installation instructions FAQ & sizing
  • Illustrated wallet with closeup of rivet snap

MAGNETIC SNAP

an essential bag closure

A magnetic snap is one of the easiest and most widely used bag or wallet closures. Depending on the design, a magnetic closure can be completely hidden, only visible at the inside of the bag, have a modest ‘button style’ look, or be a defining look of the bag.

The core of a magnetic snap is a strong, permanent magnet. This magnet is what provides the closure strength and holds the two snap halves together.

These 2 halves are (usually):

  • Female part: Part with recessed center. The magnet resides inside the female part of the snap.
  • Male part: Part with raised center.

It is also referred to as: magnetic closure, magnetic button, magnetic clasp

There is also another type of magnetic closure called an invisible magnet. The set is made up of two flat magnets that are each enclosed in sealed plastic. You affix the plastic to the inner layers of your bag without sewing, resulting in a “hidden” or “invisible” magnetic closure.

See also: Button Snap

Size Matters

When you buy a magnetic snap, the size that is indicated refers to the diameter of the button. Sizes 14 and 18mm are both common.

The thickness may not always be mentioned (is not important in terms of functionality), but when slim or thin is indicated, this refers to a flat 2mm magnet, with 4mm being the standard style.

For rivet-style magnetic snaps, the post length matters. If the length is greater than the combined thickness of your layers, you will need to add some extra bulk to take up the space. You can use scraps of foam interfacing, leather, or other materials in between your layers.

For invisible magnets, the size only matters if you will be installing them near an edge, seam, or stitching path. You can trim the plastic with scissors for a better fit, but make sure the magnet is still completely enclosed in the plastic and won’t slip out.

Magnetic Snap Sizing

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

Answer:

  1. Closure Strength: The magnet’s strength determines how securely the snap holds the bag closed. Stronger magnets provide a more secure closure, which is important for bags that carry heavier or valuable items. Weaker magnets may be suitable for lighter bags.
  2. Ease of Opening: While a strong magnet provides a secure closure, it can also make it more challenging to open the snap, especially for individuals with limited hand strength. So, it’s important to strike a balance between strength and ease of use.
  3. Bag Weight: Consider the weight of the bag and its contents. Heavier bags may require stronger magnetic snaps to ensure they stay closed even when the bag is full.
  4. Quality: The quality of the magnet itself is crucial. High-quality magnets are less likely to lose their magnetic strength over time, ensuring the longevity of your bag’s closure mechanism.
  5. Testing: If possible, test the magnetic snap before purchasing or using it in your bag project. This can give you a better sense of its closure strength and how easy it is to open and close.

Question: Is placement important?

Answer: Yes. You want to make sure both halves of a magnetic closure 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. 

For hidden magnets, you want to make sure you have enough room around the clear plastic for your seams or topstitching.

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

Answer: For prong-style snaps and hidden magnets, you do not need any special tools.

For rivet-style magnetic snaps, you will need a hole punching tool as well as a rivet setting tool (or die set, for a table press) that is precisely designed for that snap in terms of the diameter and shape of the rivet cap.

For designer/decorative magnetic closures, you may need a small screwdriver if any part is secured with set screws.

Question: Are invisible magnets strong enough for a bag closure?

Answer: High-quality invisible magnets are perfectly suitable for bag closures. It’s important to know that the pair of magnets definitely has a “right” way and a “wrong” way to go together.

Even though both sides of each invisible magnet might look the same, one side makes a stronger connection while the other side makes a weaker one, often with resistance.

Since invisible magnets are installed inside the bag layers and are not on the outside of the bag, you need to be aware of the materials that will cover the magnet. Thicker leather and more layers will require a much stronger invisible magnet.

Question: How do I determine the “right” way for the invisible magnets to go together?

Answer: Trial and error! Place the two magnets together. If the magnetic connection is strong, there is no resistance, and the center magnets themselves are perfectly aligned, then those sides go together.

If there is some resistance or weakness, or the center magnets are offset at all, flip one magnet over. Now it should feel strong without resistance.

To keep from messing up the pairing later on, once you determine the “right” sides that go together, mark them with an “X”. Always remember that the Xs go together.

Common Styles

Magnetic closures are available in many different forms, from prong- or rivet-installed, to completely hidden, to elegant and flashy.

How to Apply

Select one of the following for magnetic snap installation steps.

Magnetic Snap Step 1

Step 1

Prepare by reinforcing the spots. Use washer to mark the spots where you will make slits to insert magnet.

Magnetic Snap Step 2

Step 2

Cut 2 slits and insert the prongs. Place washer over the prongs to prevent tearing later on because of magnetic force.

Magnetic Snap Step 3

Step 3

Bend down the prongs. Repeat for the other half.

Rivet Magnet Step 1

Step 1

Separate the rivet-capped magnet into four pieces. You can use some force to pull the rivet cap off each side.

There are two rivet caps, one male magnet half (with a protrusion), and one female magnet half (with a depression).

Rivet Magnet Step 2

Step 2

Line up the magnet halves and mark the placement for the rivet holes.

The male magnet half goes on the underside of a flap. The female half of the magnet goes on the main part of the bag.

Rivet Magnet Step 3

Step 3

Carefully punch the holes using a handheld tool or table press.

Rivet Magnet Step 4

Step 4

Gather the dies for the tool you will use for installation (table press or Prym Vario pliers).

There is one die for the rivet caps (C), one die for the male magnet half (A; this has a depression), and one die for the female magnet half (B; this has a protrusion).

Rivet Magnet Step 5

Step 5

Attach the dies to your tool. The rivet cap die (C) goes on the top. The magnet die (A) goes on the bottom.

We will be installing the male magnet half first.

Rivet Magnet Step 6

Step 6

Place the rivet cap through the punched hole (A) so that it is visible on the exterior of the flap. Place the male magnet half through the same hole from the other side, and lightly click the pieces together. The male magnet half should be on the underside of the flap.

Position the male magnet half face down into the die (A) and the rivet cap into die (C). Install using your tool.

Rivet Magnet Step 7

Step 7

We will be installing the female magnet half next.

Leave the rivet cap die (C) on the top. The magnet die (B) goes on the bottom.

Rivet Magnet Step 8

Step 8

Place the rivet cap through the punched hole (B) so that it is visible on the interior of the bag. Place the female magnet half through the same hole from the other side, and lightly click the pieces together. The female magnet half should be on the exterior of the bag.

Position the female magnet half face down into the die (B) and the rivet cap into die (C). Install using your tool.

Rivet Magnet Step 9

Step 9

The magnet is installed!

Invisible Magnet Step 1

Step 1

Determine the “right” way the invisible magnet set goes together.

Mark an “X” on the side of each magnet that form the strongest connection without resistance.

Remember that the Xs go together.

Invisible Magnet Step 2

Step 2

If the magnet will be near a seam or edge, carefully trim the plastic with scissors for a better fit.

Invisible Magnet Step 3

Step 3

Plan your magnet placement, keeping in mind that the Xs go together.

For example, if you are creating a bag with a flap, the flap magnet needs to be placed so the X is face-up while you are assembling the bag, and the other magnet needs to be placed with the X face-down.

Invisible Magnet Step 4

Step 4

Make sure that the Xs will go together in the finished bag.

Invisible Magnet Step 5

Step 5

Attach invisible magnets to the bag in one of three ways:

You can use glue on the plastic and press it down into place until dry.

You can cover the magnet with duct tape, either with or without the glue first.

Or you can use fusible woven interfacing the cover the magnet and fuse into position. Take care to not melt the plastic.

Do not sew the magnet in place at all.

Inspiration