Canvas - err, dots?

I've got lots of these connectors securing my canvas to the flybridge:



1. What the heck are these called? Dots? Hard to Google when I don't know the name.

2. Does anyone have a tool, homemade or otherwise, for snapping and unsnaping these? Seems that even with lubrication, they're a pain to snap in the spring and an equal pain to unsnap in the fall.

Try lift the dot or lift-the-dot.

Larry M said:

Try lift the dot or lift-the-dot.

Click to expand...

I replaced mine with twist lock fasteners for the reasons you mention.

bayview said:

I replaced mine with twist lock fasteners for the reasons you mention.

Click to expand...

You can get this tool that helps a lot, but like bayview I replace mine with the twist locks.

Top-Snapper Stainless Canvas Snap Tool

Check out Sailrite.com
https://www.sailrite.com/Lift-The-Dot-Socket-Key-N

Dave
As others said Lift the Dot
They are very difficult if pressure not applied correctly.
As the name implies you have to lift from the side w the Dot and they come off much easier.

What Don said...

Thanks all.

Also it helps if you lube them every now and then. Starbrite make a snap lube.

So does Chap Stick.

Or a fine flat screwdriver slid in between the surfaces. Lube definitely helps.

My general concern or dislike for this particular fastener is that there is so much leverage on the post when undoing the fastener that the post frequently will gradually enlarge the hole in the fiberglass and eventually come out. I only use these fasteners on the holdup straps for the smiles when they are rolled up. A better fastener when you need a more secure fastener is a twist lock. They do not require as much pull to undo the fastener so you don’t have to pull as hard on the fastener. But if you do have the lift the dot fasteners, keep them lubed and only lift the dot to unfasten them.

GFC said:

So does Chap Stick.

Click to expand...

Ha, thank you! This is what I've been using but didn't want to mention to anyone. Just the right "dispenser" to scrape over the hole and work into the snap. Doesn't run or at least hasn't for me. Now that I have the proper tools I am going to change over to twist locks where I can. Tired of epoxying the posts back into place.