Changing the Stud/Socket (Top) Metal Rod:
You may have received 2 top dies. If you remove the rubber caps, you will notice that the tip on the metal bolts are different sizes. The larger one has a tip approx 5mm wide. The smaller is 3mm.
You will need the smaller one for size 20 and smaller snaps as well as star snaps. The larger one is for size 24 snaps.
If you have pliers embossed with "GF," the larger bolt also comes with a metal washer, whereas the smaller one does not. You do not really need to use the metal washer, but if you do, use it only on the smaller bolt. Do not use it on the larger bolt as it will not provide enough clearance for the size 24 snap.
Skip this step if your pliers do not say "GF" on them.
If your pliers have "GF" embossed on them and you are using size 20 snaps or smaller, this is a very important step that most people neglect to do. You will have problems with the snaps if you do not follow this step.
Using the screwdriver included, remove the top screw.
Take off the metal spring.
Pull off the rubber cap (and the metal washer, if applicable), and remove the metal bolt.
Replace with the other metal bolt (the smaller one for size 20 snaps and smaller), and put all the pieces back together.
You will need to squeeze the pliers a little to give complete clearance through the little hole for the top screw to go back through. Do not overtighten the screw. Just tighten it enough to keep it secure.
Changing the Cap (Bottom) Die:
Depending on what you have purchased, the pliers may come with a variety of cap dies. Select the die that best fits the cap you are using. If there is no die that fits the cap exactly, select the next largest die.
To change a cap die, simply use the screwdriver to loosen the screw under the die, insert the appropriate die, then tighten the screw. Do not overtighten the screw. Just tighten it enough to keep it secure.
Using the Pliers:
Please practice on sample fabric first to get the hang of it before applying snaps to your actual project. Removing plastic snaps is very time-consuming!
To begin snapping, first use the awl to poke a hole through your fabric where you want the snap to be.
Place the prong of your cap through the hole.
Place the stud or socket over the cap prong.
Next comes the trickiest part, so please practice on sample fabric first!
Hold your snap in place and center between the plier dies. The cap should be centered in the lower die, while the stud or socket should be centered under the top die. The more centered your snap is between the dies, the better the results. Then firmly squeeze the pliers closed.
If you have centered the snap properly and pressed down hard enough, the prong should be smashed down flat.
Troubleshooting & Fine-Tuning
If insufficient pressure is applied against the sharp cap prong, the prong will not flatten properly, and you will have trouble closing your snaps. In the image below, the "ball" created by the prong on the right is high and narrow--you want it flat and wide, as shown on the left. This is more likely to happen with the studs than the sockets.
Make sure you are squeezing the pliers hard enough, as well as using the correct top bolt. If you are still having a problem, or if you simply want to fine-tune your snaps, simply remove the upper rubber piece from the metal bolt after you have already applied your snap. Then re-press the snap so that the metal bolt connects directly against the prong. This will allow more force against the prong and will cause it flatten more.
Removing Snaps
If you have made a mistake with your plastic snap, you can remove it in a number of ways. You can try applying 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, or just heat up the tip of a fork tine or knife over a candle and quickly place it against the prong.
You can also try placing 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 right off. We have a video below showing how to do this with both the snap press and the pliers.
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. You can also use a dremel/drill with a small rounded tip against the prong until the snap can be removed.
Whichever method you try, be sure to go slowly so that you don't damage your fabric.
Video Tutorials
We recommend watching the videos in this order.
- Attaching size 20 snaps (for "HG" pliers)
- Attaching size 20 & star snaps (for "GF" pliers)
- Attaching size 16 snaps
- Attaching size 24 snaps
- Removing plastic snaps
