Snap replacement

stealurface

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Aug 22, 2004
Messages
34
I have numerous snaps on my boat that are bent. I want to replace them.<br /><br />However - I can't place them in the same location. This being the case the snaps on the mooring cover won't align. <br /><br />Has anyone ever done this and if so - did you have to add snaps (female end) to the cover?
 

dajohnson53

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Apr 28, 2004
Messages
1,627
Re: Snap replacement

Snap work is easy. You can put the female part or male part anywhere you want.<br /><br />There is a tool for installing the parts ("male" or "female") onto fabric. For lack of a better term, I'll call it a "snap tool". I bought mine at a local fabric store (I believe "Joanne's Fabrics"), but anywhere that sells fabrics and sewing supplies will have both. I bought what is probably a el-cheapo consumer grade and it works absolutely fine for my boat top. I've replaced several snaps and have added a couple as well.<br /><br />You can also find this stuff at places that make and/or service boat canvas.<br /><br />Your post leads me to ask a question -why the snaps no longer align. I would try to make them align before I'd add snaps to a different location.
 

cuzner

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Feb 14, 2004
Messages
771
Re: Snap replacement

Is it the male ends on your boat that are bent? the female are easy enough replace, problem is getting the old ones out, and the holes left in your canvas. I,ve never replaced the male side, but they screw in.... should'nt be much of a problem as long as you don't damage the fibreglass removing them.<br /><br /><br /> Jim
 

gstanton

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 3, 2003
Messages
451
Re: Snap replacement

I bought a kit at one of the boat supply stores and it's great! <br />This kit consists of a plier-like devise that crimps the female caps together. The male ends of course screw in to the boat. Make sure to get stainless or you'll be replacing them again soon... and removing rust stains!<br />The kind at Wally world aren't much account - they have a pin that you hit with a hammer and splay the snap/pin out. They aren't stainless - nickle maybe.
 

dajohnson53

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Apr 28, 2004
Messages
1,627
Re: Snap replacement

Originally posted by gstanton:<br /> I bought a kit at one of the boat supply stores and it's great! <br />This kit consists of a plier-like devise that crimps the female caps together. The male ends of course screw in to the boat. Make sure to get stainless or you'll be replacing them again soon... and removing rust stains!<br />The kind at Wally world aren't much account - they have a pin that you hit with a hammer and splay the snap/pin out. They aren't stainless - nickle maybe.
The kind I got at the fabric store is like a pliers also. I would think the hammer kind would be difficult because you'd have to remove the top and put it somewhere with a flat hard surface. Probably doable if it was the only kind you could find on a Sunday afternoon when you gotta get it done. Heed his advice about the stainless snaps.
 

zoom50

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Aug 15, 2004
Messages
88
Re: Snap replacement

FYI:<br /><br />An old boater told me that flat washers on the under side of male snap will never allow snap to pull through canvas. His cover is old as dirt and perfect, so I think he has a good idea.
 
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