Brass Snap Maintenance

[mark01]

I have brass snaps purchased at the local hardware store clipped on my BC and my computer console and used to secure my equipment. I haven't really spent any maintenance time on them (other than hosing them off with the rest of my gear) since they are brass.

Well, I was about to hit the water yesterday when I found the snap on my computer console refusing to open. It took a little persuasion to get that critter working again. Do these things need to be lubed once in a while or do they just need to be exercised to keep the slide working smoothly? If they do need lubrication, what would you use on them??

TIA,

Mark

 

[SteveAD]

hosing is not rinsing. everything should be soaked in fresh water. a bit of lube can't hurt, but if they get a proper rinsing should not be necessary.

 

[SparticleBrane]

You can keep the brass snaps, but in the end they'll cause you more trouble than they're worth and will slice your thumbs open.
Toss 'em and get some stainless steel boltsnaps that have stainless steel springs. No rusting and smooth operation.

http://216.36.250.99/nixdogcollars/Diving_Snaps.html

 

[MBH]

What SparticleBrane said.

 

[jeckyll]

As you use the brass snaps, file down the sharp edges that may develop along the slider so you don't cut your thumbs / gloves etc

Also, a bit of 'neverseize' or other lithium based grease in the groove will keep it moving. The biggest thing IMO, is to ensure the spring inside doesn't rust.

Oh, and if you use brass snaps you'll surely die. No No, wrong forum. Nevermind that then

Bjorn

 

[Darnold9999]

Brass snaps from the hardware store have steel springs that rust - toss them. Marine brass snaps from a marine store do not so work just fine. Am told that over years they wear and create knife edges. Have not had this happen, but believe it as brass is softer than stainless steel. Stainless ones are best - I have purchased all three over the years. The hardware store ones are just not worth the trouble, they will lock up at the most inconvenient moment.

 

[spectrum]

Brass snaps from the hardware store have steel springs that rust - toss them. Marine brass snaps from a marine store do not so work just fine. Am told that over years they wear and create knife edges. Have not had this happen, but believe it as brass is softer than stainless steel. Stainless ones are best - I have purchased all three over the years. The hardware store ones are just not worth the trouble, they will lock up at the most inconvenient moment.

Dito, the hardware store grade unless specifically marine grade won't go the distance especially in the ocean.

 

[johnnyseko]

I soak mine post dive and operate the snaps underwater (fresh water). Haven't had a problem yet.

 

[SCUBAJENNIFER]

I just recently switched all my brass out to SS...they were getting terribly hard to operate and were only a year old.