, the most commonly used option.
Snap Fasteners Come in Three Sizes
| Snap Size | Setting Tool Size |
|---|---|
| 10mm | Setting Tool for S Size |
| 12mm | Setting Tool for M Size |
| 15mm | Setting Tool for L Size |
Snap Setting Tools and Base
These tools are needed to attach snap fasteners.
The sets sold in our shop include two practice snaps.
The set includes two tools: one for the top half and one for the bottom half.
A base is optional, but it makes installation easier.
If you do not have one, use a thick wooden board or another hard, stable work surface.
Hammer
Awl
Use it to make a hole for the snap post.
Protective Board
Place a board or thick magazine underneath to protect the floor.
Protective Cloth
For decorative snaps, place this under the snap face to prevent scratches.
Before You Begin: Important Installation Tips ☝️
✅Difficult to remove once attached
The snaps are not difficult to attach, but they are very hard to remove afterward. Always check the position before installing them. 👉Practice on a separate piece of fabric before attaching them to your project.
✅Best suited to sturdy fabric with some thickness
These snaps may not sit well on thin or soft fabric, which can tear easily. 👉Fabric at least 1mm thick is easier to work with and gives a neater finish.
✅A simple round M size is best for beginners
The simple round M size is large enough to handle easily, making it a good choice for learning the technique. 👉Practice with the M size before trying an S size or a decorative design.
The snaps are easy to attach, but it is important to practice first so you can get a feel for the right amount of force.
How to Attach Snap Fasteners
Each snap fastener consists of four metal parts.
Match each part with the correct setting tool as shown.
1. Attach the Top Half
Step 1. Assemble the Top Half🎥 Video available
① Prepare the top-half components and the correct setting tool.
② Use an awl to make a hole where you want to attach the snap.
③ Insert the post of the snap through the hole.
④ Place the spring socket over the post.
🎥 Watch the video: Assemble the Top Half
Step 2. Attach the Snap with the Setting Tool🎥 Video available
① If you have a metal base, place it with the flat side facing up.
Put a sturdy board or thick magazine underneath to protect the floor.
(The photos were taken indoors, but if you cannot protect the floor adequately, work on concrete in an entryway or outdoors.)
② Place the assembled snap on the base.
③ Insert the setting tool firmly into the center of the snap.
④ Strike the setting tool with a hammer.
Keep the tool upright and strike it firmly from directly above.
Strike it three or four times at a time, checking whether the snap is secure before continuing.
🎥 Watch the video: Attach the Snap with the Setting Tool
For decorative snaps…
Place a protective cloth under the snap face to help prevent scratches. ☝️
Did it set securely?
If the post has flattened and the snap is firmly attached, you’re good to go!
Check that the snap is not crooked and that its surface has not warped. દᵕ̈૩🪡
Practice on scrap fabric first to find the right amount of force before attaching the snap to your project.
2. Attach the Bottom Half
Step 1. Assemble the Bottom Half
The bottom half uses different components and a different setting tool, but the basic installation method is the same as for the top half.
① Use an awl to make a hole where you want to attach the snap, then insert the component with the post through the hole.
② Place the component with the small raised center over the post.
Step 2. Attach the Snap with the Setting Tool
① If you have a metal base, place it with the flat side facing up.
② Place the assembled snap on the base.
③ Position the concave end of the setting tool over the raised center.
④ Strike the setting tool with a hammer.
Once both halves are attached…
Snap them together and open and close them several times. Check for looseness and make sure neither half comes off.
If they do not connect properly or are extremely difficult to open, one of the components may have become misshapen while being set.
Do not force the snap open. Check that each component is attached correctly.
Final Step
The snap fastener is now attached!
Great job!
Once you get used to the process, snap fasteners are easier to attach than they may look.
After you have successfully attached an M-size snap, try a flower-shaped design or a smaller S-size snap. દᵕ̈૩✨
Here are a few final points to check.
✅Check that the snap is straight
The top half looks neat when it sits straight and flat against the fabric.
👉If it is slightly crooked, cover the snap with a piece of cloth and tap it gently with a hammer. This may help straighten it.
Be very careful not to strike it too hard.
(2013.10.14 Mayuka Morimoto)
