This post is far from the topics I usually write about, but it is riding-related. I wondered if other riders ever wanted to change their buttons to a different style. So, we made a short video of how to remove and replace the button snaps on a leather vest.
Button Snaps Help Secure A Vest
I've had my vest for 2 years and put a few patches on it representing some of my rides. My Chapter patch, Patriot guard missions, HOG mileage awards, and things like that have a place on my vest. The main reason I even wear a vest is to keep my clothes from flapping around while riding. Flapping clothes are distracting and uncomfortable, and I don't like it. The vest solves that issue. Recently though, I've had a problem with the snaps coming loose. The outer edge and snap ring were both worn and wouldn't stay secured to the other side of the snap. Something had to be done.
Vests Can Be Expensive
Vests are not cheap and especially once you put a few embroidered items on them. The particular vest I have, a Street & Steel, cost about $129. Then add a name rocker, chapter top rocker, chapter logo, and a couple more small patches, and if you have to pay someone to sew them on that cost is now well over $200. Margaret, fortunately, does sewing, pattern design, and embroidery and takes care of attaching our patches or even making some of them. Aside from the cost of the vest and everything on it, I just like my vest. It's well worn in and fits well.
Purchasing The Button Snaps
My button covers are a buffalo nickel, and I wanted to keep that historical aspect. Tandy Leather had everything and more you could ever want or dream of to do with leather. Another good thing is they are local. We try to support local businesses when possible; it's just the right thing to do as long as local businesses are reasonable. They had stacks of leather and accessories beyond what we imagined. They also had buffalo nickel buttons that were exactly like the ones I needed to replace. We had to purchase a button punch that would set the button and secure it into place as well. The buttons were $3 each, and the button punch was $6. For $18 dollars, we got everything necessary to repair my vest.
The video shows the entire process to remove and replace the buttons. Once you do one, you'll find it's quite easy. You can also repair or replace the buttons on a jacket or any other leather product. Hopefully, you'll find this helpful.
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