How to Replace a Plastic Snap With a Handheld Tool

Written By: Arthur Shi

Comments: 0

How to Replace a Plastic Snap With a Handheld Tool

Difficulty

Easy

Steps

Time Required

5 - 10 minutes

Introduction

Follow this guide to remove and replace a plastic snap (aka snap fastener, snap button, or press button) using a handheld fastener tool.

Before you begin, check the fabric around the old snap for tears or damage beyond a small hole. If the fabric is compromised, you'll need to sew a reinforcing patch before replacing the snap.

If you're installing a brand new snap, check out this guide.

If you're replacing a metal snap, follow this guide instead.

Tools

Parts

Plastic Snap Replacements

Step 1

A full set of plastic snaps consists of four parts:
Two caps
One stud
One socket
When the snap is installed, the socket and stud will lock together, while a cap holds each of them in place from the other side of the fabric.

Step 2

Follow this step if you need to remove an existing plastic snap.
Use pliers to crush the plastic snap until it loosens from the fabric.
Remove and discard the broken plastic snap pieces.
You can't reuse plastic snaps even if they look undamaged.

Step 3

Push the point of an awl through the fabric hole to clear it for the cap.

Step 4

Use your fingers to squeeze a cap pin through the fabric hole.

Step 5

Place either a stud or a socket on top of the pin.
If you can't see the pin after placing the stud or socket, the fabric is too thick for the snap. You'll need a cap with a longer pin.

Step 6

Make sure the snap is facing the correct side for the clothing item.
Center the snap components in the fastener tool. The cap should sit fully in the black die cup.

Step 7

Firmly squeeze the fastener tool handles. The white rubber head should bulge slightly from the force.
Release the handles and remove the tool from the snap.

Step 8

Visually inspect the snap. The center pin should be evenly flattened.
Pull on the snap. The snap shouldn't feel loose.
If the pin isn't evenly flattened or the snap feels loose, use the fastener tool to compress the snap again. If that doesn't fix it, remove the snap and start again.