Looking for tips for adding KAMSnaps to the doors of a winter tarp

[Optinaut]

I have searched the forum up and down and find many people who recommend KAMSnaps for managing the doors on their winter tarps. However, I have had trouble finding information about peoples’ process of installing them.

I am starting this thread in the hopes that those of you who have done this may add some tips, tricks, suggestions, and thoughts about the process.

For my particular situation, I have a Xenon tarp and have ordered size 20 regular KAMSnaps with the KAMSnap basic hand pliers. Hope to get some good info from you all before I get started.

Thanks in advance!

- Optinaut

[LuvmyBonnet]

Key thing is taking your time and aligning the crimper. I'd recommend trying a couple on something before your project just to get the hang of it. As for the awl, I have read about heating it just a bit so as to melt the thread around the puncture. I guess depending on the material the awl may not even need to be used. I found it easy enough to just puncture with the Kamsnap.
I haven't done any tarp doors yet just the velcro closure on an AHE TQ.

[Shug]

There are a bunch of how-tos on You Tube......https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...ding+kam+snaps

Carry forth,
Shug

[Optinaut]

There are a bunch of how-tos on You Tube......https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...ding+kam+snaps

Carry forth,
Shug

Thank you, Shug. I did do a YouTube search prior to this post. However, they all left me wanting more info. So, this post was created in hopes of learning more about CAMSnaps’ use with tarp fabrics, to seal or not to seal, spacing and placement, etc.

But I do appreciate the info towards their general usage.

Regards,
Optinaut

[Shug]

Thank you, Shug. I did do a YouTube search prior to this post. However, they all left me wanting more info. So, this post was created in hopes of learning more about CAMSnaps’ use with tarp fabrics, to seal or not to seal, spacing and placement, etc.

But I do appreciate the info towards their general usage.

Regards,
Optinaut

Gotcha.
On doors I don't think you need many. Just more work to get in and out.
Also don't think you would really need to seal them as it is a not really a place where water comes in and drips on you but that would be a personal choice.
Shug

[Optinaut]

Gotcha.
On doors I don't think you need many. Just more work to get in and out.
Also don't think you would really need to seal them as it is a not really a place where water comes in and drips on you but that would be a personal choice.
Shug

Awesome info, Shug! Thank you, sir.

And while I have your attention...a million thanks to you for all your videos. They have been key resources for me as I figure the ins and outs of hammocks and hammock camping.

Regards,
Optinaut

[Snaps]

I installed my snaps earlier this year while fully set up, and I'm happy with the results. Even given the choice, I think I'd still rather do it with the tarp pitched than try it on a bench at home. I think managing the fabric and getting spacing right with the tarp on a table would be more difficult. YMMV.

I put one snap a few inches from the top and another a few inches from the bottom. Then I "measured" the spacing with a piece of 2mm cord and tied loose overhand knots at 1/4 of that length. That gave me the spacing I wanted for five snaps on each door. Five, because it's a really wide tarp. I've never used the awl; the KAM snap caps are plenty sharp to pierce two layers of 1.1oz silpoly. Males go on one side facing in; females on the other side facing out. I had to remove my first female snap because I put both sides facing in. Otherwise, it would've taken me ten minutes.

Incidentally, another hanger assigned my trail name because I brought my KAM snap kit and installed snaps on the gear or anyone that wanted them at HangCon.

[P-Dub]

After you squeeze the snap piece onto the fabric, see if it will twist. If it does, squeeze it again a little harder. Our fabrics are thinner than typical, so you want to make sure that the snap is securely attached and will not spin.

[MikekiM]

I always heat the awl to create the hole.

As far as installing them on doors, I think it would annoy me more than anything else. Aligning the snaps when getting back under the tarp, in the dark, would just aggravate me.

[Grumpy Squatch]

If your tarp doesn't have reinforced edges on the doors, reinforce them. The light fabrics we use can't handle the strain of pulling the doors open. If you don't have a grosgrain edge to set the snap on, I'd at least use some Seamtape patches on both sides of the fabric as reinforcement. My friend learned this the hard way when he borrowed my Kamsnaps kit for his tarp.