Did you try sailrite?
----- Original Message -----
From: "Ken Tucknott" katuck214@mchsi.com
To: "Trawlers Trawlering" trawlers-and-trawlering@lists.samurai.com
Sent: Monday, July 12, 2010 5:19 PM
Subject: T&T: Lift the Dot fasteners

Hi Ken,

Frustrating I know.

I can get those "long" female fasteners (sockets) from my supplier and, in
fact, I probably have them on hand. If no one comes up with a source for you,
let me know and I'll get them for you. I'd give you the name of my supplier
(Trivantage) but they are wholesale only and require a 75 dollar minimum.

If you have time, try googling DOT.com. The company, DOT, that makes those
fasteners have a direct sell retail company. You more than likely can get them
there.

Rudy

--- On Mon, 7/12/10, Ken Tucknott katuck214@mchsi.com wrote:

http://lists.samurai.com/mailman/options/trawlers-and-trawlering

On Mon, Jul 12, 2010 at 2:19 PM, Ken Tucknott katuck214@mchsi.com wrote:

Ken, go here:

http://www.sailmakerssupply.com/prod_detail_list/46

Then click the first drop-down menu and choose "60634 Long prong socket with
backing plate".

$3.50 for five.

/afb

Ken:

Go to any marine sailmaker/canvas shop. They will sell (or give) you a few.
There is a special tool for crimping them on canvas that you will also need
to borrow.

David
----- Original Message -----
From: "Ken Tucknott" katuck214@mchsi.com
To: "Trawlers Trawlering" trawlers-and-trawlering@lists.samurai.com
Sent: Monday, July 12, 2010 2:19 PM
Subject: T&T: Lift the Dot fasteners

You probably know all this, but if David will forgive me, I'd like to piggy-back on his suggestion some.

The tool may be useful, but all I do is stick the prongs through the holes and bend them over with needle nose pliers or even lightly hammer them over; sometimes both.

Now the holes, that's a different story. There is a 4-prong punch that can be used, but pricey to buy for just a few fasteners. Might be able to borrow that, but I'd suspect that most lofts are reticent about loaning their sharp edged punches; I know I am. On the other hand, they may be willing to punch the holes for you.

On the other hand, just line the fastener up, and many times you can hammer it through the material if backed up by a soft, giving wood... not always though and the thicker the material, the more likely you are to bend the prongs.

You can however, carefully push a sharp knife through the material, where the prongs left an indentation after you pushed on the fastener. Careful because you don't want the slit to be too big. A new single edge razor blade can work or a new blade in a retractable work knife.

If you bend a prong, don't sweat it. Just take a pair of needle nose pliers and straighten them up and try again. If you are lucky, maybe there are old holes that you can use.

TIP- For those who have trouble unsnapping "lift-the-dot" fasteners, there is one right end to pull on and 3 wrong ends. The end to pull on is the one with the imprint on it. Pull on the other end or either side and the fastener does what it is suppose to do- stay fastened.

Rudy
Briney Bug, Panama City, Fl

'Lo All,

As Rudy says, the holes can be troublesome, but they are easy to make
with a leather punch used for lacing. Just press the tabs against the
fabric to make an indentation, or use carbon paper to transfer the
pattern, then punch accordingly. The leather lacing punches come in
one to four hole sizes (that I have seen).

Take care and be safe.

Wayne
Celestial
Albin 43 Sundeck
Near Panama City, FL

An X-Acto knife works perfectly for this application. I just set the little
prongs on the canvas and make a small cut where each one touches. All you
need to do is give them a start; they'll punch on through once you give them
a start. Just push them through, put on the washer, fold and crimp the tabs,
then cut out the middle with said knife.

Keith

When you were born everyone around you was smiling, only you were crying.

Live your life so that when you die all around you will be crying, only you
will be smiling.

-----Original Message-----

'Lo All,

As Rudy says, the holes can be troublesome, but they are easy to make with a
leather punch used for lacing. Just press the tabs against the fabric to
make an indentation, or use carbon paper to transfer the pattern, then punch
accordingly. The leather lacing punches come in one to four hole sizes (that
I have seen).