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How to Remove Kam Snaps without Damaging the Fabric

We love to use Kam Snaps for projects, but what happens when you install one incorrectly and need to remove the Kam Snaps?  Today, we will show you how to remove snaps without damaging the fabric.  How to Remove Kam Snaps - fb

What are Kam Snaps Used For?

Kam snaps are made of a strong, durable plastic resin which can be used in a variety of projects such as baby items, clothing, craft projects, purses, totes, towel toppers, etc. The uses for them are endless. They come in many colors so they can be matched to any project.

We have featured Kam Snaps in several of our tutorials:

How do you Install Kam Snaps?

Kam Snaps are easy to install using the Kam Snap pliers tool.  We have a video and photo tutorial on how to install Kam Snaps.  

Below is a link to our YouTube video on How to Remove Kam Snaps.  If you prefer a written tutorial, scroll down and keep reading.



COMPLETE VIDEO TUTORIAL AVAILABLE! The video below is a preview with no audio, to watch the whole video tutorial, click the link How to Remove Kam Snaps without Damaging the Fabric to watch in Youtube.


Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. We make a small commission on sales through the affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. Thank you in advance for your purchase and your support! Please see our full Affiliate Statement for more information.

WHAT YOU NEED to Remove Kam Snaps

  • Project with Kam Snaps installed incorrectly
  • Options for removal:
  • Eye Protection - the snap pieces can fly around while cutting and trying to remove it. Make sure you protect your eyes from flying snap parts.

Remove Kam Snaps Supplies

INSTRUCTIONS To Remove Kam Snaps

Have you installed Kam Snaps and realized you put them on backward?  Or two of the same snaps?  Or the snap doesn't open and close correctly?  Then you try to remove them, and WOW, are they secure!

There are many ways to remove Kam Snaps, but I will review my two favorite methods.  The object is to remove the center part where the pin has been squished or to cut the pin itself.

The trick is not to cut or damage the fabric when you remove the snap.  This is why I prefer methods that do not cut in between the snap and the fabric. Any cutting between the fabric and the snap can damage the fabric.

Method 1: Cuticle Trimmer (Preferred)

My preferred method to remove Kam Snaps is to use a small cuticle trimmer. These are very small clippers and are usually small enough to fit inside the female snaps.Remove Kam Snaps Cuticle Trimmer

Each set of snaps has a male and female side.  The female side is indented and the male side sticks out.  You may need to remove either or both of these types of snaps, so I'll show how I remove each side.
Remove Kam Snaps Showing Snaps

Cuticle Trimmer - How to Remove the Female Snap

To remove the female snap, place the cuticle trimmer point inside the snap and cut out the center part of the snap.  This is the pin that has been squished by the pliers when the snap was installed.Remove Kam Snaps Cuticle Trimmer Cut Center

Keep cutting out the center pin until it has been removed. Be careful while cutting because the snap pieces could fly across the room.  Keep your eyes protected while you are removing snaps.

Then, use the cuticle trimmer to grab the snap itself and pull it away from the fabric.Remove Kam Snaps Cuticle Trimmer Grab Snap

Cuticle Trimmer - How to Remove the Male Snap

A slightly different method will need to be followed for the male snap.  The cuticle trimmer is too big to get inside the center of the snap to cut the pin. 

Ensure your eyes are protected when cutting this snap, as it tends to fly! 

Place the cuticle trimmer around the entire center of the snap and cut it away.  Placing your finger above the snap while you cut can help keep the snap parts from flying across the room.Remove Kam Snaps Cuticle Trimmer Remove Male Snap

Continue to cut until the center section and squished pin has been cut away from the snap.Remove Kam Snaps Cuticle Trimmer Remove Male Remaining

Then, with the cuticle trimmers or your fingers, grab the edge of the snap and pull it away from the fabric.Remove Kam Snaps Cuticle Trimmer Snap Removed

Both sides of the Kam Snap have been removed.

Method 2: Jewelry Pliers

I don't like using jewelry pliers as much because they are larger and cannot fit inside of the snap.  This leads to the snaps breaking more and the pieces flying around.

But these can also work if you don't have a cuticle trimmer handy.Remove Kam Snaps Jewelry Pliers

To remove the snap with the jewelry pliers, use the method described above for removing the male snap.  This method would be used to cut away both snaps.

Be careful not to cut your fabric when removing the snaps.  Wear eye protection when cutting the snap away.Remove Kam Snaps Jewelry Pliers around snap

I have tried out several other methods: Using the Kam Snap tool to squish/break the snaps, using needlenose pliers, or using a stapler remover. I found the results inconsistent when using these tools, and some methods led to more chances to damage the fabric.

If you want to see other videos and techniques for removing Kam Snaps, click the link.

We hope you enjoyed this tutorial on How to Remove Kam Snaps.

Chris's Signature  

QUESTIONS?

If you have any questions about this project, contact us through the YouTube Video comments or our Contact Us page. We respond to questions in e-mails and YouTube comments regularly.

Supporting Products and links: Some of the links below may be affiliate links. We make a small commission on sales through the affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. Thank you in advance for your purchase and your support! Please see our full Affiliate Statement for more information.

 KAM Plastic Resin Snaps

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 KAM Snaps/Plastic Snap Sets

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 Starter Pack KAM Plastic Snap Setting Pliers & Awl Set with 100 Complete KAM Plastic Snap Sets

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2 items: Starter Pack KAM Plastic Snap Setting Pliers & Awl Set with 100 Complete KAM Plastic Snap Sets. Comes with the 100 KAM Snap Rainbow Spectrum Pack. Affiliate Link to Amazon.com

460 Sets Snap Buttons with Snap Pliers 4 Shapes 24 Colors Plastic Snaps Fasteners Kit

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4 Shapes and 24 Colors: There are 4 shapes of button kits, including Flower, Star ,Love, Round. Each shape has 6 colors, a total of 24 colors, and each color is different. Every 4 pieces form a set of button components, including 2 Main Buttons, 1 Male Button, and 1 Female Button. Affiliate Link to Amazon.com

ArtBin Super Satchel Slim w/ Removable Dividers

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This is a great storage container for your Kam Snaps. Affiliate Link to Amazon.com

Cuticle Trimmer

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A selection of cuticle trimmers are available from Amazon.com. Affiliate Link to Amazon.com

Jewelry Pliers

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A selection of jewelry pliers available through Amazon.com. Affiliate Link to Amazon.com

KAM Snap Press Plier Hand Setter Tool and 4 Dies Sizes

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Tools and accessories needed to install KAMS. Dies sizes: 3, T5, T8A and T8B Affiliate Link to Amazon.com

KAMsnaps Plastic Resin Snaps

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200 KAM Size 20 T5 Resin Plastic Snaps Buttons for Baby Bib Cloth Diaper Affiliate Link to Amazon.com






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