New to snaps? This page has all the basic information you'll need to get started.

- Intro to Snaps

- Presses vs Pliers

- What are Snap Pliers & How do they Work?

- What's a Snap Press & How does it Work?

Intro to Snaps

Do KAM snaps comply with CPSIA regulations?
KAM plastic snaps and other plastic products have been tested for harmful substances and comply with CPSIA regulations.  Click here to view the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification.  The certification applies to plastic KAM products only, which includes plastic snaps.  Our metal snaps have not been officially tested.

What are KAM snaps made of?
KAM plastic snaps are made from polyacetal resin, a type of plastic that is stronger and more durable than other types of plastic.  Our metal snaps are made from copper with various finishes.

What is a complete snap set?
A complete plastic snap set has 4 components: 2 caps, 1 stud (also called male), and 1 socket (also called female). Each cap is adhered to a stud or socket.  For a video intro to plastic snaps, click here.

Some styles of metal snaps have a post instead of a 2^nd cap.  The cap is adhered to the socket, and the post is adhered to the stud.

A complete snap set means all 4 components noted above to make 1 complete set.   A partial set means only 1 component (ie. caps or sockets or studs).  We normally sell snaps in sets of 100.  That means 100 complete plastic sets include 200 caps, 100 sockets, and 100 studs.  100 partial sets would only include 100 caps or 100 sockets or 100 studs.

How are snaps attached to fabric?
The caps (and posts) have a long prong that stick out, while the sockets and studs each have a center hole.  The prong is poked through the fabric and then comes up through the hole of a socket or stud.  A tool is then used (either a press or pliers) to flatten the prong. When the prong is flattened, it forms a barrier which holds the socket or stud in place.

Cap prong poked through fabric

Socket or stud is placed over the fabric

Prong is flattened so that it forms a barrier to prevent the socket or stud from slipping through

Problems arise when the length of the prong is inappropriate for the fabric it is being used on.  If the prong is too short, it will not form a big enough barrier when flattened, which means the socket or stud will slide right off.  If the prong is too long, then the barrier formed when flattened will be too large and will prevent the socket and stud from clicking closed properly.

What do the different sizes of snaps mean?
It is industry standard to refer to snaps by “size,” according to their cap diameter. However, this “size” does not correspond to any actual measurements.  For example, size 20 snaps have a cap diameter of 12.4mm.  It is important never to confuse a snap’s “size” with their actual measurements. 

**Note that sizes 14 plastic sockets & studs are identical to size 16 studs and sockets--only the caps are different.

To convert mm to inches, please refer to this chart: http://mdmetric.com/tech/cvtcht.htm.

Plastic Snaps

Metal Snaps

Measurements are approximate.

What size snap should I use?
This is somewhat of a loaded question because what size is right for you depends on your particular project, the fabric you are using, the number of layers you have, and your own personal preference.  Note that there is some flexibility in which size can be used.  For example,  if you have 4 layers of t-shirt cotton, most likely size 16 and size 20 snaps would both work.

The information following is just a general guide and may not necessarily apply to every single case:

- Size 20 is most commonly used for general applications, including baby diapers, clothing, and household projects.   This is the most popular size of plastic snaps and is a good size to start with for most projects.

- Size 16 is most commonly used for baby and toddler clothing, mama pads, and multiple layers of grosgrain ribbon.  Because size 16 caps have shorter prongs compared to size 20 caps, they are more appropriate for thinner material. For example, 2-3 layers of t-shirt cotton would probably work better with the shorter size 16 caps than size 20 caps.  Also, since size 16 sockets and studs are smaller compared to size 20 sockets and studs, they have a slightly less firm (though still firm) grip, which makes them more appropriate for delicate fabric more easily prone to tearing as a result of repeated snapping & unsnapping over time, such as stretch cotton.

- Size 14 has very short prongs and should only be used for very thin material like a single layer of grosgrain ribbon or doll clothing.  Generally, size 14 caps are so short that they're best for a single layer of thin material.  Please note however that your material may be more proned to ripping over time if you are only using a single layer.  Size 14 long prong caps would be more appropriate for multiple layers.  Size 14 sockets and studs are identical to size 16 sockets and studs.

- Sizes 24 and 22 are for heavy duty applications requiring a firmer grip, such as tote bags, tarps, coats, and upholstery. Size 24 provides the firmest grip.

Generally speaking, the smaller the “size”, the shorter the prong and the thinner the fabric they should be used for.  However, we also offer long-prong options for thicker projects. 

To make it even more interesting, you can also mix sizes.  For example, you can use size 16 caps with size 20 sockets & studs.  This is what I personally do with most of my projects because my material layers tend to be thin which work better with size 16 caps, but I prefer the stronger grip and larger size of the size 20 sockets & studs.

This can all be overwhelming to the new user not familiar with snaps or how they exactly work.  Good sizes to start with for most applications are size 20 and size 16. You can play around with each size as well as mix & match them to see what best suit your needs and preferences. 

If you are unsure which size you need, you may also purchase snap samples here.

How many layers of fabric should I use?
This will depend on the length of the snap prong you are using as well as the thickness & density of your fabric.  Generally speaking, unless your fabric is unusually thick, you should have at least 2 layers to prevent the snap from ripping or pulling through your fabric.

This is mentioned above but bears repeating:

Problems arise when the length of the prong is inappropriate for the fabric it is being used on. 

-        If the prong is too short, it will not form a big enough barrier when flattened, which means the socket or stud will slide right off.  In this case, you will need snaps with longer prongs. 

-        If the prong is too long, then the barrier formed when flattened will be too large and will get in the way when you try to click the socket and stud closed.  In this case, you can use snaps with shorter prongs or increase the thickness of the fabric by adding some hidden layers at the point where the snaps attach to the fabric.

Why aren't my snaps snapping?
There are several reasons why this may happen.  Please refer to the Troubleshooting section of the Pliers or Press instructions for a detailed explanation and tips on how to correct the problem.

Why are my snaps falling off the fabric?
Please refer to the Troubleshooting section of the Pliers or Press instructions for a detailed explanation and tips on how to correct the problem.

How do I remove plastic snaps?
It is much easier to attach a snap than to remove it.  But if you have made a mistake with your plastic snap, you can try to remove it in a number of ways:

-        Apply a small amount of heat to the cap prong at the center of the snap which holds the snap together. The heat will melt the prong, which will allow you to simply pull the 2 pieces of the snap apart. You can use a soldering tool if you have one (eBay has inexpensive “soldering pencils”), or just heat up the tip of a fork tine over a flame and quickly place it against the prong to melt it.

-        Small pliers, wire cutters, or nail clippers can also be used to chip away at the sides of the snap or the snap prong until the snap breaks.

-        Use a leather hole punch tool to punch a hole around the smushed prong.  This will create a larger center hole in the attached socket or stud, which will allow you to simply pull the 2 sides of the snap apart.

-        Use a dremel/drill with a small rounded tip against the prong until the snap can be removed.

-        Place your fabric upside down under the press (cap side up) or sideways. Press down as if you were applying a snap, and it should fall off.  We have a video showing how to do this with both the snap press and the pliers here.

Whichever method you try, be sure to go slowly so that you don't damage your fabric.

Are plastic snaps as secure as metal snaps?  Do you recommend plastic snaps for baby/toddler clothing and diapers?
Yes, if attached properly, our plastic snaps are just as, if not even more secure than, metal snaps.  We recommend plastic snaps for baby/toddler clothing and diapers over metal snaps for a number of reasons:

 - Plastic snaps are more light-weight than metal snaps and will not weigh the clothing or diaper down.

 - Some metal snaps, such as open-ring grip styles, have very sharp teeth, which means if they were to fall off due to improper attachment, they can pose a hazard to your child.

 - Plastic snaps will never rust and can endure repeated washing and drying.  That's one of the reasons why virtually every commercially made cloth diaper utilizes plastic snaps instead of metal.

 - Plastic snaps cool faster than metal snaps once out of the dryer, a benefit for little ones with sensitive skin.

 - KAM plastic snaps have been tested for harmful substances and comply with CPSIA safety regulations.

 - Some children are allergic to metal.

 - Plastic snaps are significantly cheaper than metal snaps.

 - There are considerably more color variatians offered in plastic snaps compared to metal snaps.

Presses vs Pliers

What are the differences between using a snap press and snap pliers?
Snap pliers are a cheaper alternative to snap presses.  Our snap presses and pliers can both be used to attach plastic snaps. 

The benefits of the pliers are:

- More affordable.

- Works better than a press on thinner fabric (ie. 2 layers of PUL or t-shirt cotton).

- Extra dies for different sizes of plastic snaps can be purchased at an extremely low cost.

- Dies don't have to be changed for sockets vs studs.

- Compatible with different brands of plastic snaps.

- Portable so they can be used to apply snaps to large items which cannot be moved.

- Convenient for travel.

- Do not take up a lot of space.

- Do not require as much arm or shoulder strength as the press.

- Written and video instructions for pliers can be found here (also under the Tutorials link on the top menu bar).

 The benefits of a press are:

- With the appropriate dies, the press can also be used to attach metal snaps and grommets. At this time, there are no such corresponding dies for the pliers.

- There are some plastic snaps that only be installed with a press because there is no corresponding dies for the pliers.  These include, but are not limited to, pronged studs for double-sided snaps and size 24 snaps.

- The press results in a more uniform/even and professional appearance.

- With the pliers, you only have enough clearance to attach snaps to an area close to the edge of your fabric.  The press offers a greater amount of clearance for your fabric so that you can attach snaps farther away from the edge.  The press also provides a wider clearance for thicker/bulkier materials.

- If you are attaching a lot of snaps, the press will speed your work up a great deal, and can be converted into a foot press.

- The press is built to last at least a lifetime. It is unknown how long the pliers will last, but they do go through wear and tear more quickly.

- Written and video instructions for presses can be found here (also under the Tutorials link on the top menu bar).

Should I buy a press or pliers?
If you are unsure which to buy, we generally recommend pliers for personal use and a press for professional or large-scale applications.  However, a few other things to consider are:

-        If you intend to use pronged studs for double-sided snaps, size 24 snaps, or anything other than plastic snaps (such as metal snaps or grommets), then you will need a press since the pliers will only work with plastic snaps with compatible plier dies.

-        Pliers generally require less overall strength to use than the press, though the strength is focused in the hand and fingers with the pliers, and the arms and shoulders with the press.

-        Since dies are very inexpensive for pliers, you can experiment with different sizes of snaps at a very low cost using the pliers. We often recommend that you start off with the inexpensive pliers and experiment with the various sizes of snaps to determine which size will work best for your project. Once you figure that out, you can then invest in the more costly snap press & corresponding press dies.  Most people who own a snap press still use their pliers as well.

-        Fabric clearance using the pliers is significantly less than with the press.  The pliers only have a 1/4" clearance between the top and bottom dies so could not be used for very thick materials, nor can they be used to attach snaps far away from the edge of the fabric.  The clearance should be enough for most everyday projects however.

Snap Plier Basics

What do I need to start using snap pliers?
Our snap pliers already come with dies, so all you need to add are plastic snaps.  An awl (basically a large needle with a handle) may also be useful in piercing holes through your fabric before poking the cap prong through (our plier packages may already come with an awl—check the product details).  Plier sets may be purchased here.

What are plier dies?
Dies are connected to the pliers and are what holds the snap components in place so that you can attach them to your fabric.  There is always a bottom die and an upper die.  For pliers, the bottom die holds the cap and the upper “die” (ie. the metal bolt) holds either the stud or socket.   There are various sizes of dies to accommodate various sizes of snaps.

Cap dies for pliers

Socket/stud die (aka top metal bolt with rubber head) for pliers

How do I use snap pliers?
This video walks you through the major points of installing snaps with pliers. Written and video instructions, including troubleshooting tips, for pliers can be found here (also under the Tutorials link on the top menu bar)

Snap Press Basics

What do I need to start using a snap press?
You need the press machine, snaps, and dies.  You can purchase a stand-alone press here.  If you'll be using plastic snaps, we recommend buying our press bundle which includes the press, dies, and snaps here. An awl (basically a large needle with a handle) may also be useful in piercing holes through your fabric before poking the cap prong through.  This video provides a quick overview on how to use a press to install snaps.

What are press dies?
Dies are removable place holders on the press machine which hold the snap components in place so you can work with them. The bottom die holds the cap, and there is one upper die for the socket and another upper die for the stud.  The upper dies need to be interchanged depending on whether you are attaching the stud or socket portion of the snap to your fabric.  Press dies for plastic snaps are shown below.  For a video intro to dies for presses, click here.

What are the differences between the 2 press models?

Most snappers prefer the DK-98 because it is a heavier duty model.  However, both models will do an equally professional job of applying snaps.  Dies are specific to each model, so you must always specify which model you have when purchasing dies.  Here are some of the differences between the DK-98 and DK-93:

Weight	~13 lbs.	~20 lbs.
Shape	Straight handle, longer body	Curved handle
Dies	Screw-in shank. There are more dies on the market that fit this model.	Smooth shank. Dies for this model are harder to find on the open market.
Clearance	~4" from die base to body of press	~2-3/4" from die base to body of press, sufficient for most projects
Foot Kick Conversion	Can be converted to foot kick press	Can be converted to foot kick press

Can I use the same dies for the DK-93 and DK-98 press models?
No. The top (socket & stud) dies for the DK-93 have screw shanks and are screwed into the press, whereas the top dies for the DK-98 have smooth shanks and require the use of an allen wrench (included with the kit) to attach to the press. The bottom (cap) die for the DK-93 also has a wider base than the one for the DK-98. When purchasing dies, you must always specify which press model you have because the dies are different for either model.

Can I use the same press dies for different snap sizes and types?
In general, you cannot use the same press dies for different sizes or types of snaps.  If you have size 20 dies for plastic snaps, you can only attach size 20 plastic snaps and will need different dies to attach metal snaps or other sizes.  The exception is that sizes 14 and 16 plastic snaps have identical studs and identical sockets so you can use the same stud and socket dies for both sizes (but will need different cap dies).

Can I use non-KAM dies for the KAM snap presses, or vice versa?
We generally do not recommend you use non-KAM dies for the KAM presses (or vice versa) as compatibility is unknown.  If you have a Very Baby press, you may use the DK-98 KAM socket and stud dies but the KAM cap die will not fit. However, you can use the Very Baby sz20 cap die which will fit KAM caps.

Can I use non-KAM snaps for the snap presses?
The snaps must fit your existing dies.  If you have KAM dies, then there is a chance that they will not be compatible with non-KAM snaps.

How do I use the press?
Written and video instructions, including troubleshooting tips, for snap presses can be found here (also under the Tutorials link on the top menu bar).  We suggest you read the instructions before making your purchase so that you have a better understanding of the pressing process.

* * * * * If you have questions not answered here, please send us an email and we'll be happy to answer them for you.  We also invite you to check out our Tutorials section, located on the top menu bar, where you'll not only find instructions for the presses and pliers but also tutes and templates for converting aplix on diapers to snaps, adding snaps to prefolds, making fabric-covered snaps, pacifier clips and lots more!

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