Should I buy a snap press?

[Ackray]

I want to start making a lot of diapers. I don't particularly like aplix so I would like to put snaps on them. Do you HAVE to have a snap press to put plastic type snaps onto things? I don't know much about snap presses, so what should I be looking for in a good one?

THANK YOU!!

[mnnice]

I was found www.theecstore.com the other day and they will add snaps and mail things back. This might be more cost effective if you aren't going to sell diapers.

[4boybarians]

I think it depends on how many diapers you plan to make, and whether or not a snap press would be useful to you for other sewing projects. I think having someone else add snaps would be great if you're only doing a few, but if you have a lot, the cost adds up quickly. From what I've seen, there's usually a charge for each garment, plus a charge per snap, plus shipping both ways. If you know how many you want to make, you can determine how much it would cost to have someone else add the snaps versus buying your own snap press. Here is a list of other people that offer snap service. Here is a snap press FAQ with pictures to show how to use a snap press.

I bought my snap press from The Snap Store. Right now, they're out of stock, so she's running a pre-order special. You can get a snap press and a 3-piece die set (that's everything you need except the snaps) for $74 + shipping, and they'll start shipping out in about 2.5 weeks.

[Ackray]

That sounds like a good deal to me. But I don't know anything about them. I do know that sending my stuff to get snapped would be a PITA though.

So, what size snaps are best for diaper making? And so I guess that I need to get the die set for the size of the snap right?

And another snap question... Most diapers are made with plastic snaps, are these better for some reason over metal ones?

Thanks!

[cinnamonamon]

I just bought one from sweetharts.com (I think that's the site) and can't wait to get it. What I found in my research is that most people use size 20 or 16 snaps. And they use the polyresin (sp?) snaps because they are the most durable -- better than plastic or metal. I wish I had seen the special at the snap store -- I spent twice that almost! Don't know if I could have waited another 3 weeks, though!

Good luck.

[4boybarians]

It's a very good deal. I bought mine at the regular price, and it was the least expensive one I found.

Most WAHMs use size 20 snaps, and yes, you need to make sure you get the proper size die set. You only have to have the 3 piece set. That gives you a die for the cap, a die for the socket, and a die for the stud.

If I'm not mistaken, there are both plastic snaps and polyacetal resin snaps. The polyacetal resin ones are more durable and, again, I think they're what most WAHMs use. But I think the choice between polyacetal resin and the metal snaps is just a matter of personal preference. I don't like metal snaps because I've had the paint chip off and even had them rust before with store bought clothing items.