Loosening up the snaps

[Dean Hoffmann]

I just bought an Uncle Mikes Pro-Pak vertical shoulder rig. I have a number of shoulder holsters both leather and "man made materials", but this one seems to fit my rotund frame the best. There's just one problem, the bloody snap on the thumb break is so tight that it is extremely hard to open or close with one hand. Any ideas on how to loosen up that snap? I'm not going to us it for CCW until I can loosen the snap a bit.

[stans]

I have found that a tight snap is often cured with a little little lubricant. I used to use a tiny amount of Vaseline, but these days I might be more inclined to use a tiny bit of Breakfree CLP. Just a tiny bit now, othewise it will be running out and onto the holster and then your clothing. Easiest way to apply the lube is to put it on the male portion of the snap.

[Dean Hoffmann]

Thanks Stans: Sometimes the simplest of problems can confound us. I don't know why lubrication didn't occur to me. I was thinking of some way to spread that little ring inside the female half of the snap, but a judicious lube job may well be the answer. Thanks again. Dean

[usajeep1]

If that doesnt work, try taking a pair of pliers or vise grips or a real vise might even be better. Put the male end of the snap in the vice and apply SLIGHT pressure to take some of the edge off the snap. I have had this problem before and fixed it this way. Be carefull not to apply too much pressure and deform the snap, then your in real trouble. If you want to try to open up the female portion, try a pair of brake pliers, or snap ring pliers. They open opposite of regular pliers;)...Erick...

[Dean Hoffmann]

Thanks brother. I removed both strap ends, (they're velcroed on), and spent the last couple of evenings in front of the TV just snaping and unsnaping them and driving adoring spouse crazy. I put a little breakfree on the male end, and continued the process, and that helped a little, but not enough that I feel comfortable wearing it "out" if you know what I mean. It is without a doubt the most comfortable shoulder rig I've ever worn and I want to make sure I get it working before the really hot weather sets in here. I'm going to give the vise treatment to the snap this evening. I've got a small vise with leather jaw saddles that might just be the ticket Erick. I'll let you know how it works. Keep safe. Dean

[stans]

Simple solution, if the snap is still too tight, take a strip of 600 grit wet-dry paper to the male portion and buff down the outside diameter. Go real easy, you can always take off more, but you can't put it back!

[T. Kanaley]

Are you sure it is not a one-way, directional snap? If it is, you will be able to tell by looking inside the female snap and noting if there's a little tab that holds the copper ring in place. That is a locking tab and limits the direction in which the snap will open and close. To close it, you must start by rolling the tabbed end of the female snap onto the male snap, otherwise it won't close or be difficult at best.

Providing what you have is a directional snap (most thumbreaks are equipped with them) you can adjust the stiffness by taking a pair of sidecutters or needlenose pliers and lightly pinch the tab inside the female snap closed. You don't want to smash it, just close it a bit. Before doing that, first try manipulating the snap by rolling it onto the male snap like I described above. If you try to close a one-way snap wrong, it will be a bear to close and will not fasten properly.

If it is just a regular type snap, I would take it to a shoe repair and see if they can replace. Probably only cost you a couple bucks. Good luck!

TK

[Dean Hoffmann]

I called Uncle Mike's, (Michaels of Oregon), and they said to use a little toothpaste and oil on a Q tip. Apply it to the male portion and work it in and out about twenty times. It works! The snap is now silky smooth. I guess I should have thought about the mild abrasive qualities of toothpaste to polish it out.

[usajeep1]

Yeehaa, another fine multi-tasker, toothpaste. And I thought it was just for plugging small pin holes in sheetrock!!