Button Snap – Zipper Zoo.net

Illustrated handbag with closeup of snap closure

Button SNAP CLOSURE

an essential bag closure

While many handbags use magnetic snaps, the traditional, manual button snap is still a wonderful option! A button snap can be more secure than a magnetic snap, since you’re not relying on the strength of the magnet.

A button snap is made up of four pieces:

socket — the recessed piece that the stud snaps into
stud — the protruding piece that snaps into the socket
cap — this is the visible, ‘pretty’ backing piece for the socket
post — the backing piece for the stud, typically hidden inside your work

Once installed, you end up with the cap+socket on one side, and the post+stud on the other. All but the post remain visible in your finished bag. The socket and stud make an audible ‘click’ when the snap is closed.

You need specific tools to install button snaps. They can be installed with hand tools or with a table press and specific dies for each of the four pieces.

It is also referred to as: spring snap, glove snap, heavy duty snap, line snap, utility snap

See also: Magnetic Snap

Size Matters

Button snap size refers to the diameter of the visible cap in the installed snap. Since there are many types of button snaps, the sizing convention differs between the types. Line snaps, for example, are typically available in sizes 20 and 24. Glove or fashion snaps are listed in millimeters.

Estimated equivalents are:

Size 20 ≈ 12.5mm ≈ 1/2 inch
Size 24 ≈ 15mm ≈ 5/8 inch

Depending on the supplier, you might also have an option for longer posts and cap posts for use with thicker layers.

Question: What other factors are important to consider when selecting a button snap closure?

Answer: The most important thing is to make sure you have the proper tools to install the button snap. If you are using a table press, there should be four separate dies, each one specific to the piece it’s designed for. If you forget which die goes with which piece, make sure to find a video or instructions from your button snap supplier. Don’t try to ‘make do’ or rely solely on memory — you might end up with an inferior or faulty snap installation!

Question: Is placement important?

Answer: Yes. You want to make sure both halves of a button snap will meet and stay closed in a bag or wallet. Always determine placement based on the finished bag, and measure twice to avoid mistakes.

For example, if a bag has a flap, make sure you consider how the flap will fold over the bag and where the edge will end up. Also consider how thick the finished product will be. You don’t want to install a snap that will be strained under pressure of an overstuffed bag or wallet.

Question: Do I need special tools to install a button snap?

Answer: Yes! See all the information above for more on this.