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The WORST Leather Snaps You Can Buy!

Big Stacks Small Workshop

38,299 views

Imagine you just put the finishing touches on a leather working or leather craft product just to find out the hardware you used is the WORST. It happens to me a lot, and I'm sick of it.

How do you know what is good and what isn't anymore? I decided to put three different snaps to the test. In this video, I will review an average set of snaps from a local craft store, an cheap set from Amazon, and some snaps from a premium leather supplier.

I also was taught how to tighten a snap if it's loose - I can't wait to share this with you.

If you are new to leather working or an experienced leather worjer, you will want to watch this video.

The three snaps I tested were:

ArtMinds Snaps:
https://www.michaels.com/snaps-and-se...

Inexpensive Amazon Snaps:
https://amzn.to/3bwSmMn

Weaver Snaps:
https://amzn.to/3OXOQZb

Below are some leatherworking tools like the ones in the video:

Non-Marring Hammer - https://amzn.to/37R1KZm

Cutting Mat - https://amzn.to/3wmXPgc

Punching Board - https://amzn.to/3whFZvb

Leather Punches - https://amzn.to/3PtNmHm

I am an Amazon Affiliate. If you click on these links and purchase any of these tools, I will earn a small commission off the purchase at no extra expense to you. I sincerely appreciate your support if you decide to use my links and make a purchase.

0:00 Intro
1:24 Punch Size Tester
2:17 Craft Store Snaps
4:01 Cheap Amazon Snaps
5:09 Weaver Leather Snaps
6:32 Testing All 3 Snaps
7:19 How To Tighten Snaps
8:37 Review & Closing

If you have any questions for me or personal experiences working with bogus hardware, leave me a comment on this video.

#snapsettingtool #leathersnapbutton #leathwrsnapfastners #snapsetter #snapsettertool #leatherworking #howtosetsnaps #leathersnaps

20 Comments

@matkosmat8890 3 years ago

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.

@bonniebrumfield49 1 month ago

Very good info!

@be-curious-and-kind 1 year ago

You are my HERO. I am new to leather working and this is exactly what I needed. Thank you for such a great and informative video!

@TheCraftySmith89 3 years ago

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!

@AlexanderMason1 2 years ago

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).

@robb2869 1 year ago

OMG why have I never thought of just squeezing the snap sides with a pair of pliers before!! So simple but really does the job, no more weak snaps...thank you!!

@christoFlair777 2 years ago

I learned something today!! Thanks brother!!!

@sustorres765 2 years ago

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

@michaels2208 4 years ago

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.

@russellayton6408 3 years ago

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

@RandomJim42 2 years ago

Great video!!

@JeepGeeks 4 years ago

This video was RIVETING. Jeep Geeks stamp of approval.

@genecarden780 4 years ago

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.

@cliffordmaynard6559 1 year ago

Thank you Big Stacks, that has helped me, I'm getting some from Hobby Lobby,i am fixing a friend's sheath.

@achadhaamoratsim7098 2 years ago

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

@CraftescapeTX 3 years ago

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!

@larrygramps1908 3 years ago

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.