Unusual Use for Snaps

Since I received an Instructables cooking apron, I had to use it. But it lacked a basic accessory that I like to have on tool belts, work aprons, and the like. A snap. I use these snaps to hold towels and large rags because nothing is worse than needing a towel or rag and there not being one nearby. And you shouldn't tie one on because there's nothing worse than having a rag pull you into a machine! So... Snaps. They'll pull off in an emergency, and hold fast when they need to. Best part? You won't lose your rag. This trick is used to keep towels on my kayak and my mower, I used to use it in my van, It's great on diaper bags (Twice now. :) ) and the snaps can be used for other things than just towels. a small bag for kid or dog treats, keys, a bottle of water on a sling, a pouch with a notebook and pen... and so many other small things that need to be handy! You could even put a snap on your belt and keep things on you even without a pack, apron, or tool bag. This is a limitless thing. BUT be warned, if you use this idea outside; USE STAINLESS STEEL SNAPS!!!! Simple enough right?

Let's get one onto your apron.

But this is a short list compared to my usual posts.

You'll need:

a block of wood for driving your punch through the material without damaging the punch.

A punch. I just use a nail set. it works well enough.

A hammer. a small one will do fine. I found this Ball pein in the dirt beside my mailbox in our old rental.

Snap kit. The set, anvil, male and female snaps and backers (Button back AND flat back) are all in a kit. I use https://www.amazon.com/General-Tools-1265-Fastener...

An anvil or some other heavy metal thing to work on. I use a "small" bolt that never got threaded. The back of a vice will do well.

Rags (For work apron) Or Towels (For cooking apron)

Apron. Weird right? But aprons have their advantages.

I've already done my towels and work apron, so I'm showing my Instructables apron and a rag. I did mime it over the work apron though... I'm not sure why.

Anyway:

1: Punch a hole through the apron near a heavier seam. On my apron, it's where the pockets top seam ends. adds reinforcement for the pocket, and convenience for the towel. On my work apron though, the towel is towards the BACK of my side to keep it away from spinning tools. Just because it will come off doesn't mean I want a towel sucked into a machine. Try it once and let me know how you enjoyed disassembling the machine and cutting the remnants out of it. The towel/rag is still convenient but more safely located. On a kitchen/cleaning apron the front is Okay.

2: Insert the snap and backer. Make SURE you have the snap part out. I put the male part on the apron so the button will be on the towel. It looks nicer.

3: Set the snap. Instructions should be in the kit I suggested. But the images should help. Place the included anvil (Small metal puck from the kit) nub side up onto your Anvil (For flat backs) and put the back in. Place the hole you made in the apron over the rivet sticking up. Set the male snap on top. press the set (Metal piece with a sliding bit) into the rivet (There's a small round knob that goes inside) and tap firmly with the hammer WHILE pressing down firmly. Tap ugently and set it slowly for a superior hold. Tap hard and it will likely fold and be a wasted snap.

4: repeat steps 1 through 3 with the rag/towel except you will be using the button backer and female snap piece. The included anvil will be flipped over too. this is important. the nub on the flat backed side of the included anvil will mangle the button.

That's it. Simple. Now you've made your rags/towels easier to keep up with! Want some more convenience? Purchase some super small screws that will fit into the male snaps and screw them to the front of your cupbords (Just under the lip of the countertop so they're discreet) and now you can snap the towels into place anywhere!

That's it! I use this trick to keep towels on my kayak, I used to use it in my van, It's great on diaper bags (Twice now. :) ) and the snaps can be used for other things than just towels. a small bag for kid or dog treats, keys, a bottle of water on a sling, a pouch with a notebook and pen... and so many other small things that need to be handy! You could even put a snap on your belt and keep things on you even without a pack, apron, or tool bag. This is a limitless thing. BUT be warned, if you use this idea outside; USE STAINLESS STEEL SNAPS!!!!

Okay.

I hoped this is a handy instructable for everyone and would love to see how you use snaps, please vote for me in any contests I may enter this in!