How to Use Leather Prong-Style Snap Setters

Prong snaps are common on leather clothing and bags.

Prong-style snaps are effective for leather and thick fabrics. The snaps begin as two separate pieces with spiky prongs. Pressure is applied to lock the prongs together and form a stable bond on the fabric. Setting the snaps is possible with a variety of special tools. Some tools function as a press and others use a hammering technique to lock the prongs. Snap setters are easy to use and the manual hammering technique is ideal for prong-style snaps.

Things You'll Need

• Prong snaps
• Washable pen
• Work bench
• Snap press
• Hammer

Instructions

1. Measure and mark the position for each snap with a washable pen. Mark the position on each side of the fabric with a small dot. The position varies based on the leather use and function.

2. Lay the leather on a hard, flat surface. Use a stable work bench or a piece of plywood on the ground for the leather work.

3. Set the cloth on the base of the snap press. Place the bottom side of the prong snap in the indentation on the base. Align the measurement with the indentation and center the marking on the snap.

4. Place the top section of the snap on the top side of the leather and align the snap on the marking. Place the top side of the snap setter over the leather with the convex circle over the snap. Push on the top side to press the prongs together and hold the position.

5. Hit the top of the press with a hammer four to five times to force the snaps together. The prongs will lock tightly. Remove the top and base of the press to complete the snap.

Tips & Warnings

• Mark all of the snap positions and double check the positions before setting the snaps. Removing the snaps is difficult and hard on the leather.

References

• Snap Source: Attaching Tools
• Denver Fabrics: Snap Fasteners
• The Snap Store: Snap Press Intructions