PRYM Snap Fastener & Tool Compatibility Guide
Not sure which PRYM snap fasteners and setting tools you need? With several types of snaps, installation kits and accessories available, choosing the right combination can sometimes be confusing.
This guide will help you understand the differences between PRYM plastic Color Snaps, Anorak metal snap fasteners and Sport & Camping snaps, including which tools are included, which are sold separately and which tools you may already own.
We've included actual PRYM product photographs, reference numbers and clickable shopping links to help you identify the correct products for your sewing projects.
PRYM Snap Fastener Compatibility at a Glance
Find your snap fasteners in the first column, identify the correct setting tools in the second and see the compatible installation equipment in the third.
Click any product photograph or product name to view the corresponding item at Les Tissées.
On mobile devices, swipe horizontally to see the entire table.
| SNAP FASTENERS | SETTING TOOLS | INSTALLATION EQUIPMENT |
|---|---|---|
Plastic Color Snaps
12.4 mm PRYM 393103 / 393105 |
Already Included!
The correct setting attachments are included with PRYM Love VARIO Pliers 390902. No separate setting tool set required. |
Love VARIO Pliers
PRYM 390902 |
Anorak Snaps
12 mm | Refill PRYM 390331 |
Anorak Setting Tools
PRYM 673136 For VARIO installation |
Love VARIO Pliers
PRYM 390902 |
Anorak Snaps
15 mm | Refill PRYM 390321 / 390327 / 390328 |
Anorak Setting Tools
PRYM 673136 For VARIO installation |
Love VARIO Pliers
PRYM 390902 |
Anorak Complete Kit
15 mm | Tools Included PRYM 390299 / 390301 / 390309 |
Tools Included!
The package includes hammer-installation tools and instructions. No separate setting attachments required for hammer installation. |
Suitable Hammer
Use the included tools with a suitable hammer and stable work surface. VARIO pliers are not required. |
Sport & Camping Snaps
15 mm | Refill PRYM 390202 / 390230 |
Sport & Camping Tools
PRYM 673135 |
Love VARIO Pliers
PRYM 390902 |
Important: The refill rows show the equipment required for VARIO installation. Customers who already own compatible setting tools may not need to purchase them again. Always match the tool to the correct snap fastener system and diameter.
1. Plastic Color Snaps — The Simplest System
PRYM plastic Color Snaps are a practical choice for children's clothing, bibs, lightweight garments, fabric accessories and many other creative sewing projects.
For compatible 12.4 mm Color Snaps, installation is particularly straightforward because the required setting attachments are already included with the PRYM Love VARIO Pliers.
What do you need? Plastic Color Snaps + PRYM Love VARIO Pliers. No additional setting attachments required.
The Love VARIO Pliers also include setting attachments for compatible 9 mm Color Snaps Mini and hole-punching tools for 3 mm and 4 mm holes.
Please note: The plastic snap fasteners themselves are sold separately and are not included with the pliers.
2. PRYM Anorak Metal Snap Fasteners
PRYM Anorak snaps are non-sew metal fasteners designed for jackets, coats, outerwear, bags, garments and suitable accessories.
They feature a medium-strength S-spring closure for secure fastening with smooth opening and closing.
When purchasing Anorak snaps, it's important to understand the difference between refill packs and complete kits with tools included.
Option A — Anorak Refill Packs
Refill packs contain snap fasteners without installation tools. They're ideal for customers who already own compatible PRYM setting equipment.
Option B — Anorak Complete Kits with Tools Included
Some PRYM Anorak packages already include the tools needed to install the snap fasteners using a suitable hammer.
These complete kits contain:
- 10 complete Anorak snap fastener sets
- Hammer-installation setting tools
- Manufacturer installation instructions
PRYM Anorak 15 mm | Tools Included
10 complete snap sets + setting tools + instructions
References: 390299 / 390301 / 390309
Tools already included! When purchasing a complete Anorak kit, you do not need to buy PRYM 673136 setting attachments or VARIO pliers to use the included hammer-installation method. You will need a suitable hammer and a firm, stable working surface.
Already Purchased an Anorak Kit? Keep Your Tools!
If you've previously purchased a PRYM Anorak kit with tools included, you may already have everything needed to install additional compatible snap fasteners.
You can reuse the original hammer-installation tools with compatible Anorak refill packs of the same size.
For example, if you purchased a complete PRYM Anorak 15 mm kit and kept the included installation tools, you can use those tools again with compatible PRYM Anorak 15 mm refill snaps.
This means you can buy more snap fasteners without purchasing another complete kit or duplicate installation tools.
Important distinction: The tools included in these complete kits are for hammer installation. They should not be assumed to work directly with VARIO pliers. The VARIO system uses separate, compatible Anorak setting attachments.
Prefer Using VARIO Pliers for Your Anorak Snaps?
For installation with VARIO pliers, use the PRYM 673136 Anorak Setting Tool Set and compatible VARIO pliers.
PRYM Anorak Setting Tools
Reference: 673136
6 attachments for compatible 12, 15 and 20 mm Anorak snaps
For VARIO installation: Anorak snap fasteners + PRYM 673136 setting tools + compatible VARIO pliers. Only purchase the items you don't already own.
3. PRYM Sport & Camping Metal Snap Fasteners
PRYM Sport & Camping metal snaps are designed for sturdy fabrics, outdoor accessories, bags and practical sewing projects.
Although they may resemble Anorak snaps, they use a different setting tool system.
Sport & Camping snaps use PRYM 673135 setting tools for VARIO installation, not PRYM 673136 Anorak tools.
Step 1 — Choose Your Sport & Camping Snaps
Step 2 — Choose the Correct Setting Tools
The PRYM 673135 setting tools are specifically designed for compatible 15 mm Sport & Camping metal snap fasteners.
The package contains two specialized setting attachments for use with compatible VARIO pliers.
Step 3 — Use Compatible VARIO Pliers
Install the correct Sport & Camping attachments into compatible VARIO pliers and follow PRYM's instructions to secure the fasteners.
What do you need? Sport & Camping snaps + PRYM 673135 setting tools + compatible VARIO pliers.
Remember: PRYM 673135 Sport & Camping attachments and PRYM 673136 Anorak attachments are not interchangeable.
4. Understanding the PRYM Love VARIO Pliers
The PRYM Love VARIO Pliers 390902 are a versatile installation tool that can be used with different PRYM fastening systems when fitted with the correct attachments.
What's Included with the Pliers?
- Setting attachments for compatible 12.4 mm plastic Color Snaps
- Setting attachments for compatible 9 mm plastic Color Snaps Mini
- Hole-punching tools for 3 mm holes
- Hole-punching tools for 4 mm holes
What Is Sold Separately?
- Plastic Color Snaps
- Metal Anorak snap fasteners
- Metal Sport & Camping snap fasteners
- PRYM 673136 Anorak setting tools
- PRYM 673135 Sport & Camping setting tools
Before purchasing additional accessories, check which PRYM setting attachments you already own.
5. Frequently Asked Questions
I bought a PRYM Anorak kit with tools included. Do I need to buy the tools again?
No, not if you still have the original tools and are using them to install compatible Anorak refill snap fasteners of the same size with the hammer-installation method.
Keeping your setting tools allows you to purchase refill packs without buying duplicate hammer-installation accessories.
Can I use the setting tools included in my Anorak kit with VARIO pliers?
The included tools are intended for hammer installation and should not be assumed to fit directly into VARIO pliers.
For installation with VARIO pliers, use the appropriate PRYM 673136 Anorak setting attachments.
Do I need PRYM 673136 if my Anorak kit already includes tools?
No, not if you are using the kit's included hammer-installation method. PRYM 673136 is the separate setting attachment set for compatible VARIO equipment.
Can I use my Anorak 15 mm setting tools with 12 mm snaps?
Do not assume setting tools for one diameter are compatible with another. Match the tools to the correct snap fastener system and size.
The separate PRYM 673136 Anorak setting tool set includes attachments for compatible 12 mm, 15 mm and 20 mm Anorak snaps.
Do the PRYM Love VARIO Pliers include setting tools for plastic Color Snaps?
Yes. PRYM Love VARIO Pliers 390902 include setting attachments for compatible 12.4 mm Color Snaps and 9 mm Color Snaps Mini.
The plastic snap fasteners themselves are sold separately.
Can I use the same setting tools for Anorak and Sport & Camping snaps?
No. Anorak snaps require PRYM 673136 for VARIO installation, while Sport & Camping snaps require PRYM 673135.
Do I always need VARIO pliers?
No. Some PRYM complete snap fastener kits include their own hammer-installation tools and instructions.
If you use the supplied hammer-installation method, VARIO pliers are not required.
What is the difference between a refill pack and a complete kit?
A refill pack contains snap fasteners without installation tools. A complete kit includes snap fasteners and setting tools for the manufacturer's specified installation method.
If you already own suitable installation equipment, a refill pack is a practical option.
Will this guide still apply if Les Tissées adds more colours or finishes?
Yes. Compatibility depends on the PRYM fastening system, product specifications and diameter rather than the decorative finish. Visit each product page to see the current selection.
6. Which PRYM Products Should You Buy?
Before placing your order, ask yourself these three questions:
- Which snap fastener system am I using? Plastic Color Snaps, Anorak or Sport & Camping?
- Do I already own suitable setting tools? Check whether your previous snap fastener purchases included installation equipment.
- Which installation method do I prefer? Hammer installation using the tools supplied with a complete kit or VARIO installation with compatible attachments?
Use the visual compatibility table at the beginning of this guide to identify the correct combinations and shop the products available at Les Tissées.
Our PRYM product selection may expand over time. Visit the individual product pages to see the current variants and available options.
Discover More Sewing Essentials at Les Tissées
Choosing the correct PRYM snap fasteners and installation tools is an important part of achieving a professional finish on your handmade garments and accessories.
Whether you're purchasing your first PRYM fastening system or adding refills to a collection you already own, understanding product compatibility helps you purchase only the equipment you actually need.
Looking for your next sewing project? Explore our PDF sewing patterns for inspiration!
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