How to Use the Snap Fastener Installation Tool

The Snap Fastener Installation Tool is a small two-piece setting tool for installing snap fasteners. The metal anvil has two sides. One side sets the socket and button snap fastener components, and the other side sets the stud and eyelet components. This short video demonstration will show you how to use the handy tool to install snap fastener components, as well as detail what other materials you need to complete the installation process.

This tool can be used for both cloth-to-cloth and cloth-to-surface snap fastener installations. Remember that this installation tool can only be used with brass snap fastener components, not stainless steel. We have a wide variety of nickel-plated and black-finish brass snap fasteners in stock and ready to ship.

To install snap fasteners, you will need the following items in addition to the Snap Fastener Installation Tool: button, socket, eyelet and stud fastener components, a 1/8-inch hole cutter or drill bit, a cutting block, a mallet (if using a hole cutter), and your two-part fabric assembly. If you are using the installation tool for a cloth-to-surface application, you only need the button and socket fastener components. After installation, you'll drill or screw a matching screw stud into your intended attachment surface. We carry all of these items at Sailrite^®. We're your one-stop shop for all things sewing and DIY.

Watch the video below to see how easy it is to install snap fasteners using the Snap Fastener Installation Tool.

If you'd prefer written instructions, follow the steps below:

For Cloth-to-Cloth Snap Fastener Installation

1. With a cutting block under your fabric, use the mallet and 1/8-inch hole cutter to punch a hole where you want the snap fastener installed. Alternatively, use a drill with a 1/8-inch drill hole cutter to drill a hole in the fabric. Cut a hole in both fabric assemblies.
2. Take the top fabric assembly layer. This will be the layer with the button and socket installed. Put the button snap fastener component through the hole and nest it in the die with the concave side up. Make sure the button is showing on the right side of your fabric — the side that will be facing the outside.
3. Place the socket component on the other side of the cloth. Use the installation tool and mallet to hammer and flatten the rivet.
4. Take the bottom fabric assembly layer. Insert the eyelet through the hole and nest it in the die with the concave side down.
5. Place the stud component on the other side of the cloth. Make sure the stud is placed on the right side of this fabric layer. Use the installation tool and mallet to hammer and flatten the rivet.

For Cloth-to-Surface Snap Fastener Installation

1. With a cutting block under your fabric, use the mallet and 1/8-inch hole cutter to punch a hole where you want the snap fastener installed. Alternatively, use a drill with a 1/8-inch drill hole cutter to drill a hole in the fabric.
2. Put the button snap fastener component through the hole and nest it in the die with the concave side up. Make sure the button is showing on the right side of your fabric — the side that will be facing the outside.
3. Place the socket component on the other side of the cloth. Use the installation tool and mallet to hammer and flatten the rivet.
4. Screw the screw stud into your chosen surface.