Troubleshooting KAM Snaps

KAM snaps won't close? Or they fall off? Here's a simple pictorial explaining why this happens and what you can do to fix the problem.

For more troubleshooting tips for this and other common snap problems, visit:
http://www.kamsnaps.com/troubleshooting-116.html

Short Prong Size 20 KAM Plastic Snap Fasteners

The most common problem new (and some experienced) users have with installing KAM plastic snaps is that their snaps don't close.  That generally happens when the length of the snap prong is too long for the fabric.  Snaps are not one-size-fits-all, so it is important to select the correct length for your particular fabric combination.

Size 20 KAM snaps are the most commonly used size.  However, the "size 20" only refers to the diameter of the cap, which is 12.4mm or about 1/2".   The length of the cap prong can vary:

Many people start with standard #20, which is a good size to start with but, as should be expected, doesn't work with all different thicknesses of fabric.  Sometimes you need something longer for those thick prefolds, or something shorter for those thin layers of PUL or knit cotton.

A simple way to shorten your caps is to just cut the tips off.   But if you're working with a large number of snaps, this could be a time-consuming process.  For those who need shorter prong caps, we now have them in a dozen of our most popular colors at KAMsnaps.com.

Here's another tip: You can also use size 16 standard caps instead of size 20 short caps, since they are almost the same length.  The #16 will have a smaller cap diameter. However, they can still be used together with #20 sockets & studs.