Loose snaps on leather holster

steve a. · Aug 17, 2023

I have an old (probably 50 plus) leather holster for my 2" Model 36. The old 'over the belt snaps' are worn and frequently one will unsnap while carrying. Is there a way to tighten the outer snap with pliers or something without ruining them completely ... Is a Bauer Bros. Mfg. Model #DS33 Thanks.

pantannojack · Aug 17, 2023

I once tried striking the male end of the snap with a ball peen hammer to widen the dia. Be cautious. If over done you can file it back.

Papa Lee · Aug 17, 2023

Yes

You can deform the female snap carefully with a pliers to tighten it up.

gunbarrel · Aug 17, 2023

Google "fix loose snaps on leather" and watch the videos. Pick the solution you feel most comfortable with. Good luck!

Dave Baird · Aug 17, 2023

Looks like a snap! Sorry!

rednichols · Aug 17, 2023

Papa Lee said:
You can deform the female snap carefully with a pliers to tighten it up.

Yes indeed, this is how it's done with the Dot type snap that came into use about WWII. Making the socket (it's called) of the snap set -- the female piece -- more oval will then crush the snap ring inside until the snap set closes and holds and opens. One can go to far with this so think of this: it's the spring inside you're targeting, which is quite hard; while the snap socket itself is brass or steel depending so making it oval is a byproduct not a goal.

steve a. · Aug 18, 2023

Thanks to all.............

gwpercle · Aug 18, 2023

If there are still any in existance ... sometimes a Shoe Repair Shop can help with snaps ... My Momma had leater purses with snaps and she took them there .
Another longshot ... Saddle Shop . For decades we had Sylvester's Western Store ... they custom made saddles and bridles and sold Wester wear ... they could repair anything made of leather ... I bet Saddle Shops are Gone with the Wind ...
but if you know of one , fixing a fastener should be a ...Snap !!
Gary

Wyatt Burp · Aug 18, 2023

pantannojack said:
I once tried striking the male end of the snap with a ball peen hammer to widen the dia. Be cautious. If over done you can file it back.

Yep. I’ve done this a few times. Just tap the mail snap a little at a time testing it along the way. It perfectly but minutely expands it for a tighter fit.

steve a. · Aug 19, 2023

Now have nice tight fitting snaps on a old leather OWB holster. Thanks again.

chief38 · Aug 19, 2023

The two methods above should work - used them myself back in the old days of snaps.

The Ball Peen Hammer method works quite well, - just make sure you use a Hammer with the right sized peening head. Do not hit it too hard or too many times. Use a second hammer to hit the ball peen hammer. A small amount will work usually.

You can also squeeze the male side with a pair of pliers to slightly make it oblong, but again, a little goes a long way! Not as ascetically pleasing as the ball peen method which is basically invisible.

Loose snaps on leather holster

steve a.

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pantannojack

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Papa Lee

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gunbarrel

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Dave Baird

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rednichols

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steve a.

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gwpercle

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Wyatt Burp

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steve a.

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chief38

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