Snappi Tool?

RobMcClain · Posted: Mon Sep 07, 2020 1:25 pm Post subject: Snappi Tool?

In my last few issues of the BoatUS magazine I’ve seen advertisements for a new product called Snappi. It is a small handheld and hand powered tool that is supposed to clean and lightly lubricate snap heads for easier use. We have a full camper enclosure on our Venture model and I’ve occasionally removed and cleaned the many (many) snap heads because they get grime and salt on them and a simple boat washing isn’t enough over time. I prefer not replacing them with new ones because I’ve found the newer ones have different size threaded stems than the originals.

Looking at the website for this little tool, which for ~$25 seems reasonably priced, it looks somewhat intriguing to me. It appears to be much easier and quicker than my normal approaches of using sandpaper, or removing the snaps for a more thorough cleaning. I have not purchased (nor am I in any way recommending) one of these tools and am always cautious of quick fixes. I have no idea if this product is actually worthwhile, or if it really does what the advertisements say it does. I am wondering if any Brats have seen this tool at a boat show and/or actually tried one. If so, what do you think of it??

Rob

thataway · Posted: Mon Sep 07, 2020 1:39 pm Post subject:

I have never had to remove a snap for cleaning...in my 74 years of skippering boats...

The tool looks to be abrasive. One of the complaints in the review is that it "removes too much metal"...

I keep the snaps well lubricated, occasionally have to clean them up--but it has been very rare, even in boats kept in the water...If you have to use an abrasive, I would use a mild cleaning powder like Bon Ame or Barkeeper's friend-both of which have very mild abrasive properties. When you use sandpaper it will take the plating off (some are brass, chrome plated vs SS). Then corrosion would be faster.

Just my experience.--

Nancy and Bud · Posted: Mon Sep 07, 2020 1:43 pm Post subject:

Made me look at Amazon.

Out of 34 ratings, it only had a 66% 4 or 5 star ratings.

Too low for me to try.

But then again, if an Amazon product doesn't have at least 75% five stars, I usually don't buy it.

RobMcClain · Posted: Mon Sep 07, 2020 2:54 pm Post subject:

Bob, what lubricant do you recommend for use on the snaps? I’ve used a light lubricant before but not found one I consistently like. I do try not to use any sort of meaningful abrasive, be that in terms of a cleaner or light sandpaper.

Never thought to look on Amazon for this tool. I always read the product reviews before buying and would agree that these seem very mediocre at best. Looks like I might be best off relying on the old tried and true methods!

thataway · Posted: Mon Sep 07, 2020 3:21 pm Post subject:

Rob,
I have used everything from bee's wax to chap stick, to the Starbright zipper lubricant...some of the Teflon greases--very light coat. etc. Any thing which keeps the slightly curved edge clean and the brass ring in the snap free and clean.

I guess that using the snaps frequently is important also. I have a number of my slant back which get used very regularly, and look good, with a little dab every year when I am detailing the cockpit area.

Marco Flamingo · Posted: Mon Sep 07, 2020 5:32 pm Post subject:

I use either BoeShield or CRC Marine Corrosion Inhibitor. My can of BoeShield I bought about 1990. My can of CRC I inherited from my dad and is probably from the 1960's. A little goes a long way on anything. I put the smallest amount possible on a little piece of bronze wool and go after the male fittings. Cleans corrosion without making the snaps too loose. I suppose I could squirt some in the female snap, but it would likely be too much and I've never had a problem after cleaning the male snap and snapping them a couple of times.

Moxieabs · Posted: Mon Sep 07, 2020 8:31 pm Post subject:

Yes, Chapstick! Also good on zippers.