Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by WRufus on 10/05/15 - 9:55 AM

Does anyone have any advise regarding installing a new snap on my Mills Canvas? I am wondering 2 questions
1) if I should go with Stainless Snaps vs. nickle plated Bronze
2) I picked up a punch tool from the hardware store, but with a little more research I am seeing there are some snap tools i.e. a vice grip type of tool and another that looks like a hand rivet tool.
What do you use and like? I would rather get something that is good quality and will last.
thanks

Posted by EJO on 10/05/15 - 10:07 AM

I always used the hand type rivet tool on my boats as they always work even after storing in a marine environment. Yes the vise grip type is handier but unless paying for all stainless they'll rust and become useless.
As for SS, nickel/bronze, or just bronze I have used all three types over the years and the bronze based ones are easier to form (roll over on the die) then the SS ones and lasted as long if not longer. The problem with SS is that they might be sold as SS and made in China and start to rust after a couple of years. If they need to be shiny I use the chrome nickle ones. Just my 2 ctw.

Posted by Finnegan on 10/05/15 - 10:23 AM

You want to get a "snap kit", either from a marine store or Ace hardware. Besides an assortment of all snaps you would need, they contain a 2 sided base die (about the diameter of a quater) and little riveting tool you hit with a hammer. It's as simple as that. The only other thing you need is block of wood to set the die on. I use a number 16 nail to first punch the hole for the snap shank.

Posted by GFC on 10/05/15 - 3:55 PM

If you plan on only replacing a snap every once in a blue moon, buy the type of kit that you use the hammer and dies. It's much cheaper.

If you own more than one boat and/or are replacing a few snaps a year, buy the vice grip type of tool. I have had one for years. I spray it with WD-40 to keep it rust free and it works great.

Posted by EJO on 10/06/15 - 5:43 AM

Watch out with "rust proofing" (WD40) as you don't want the oil the get transferred to your canvas.

Posted by WRufus on 10/06/15 - 8:04 AM

My only question in the back of my head is still stainless vs. nickle plated brass. The feedback has been from fresh water folks and when I called Mills, they said they used stainless. Thanks guys that have contributed - I really appreciate the good feedback.

Posted by EJO on 10/07/15 - 10:47 AM

Don't let the Michigan assume only fresh water. Yes that is where I boat now and the Admiral hates sharks so we like it, but I have 25 year experience in North Sea, Mediterranean and Caribbean SALT water boating.
Yes SS is nice, nickle plated brass easier to work with and lasts as long as the canvas.

Posted by WRufus on 10/19/15 - 6:15 PM

Just to circle back - I installed 10 stainless snaps that came with my new Anderson cushion on my 94q cooler. All went ok, but very true EJO, stainless can be hard to roll over on the die. Also since the stainless is hard to work with, you can see a square on the head of the snap from the male end punching and indenting.
All that said, I may try nickel plated bronze for my Mills canvas snap repairs.
Thanks again all for the feedback and help

Edited by WRufus on 10/19/15 - 6:21 PM