Ironwood Pacific Snap Setter Tool for Setting New Snaps

[hiker74]

Hey all-
We just purchased a new to us 2006 Quicksilver 10.0 and it was missing 8 snaps on the road cover and 2 on the tent. I searched high and low for a decent tool to replace the snaps because I really wasn't looking forward to using the hammer and flaring tool with a wood block behind the vinyl. Looking on Amazon I found the Snap Setter tool from Ironwood Pacific. It's a modified Vise Grip type tool made by Channel Lock that Ironwood welded the flaring tool to one side and the button holder to the other side. While installing snaps (it comes with 10 complete snap sets if you select that option) I even tried to miss-align the tool to botch it up and I couldn't! Tool works great! Just thought I would share.

http://www.amazon.com/Ironwood-Pacific-Snap-Setter-Tool/dp/B00SVRXJNO

[chuck893]

That is great to hear, and something I will file away for future reference! In turn, I will highly recommend (if you don't already have one) the Top Snapper Tool. I have two, one each for my wife and me. I'm convinced that using the tool instead of your fingers saves the snaps (and incidentally your fingers). Using the tool (properly), less stress is placed on the surrounding canvas so you are less likely to pop out a snap in the first place. The short grip on the handle end of the tool is absolutely priceless for setting snaps, especially if the tent is a little shrunk. The gripper gives great leverage for hauling a snap into position (within common-sense reason), and it really shines when setting the end snaps under the bed frames. I haul down on the bimini to get slack and just lever the snap on. With a little practice it goes butter-smooth and does it with far less stress on you or the snaps.

http://www.amazon.com/Ironwood-Pacific-008-1-Top-Snapper-Snap/dp/B00GHU5PXO/ref=pd_bxgy_sg_img_z

[hiker74]

[quote source="/post/9374/thread" author="@chuck893" timestamp="1429097422"]That is great to hear, and something I will file away for future reference! In turn, I will highly recommend (if you don't already have one) the Top Snapper Tool. I have two, one each for my wife and me. I'm convinced that using the tool instead of your fingers saves the snaps (and incidentally your fingers). Using the tool (properly), less stress is placed on the surrounding canvas so you are less likely to pop out a snap in the first place. The short grip on the handle end of the tool is absolutely priceless for setting snaps, especially if the tent is a little shrunk. The gripper gives great leverage for hauling a snap into position (within common-sense reason), and it really shines when setting the end snaps under the bed frames. I haul down on the bimini to get slack and just lever the snap on. With a little practice it goes butter-smooth and does it with far less stress on you or the snaps.

http://www.amazon.com/Ironwood-Pacific-008-1-Top-Snapper-Snap/dp/B00GHU5PXO/ref=pd_bxgy_sg_img_z[/quote]Thanks Chuck. Ironwoods pacific is where the Snap Setter  tool came from as well. I may get one. I agree that the snaps under the bunks are a bear to attach. I thought maybe I was pulling down too hard to get them down there, but everything i've read about the tent over the end bunks everyone says its supposed to fit really tight

[chuck893]

Yes, the tent is supposed to be tight, plus if the fabric is wet it shrinks. Once I figured out how to properly use the tool, I realized that I had been killing myself unnecessarily, especially on the bunk ends. Below is a link to a YouTube tutorial on using it for a boat cover. It's not exactly like using it on a QS, but about 42 seconds they show the use of the "short" end to push a snap straight in. I don't use it like that (for snapping the sides of the tent or the tonneau), as I find it faster and easier to use my thumb or the heel of my hand. But for the bunk ends, whoa! I went through most of three seasons before I figured it out. With the short end gripping the snap, I (being right handed) reach up with my left hand, haul down on the bimini, and am able to use the tool as a handle and a lever to easily (!) roll the canvas and snap under the lip of the bed frame. If it's misaligned it's easy to "horse" it a little. I've discovered that the canvas has quite a bit of "give." I haven't ripped out a snap yet. If I can't quite locate the snap I can lean down and see it. Once the first one is in it's usually a "snap"(pun intended) to just move along swiftly. 

I always, always use the "long" end to unsnap all snaps. I figure that using the tool to gently lever the snaps apart is less stressful on both the snap and the canvas. So far, so good. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqNudl7pwUg

[vmcmn]

Thanks to both you Guys ! Good info !

[vmcmn]

Got to get both of them,looking to keep my 8.1 for a long time.

[sidecarmike]

I have this kit. I bought it to replace snaps on Jaguar and MG convertible tops and tonneau covers.  It will do a dozen sized snaps, grommets, buttons.  The vice grip is a cheap one, but it works fine.  As a plus, the attachments fit an Irwin Vice Grip as well.  It sells for around $50 now.  I bought mine at Harbor Freight in 1980 for $19.95 and it's held up very well.  http://www.dealnay.com/765255/snap-grommet-rivet-tool-kit-for-tarps-complete-with-over-400-pieces-boat-covers-canopies-canvas-repair-grommet-replacement.html