Best Snap

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Easier than sewing a button and faster to fasten, snaps are a convenient closure beloved by beginning and expert seamsters alike. First patented by German inventor Heribert Bauer in 1885, snap closures were originally intended for use on men’s trousers. From the 1930s onward, snaps became popular for rodeo cowboys, because they allowed quick removal of clothing in the event of a fall. Pearl-snap shirts produced by Western wear companies like Wrangler, Levi Strauss, and Rockmount Ranch Wear became popular among the mainstream public, beginning in the 1950s. Today, snaps are used on everything from baby onesies to denim jackets. To properly apply snaps to garments, you need the right tools: a snap-fastener kit is the answer to getting started. Browse our selection of the best options below.

KAM snaps are a favorite of professionals and hobbyists alike. Measuring just under half an inch in diameter, these plastic snaps come in lots of colors and are prized for their consistency of build, ease of use, and reliable hold. This kit comes with parts for 384 snaps in 24 bright colors, plus a pair of pliers and rods to properly set the sockets, studs, and caps (not sure what all of this means? The kit comes with clear instructions too!). The pliers are solidly built for precise application. Keep everything organized in the included clear plastic box.

Those looking for a set of metal snaps should go with this starter kit. Complete with a punch tool, pointed tool, and concave tool, this kit has everything you need for a complete, pliers-free setup. It’s also equipped with 120 copper zinc alloy snaps available in finishes ranging from gold to gunmetal, each measuring about half an inch in diameter. They’re best used with light- to medium-weight fabric.

Complete with pliers, plastic snaps, and a storage box, this set has enough supplies for several projects but won’t overwhelm you with options—nor take up too much space at your workstation. It features a pair of easy-press snap pliers, a screwdriver, a shank, and a hole-poking tool. In addition to the necessary tools, this kit also includes plastic caps, studs, and sockets in different colors, from basic white and black to vivid red and purple. Neatly packaged in a sturdy toolbox, this kit is easily stored and transported.

Stock up on snaps with this economical set, which comes with 400 snap buttons in an array of 20 beautiful colors. The plastic snaps fasten securely and are easy to put together with the included tools, which are sturdy and comfortable to use—even young crafters will be able to maneuver them. They’re also easy to snap together and pull apart, all while staying in place without ripping the underlying fabric.

For those looking for a more pared-down option with just the necessities, go with this option. Complete with six brass snaps and a two-piece setting tool, this intuitive system makes applying snaps without pliers a breeze. Use this tool on everything from jeans to tarps to outerwear.