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.  

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:

• Kam Snap Hanging Towels - Add a set of Kam Snaps to any towel to make it into a hanging towel that won't fall onto the floor!  This is a quick and easy no-sew project.
• Un-Paper Towels - Add Kam Snaps to this recycled towel project to snap the paper towels together.
• Hanging Kitchen Towel Topper - This free sewing pattern for a towel topper uses Kam Snaps to hang the towel.
• Fabric Tray - This tray can use Kam Snaps in the corners and then be flattened for traveling.
• Custom Tablet Cover - This project uses Kam Snaps to close the cover.
• Machine Embroidered Towel Topper - These towel toppers use a Kam Snap Closure.
• Machine Embroidery Sewing Kit - This sewing kit can include a Kam Snap for a closure. 
• Tall Cell Phone Case (Machine Embroidery) - This in the hoop cell phone case and wallet uses a Kam Snap closure.

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.

WHAT YOU NEED to Remove Kam Snaps

• Project with Kam Snaps installed incorrectly
• Options for removal:
  • Cuticle Trimmer (our preferred)
  • Jewelry Pliers, round nose
• 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Continue to cut until the center section and squished pin has been cut away from the snap.

Then, with the cuticle trimmers or your fingers, grab the edge of the snap and pull it away from the fabric.

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.

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.

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.