
Repairing a boat canvas snap stud can be a simple process that doesn't require a professional. The first step is to assess the damage. If the snap has pulled out clean, you can simply install a new one. However, if there is tearing, you will need to sew or glue a patch to the underside of the fabric before installing the new snap. The patch should be at least four times bigger than the hole. You can then use a snap repair kit, which includes a basic pliers-like tool, or a setting tool and anvil, which you rap with a hammer to set the snap. If you are gluing, you will need to weight or clamp the patch for several hours. If sewing, use a good-size needle and, if possible, remove the canvas from the boat.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Common causes of snap repairs | Snaps pulling out from boat covers and tops, especially in autumn when dropping temperatures cause fabrics to contract and stress snaps |
Tools required | Snap setter, sharp scissors, sharp pencil, chalk, flat head screwdriver with narrow 1/4” tip, hammer or mallet, block of wood – end grain, cobalt or titanium drill bits 1/8”, 9/64”, 5/32”, 3/16”, plastic wall anchors 8-10 x 3/4” for enlarged holes in the fiberglass |
Common snap types | Dot® Fasteners, stainless steel, black, Lift-The-Dot, Twist-Lock |
Patching | Sew a patch four times the area of the hole onto the back of the canvas first |
Snap replacement steps | Insert the post of the dome through the hole, place the female section of the snap onto the post, place the punch or “set” onto the post and hit with a hammer to deform the post down onto the dome |
Temporary replacement | Place a patch behind the hole that is not sewn in place |
Snap kit | 30pc Screw-in Snap Stud Replacement Kit with Tools - Boat Covers, Canvas |
Snap repair difficulty | Easy, can be done by yourself |
What You'll Learn
Repairing a pulled snap
Firstly, it is important to reinforce the canvas where the snap will be installed to ensure it doesn't rip through the fabric again. If the snap has pulled through from a tear or an enlarged hole, a patch will need to be sewn onto the canvas before setting a new snap. The patch should be four times the area of the hole and sewn onto the back of the canvas.
Next, place the anvil or die on a flat, stable surface, such as a scrap piece of plywood, that can withstand the blow from a hammer. Insert the post of the "dome" through the hole in the canvas. Place the female section of the snap onto the post and smooth out any wrinkles or puckers in the canvas. Then, place the punch or "set" onto the post and, with a firm rap, hit the punch to deform the post down onto the dome.
If the hole is not too large where the snap pulled out, a temporary replacement can be achieved by placing a patch behind the hole without sewing it in place, although sewing it is better.
If you think your snaps are in danger of ripping out, a preventative measure is to tighten them by re-crimping the rivet with a Pres-N-Snap® Tool.
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Using a snap extender
If you're looking to repair your boat canvas snap studs, you may want to consider using a snap extender. This nifty device can help bridge the gap between a snap fastener stud and a snap fastener socket, which is especially useful if your canvas cover has shrunk.
- Identify the snap fastener stud on your boat and the snap fastener socket on your canvas cover.
- Take the snap extender and locate the socket end and the stud end.
- Snap the socket end of the snap extender onto the snap fastener stud on your boat. Ensure a secure connection.
- Locate the snap fastener stud on your boat and snap the stud end of the snap extender onto it. Again, ensure a secure connection.
- Adjust the snap extender as needed to achieve the desired tension and fit.
- If necessary, you can use multiple snap extenders to bridge larger gaps or reinforce the connection.
- Check the manufacturer's instructions for any additional steps or precautions specific to your snap extender.
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Sewing a patch
Step 1: Assess the Damage
Before starting the repair, it is important to assess the state of your boat cover. If it is old, you may need to consider replacing it entirely. However, if you decide to repair it, you should identify the cause of the damage. If chafing caused the rip, you will need to reinforce the area to prevent future damage.
Step 2: Prepare the Patch
If the damage was caused by external forces, you can patch the outside of the canvas using the same material as the cover. If the hole was caused by chafing, patch the inside with a chafe-resistant material like Shelter-Rite® vinyl or SureRite™ and use the same cover material on the outside. Cut a rectangle around the rip in your canvas, and then cut a slit at each corner. Fold the edges of the patch under and sew them in place.
Step 3: Cut and Hem the Patch
Cut a rectangle of your new patch material (top and bottom if necessary) larger than the hole in your old canvas. Hem the edges of the patch fabric. You can use a hotknife to cut out the rip and the new patch fabric, eliminating the need for hemming. However, if the patch is vinyl, do not cut it with a hotknife as it will not fray.
Step 4: Baste and Sew the Patch
Baste the patch in place on top of the hole in your cover. Then, sew around the perimeter of the patch to secure it. Use a sewing machine whenever possible for a neater finish.
Additional Tips:
If you cannot remove the fabric to take it to your sewing machine, you can use a Speedy Stitcher® Sewing Awl to sew on a patch without taking down the fabric. Alternatively, for a quick, no-sew repair, try Tear-Aid® Fabric Repair Patches (Type A). These adhesive-backed patches will create a solid, quick patch as long as they are properly installed.
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Using a snap repair kit
Step 1: Prepare the Canvas
Before installing the new snap, ensure that the canvas is reinforced to prevent the snap from ripping through the fabric. If the hole is worn large, sew a patch four times the area of the hole onto the back of the canvas. It is also important to smooth out any wrinkles or puckers in the canvas before proceeding.
Step 2: Prepare the Work Surface
Place the anvil or die on a flat, stable surface. A scrap piece of plywood laid on the ground can provide a suitable work surface.
Step 3: Assemble the Snap
Insert the post of the "dome" through the hole in the canvas. Then, place the female section of the snap onto the post of the dome.
Step 4: Secure the Snap
Place the punch or "set" onto the post and, with a firm rap, hit the punch to deform the post down onto the dome. This will secure the snap in place.
Temporary Solution:
If the hole where the snap pulled out is not too large, you can achieve a temporary replacement by placing a patch behind the hole without sewing it in place. However, sewing the patch is recommended for a more permanent solution.
By following these steps and using a snap repair kit, you can efficiently repair your boat canvas snap studs and have them functioning smoothly again.
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Installing a new snap
The first step in installing a new snap is to assess the repair. It is rare for a snap to pull out cleanly, so some form of repair is usually necessary. Tearing is common, and this will require sewing or gluing a patch to the underside of the fabric. Make your patch at least four times bigger than the hole.
If you are reusing the hole, insert the barrel or shaft of the button part of the snap through the hole from the top side of the fabric. Slide the socket part of the snap onto the button's barrel from below. If you are using a pliers tool, squeeze hard. If you are using a setting tool, make sure all is lined up and, with the canvas on a sturdy surface, deliver a sharp blow with your hammer.
If you are creating a new hole, you may need a snap extender for the female snap on the fabric to reach the male snap on the boat. Punch the hole through the canvas using a 1/8-inch hole punch or, if you don't have one, an awl. Then, insert the barrel or shaft of the button part of the snap through the hole and slide the socket part of the snap onto the button's barrel from below.
If you are gluing a patch, a product called Amazing Goop can be used, which is available from hardware stores and online. You will need to weight or clamp the patch for several hours. If you are sewing, use Tenara thread or braided fishing line and a good-size needle.
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Frequently asked questions
The easiest way to repair boat canvas snap studs is to use an all-in-one snap repair kit, which can be purchased from marine supply stores. These kits include tools that punch the hole and install the snap in one go.
First, insert the post of the dome through the hole. If the hole is large, sew a patch over the back of the canvas. Place the female section of the snap onto the post of the dome and smooth out any wrinkles. Then, place the punch or set onto the post and hit it with a hammer to deform the post down onto the dome.
Basic tools include a hammer, an anvil or die, a flat-head screwdriver, sharp scissors, a sharp pencil, and chalk. For more complex repairs, you may need a snap setter, cobalt or titanium drill bits, plastic wall anchors, and a block of wood.
Common mistakes include not reinforcing the canvas before installing the snap, not smoothing out wrinkles, and not using enough force when hitting the punch with a hammer. It's also important to use the correct type of snaps for your boat and environment, especially in saltwater.
To maintain your boat canvas snap studs, apply a light coat of Teflon lubricant or use a crayon to create a waxy protective film. Keep the cover dry before storing it for winter to prevent mildew growth. Regularly clean the canvas with warm soap and water or a commercial canvas cleaner.