I recently needed a tool to install heavy-duty snap buttons on a tarp. Though I had no specific tool in mind, I knew I did not want anything expensive. Secondly, it had to be pliers, because as you know, I am a self-proclaimed pliersman!
So, my search online led me to a variety of snap button pliers kits. All of which offered a decent array of 15mm snap button sets. Enough to kickstart the project. Moreover, each of the kits came complete with all the necessary accessories for punching holes and setting the metal snap buttons.
Why I Picked AnnYun Snap Button Kit
But the best deal for me was the AnnYun snap button pliers kit. It came with the most snap button sets – 40 sets. Secondly, the AnnYun kit was the least expensive, (only $20 on Amazon). This kit offered enough snap buttons to add to my tarp and my favorite puffer coat that the zipper broke.
AnnYun Snap Fastener Kit Review
After using the AnnYun fastener kit successfully for my little project, I decided to share my experience with it to help a future buyer like you. So, this is my honest review of the kit.
The AnnYun snap fastener kit stands out for its quality construction, unbeatable price, and comprehensive components, including:
- Vice grip-style snap button pliers
- 3 setting dies
- 40 sets of snap buttons (comprising 40 screw, 40 socket, 80 cap, 40 female, and 40 male snaps)
Here’s my assessment of the kit across various factors:
Ease of Use:
Transitioning from the old-fashioned hammer-and-punch method to these pliers made snap fastener installation remarkably smoother. Although there is a slight learning curve, it was easy to master the technique of assembling the buttons with some practice.
Price
The AnnYun snap fastener kit offers exceptional value at only $20. It provides more than enough snap buttons for a small snap fastener replacement project.
And if you run out of the button sets that come with the kit, you can still use the tool with aftermarket fasteners. As long as they are 15mm in size.
Sturdiness
Snap buttons for outdoor uses such as on tarps or boat covers must be sturdy and durable. This kit features robust stainless steel snap fasteners that won’t rust easily even when exposed to harsh weather. The snaps also close tight and retain their appealing glossy finish, giving your workpiece a nice look.
The pliers too are robust. They are basically 10″ Vise Grip pliers with custom jaws for holding the setting tools in place. Although they might feel heavy in the hands, they are solid and reliable.
Versatile and Reliable
The pliers you get with this style of snap button kit can perform the work of two different tools. This is made possible by the changeable dies.
A hole punch die lets you use the tool as hole punch pliers to punch a hole into the workpiece. Although it does work perfectly with all materials, you can rely on it to make clean holes into soft materials such as regular fabric, thin leather, canvas, and cardboard.
The other two dies are for setting the button and the button cover.
But, fair warning: operating the tool is not a walk in the park. You’ll need some muscle to give it a good squeeze, whether you’re punching a hole or setting a button.
And hey, changing those dies can be a bit of a hassle too. But the ones you get with this kit are magnetic. They stick right onto the pliers and won’t fall off while you assemble the buttons or pick the right place to punch a hole.
Overall
Whether for boat covers, tarps, marine canvas, tents, clothing, leather snaps installation or replacement, or DIY crafts, this kit has proved reliable and sturdy.
The only drawback is the lack of an instruction manual, which may initially pose a challenge in figuring out how to use it.
However, I have created this helpful video guide to show step-by-step how to effectively use the kit.
