Arrow Fastener Arrow GSSFK6 Screw Snap Fastener Kit

Why I picked up this snap kit

I do a fair amount of small outdoor fabric repairs—tonneau covers, boat canvas, and the odd tarp that needs to secure to a deck or hull. For those jobs, screw-in snaps are a simple, reliable solution. The Arrow kit caught my eye because it combines nickel‑plated brass caps with 3/8-inch screw studs in a tidy six-set package. It’s clearly intended as a refill/repair pack rather than a full-blown installation kit, which suits the kinds of quick fixes I often tackle.

After using it on a patio awning valance and a removable vinyl windbreak on a runabout, I came away pleased with how straightforward it is, with a few notes worth keeping in mind.

What’s in the package

You get six complete screw-snap assemblies: button caps, corresponding studs with integrated screws, and the mating hardware for the fabric side. The hardware is nickel‑plated brass, which is the right call for outdoor use—resistant to corrosion, less reactive around saltwater than plain steel, and it won’t rust-stain canvas. The screws are 3/8-inch, a practical length for biting into:

• Solid wood (cedar, teak, pressure-treated pine)
• Plastics (HDPE, PVC board)
• Fiberglass laminates (typical of boat decks and coamings)

There are no tools in the box. That’s by design. It’s a refill for those who already have a snap-setting tool (a small anvil and punch or snap pliers) and a basic screwdriver. If you’re starting from scratch, plan to pick up a snap setter separately.

Setup and installation tips

Installation is simple if you follow a few best practices:

1. Plan your spacing. For tarpaulins and canvas, I typically space snaps 6–8 inches apart. On a tonneau cover with moderate wind load, I tighten that up to 4–6 inches.
2. Mark and pre-drill. In wood and fiberglass, a pilot hole prevents splitting and gives you a straight start. Use a bit slightly smaller than the screw’s core (not the threads). In plastics, pre-drilling is even more important to avoid cracking.
3. Dry-fit the cap and socket on the fabric. Use your snap-setting tool to install the cap onto the fabric first. That way, you can snap it to the stud to confirm exact placement before driving the screw home.
4. Bed the screw in fiberglass. A dab of marine sealant (or even clear silicone for non-critical areas) keeps water out and reduces the chance of crazing.
5. Drive by hand. A cordless drill can over-torque and strip plastic or crush soft wood. A hand screwdriver or a drill with a clutch set low gives you more control.
6. Check alignment. Snap the fabric on and off once or twice before setting the next stud. Small errors compound quickly across a row.

With those steps, I found each snap took only a couple of minutes to place, and the fabric mated cleanly with a reassuring “click.”

Performance and durability

The nickel-plated brass has held up well on both projects after months outdoors. No flaking, and the caps still look uniform. The screws bite cleanly and hold their torque; I didn’t see any thread tearing in softwood or spidering in fiberglass after pre-drilling properly. On the boat, the snaps have seen spray and UV, and the fit has stayed tight—no rattling, no accidental pops even when the canvas is under mild tension from wind.

A few specific observations:

• Finish: The caps have a consistent finish that matches the look of most marine-style snaps. The profile is slightly proud, which is typical, and doesn’t snag.
• Feel: The snap action is firm. I could operate them with gloved hands without fighting the connection.
• Corrosion: Brass and nickel plating are appropriate for long-term outdoor exposure. If you’re mounting to aluminum, apply anti-corrosion paste to minimize galvanic interaction.

As with any snap system, the overall hold is a function of both the snap and the substrate. These are secure for pulling the fabric taut but aren’t meant to withstand extreme, concentrated loads. For high-wind tarp retention, spread the load with tighter spacing rather than expecting a single snap to do the job of a tie-down.

Fit and compatibility

The caps and studs mated perfectly with the sockets and posts in my existing kit—both Arrow-branded and generic marine snap components. If you’re mixing hardware from different makers, test one assembly first, but in my use there were no oddball tolerances or misfits.

One practical note: 3/8-inch screws are a great general-purpose length, but they’re overkill for very thin plastic or laminates. If you’re working on a 1/8-inch thick coaming or a thin hatch cover, consider swapping to shorter screws to avoid protrusion on the backside. Conversely, for dense hardwoods, a little beeswax or soap on the threads makes installation smoother.

What I liked

• Durable materials that actually belong outdoors. Nickel-plated brass is the right choice for canvas work, especially near water.
• Straightforward installation. With a pilot hole and a steady hand, the screws seat cleanly in wood, plastic, and fiberglass.
• Reliable snap action. Firm, consistent engagement and an audible click make alignment easy.
• Compact refill quantity. Six sets is perfect for quick repairs or adding a couple of attachment points without being stuck with a large surplus.

Where it comes up short

• It’s a small pack. If you’re outfitting an entire cover or enclosure, you’ll need multiple packs or a bulk option. That’s not a flaw, just an expectation to set.
• No tools included. Again, by design—this is a refill—but if you don’t own a snap setter, budget for that.
• Screw length is fixed. The 3/8-inch length is versatile but not universal. For very thin substrates or sheet metal, you’ll want different hardware.
• Count your pieces. The packaging is minimal. Before you start, lay everything out and verify you have six complete sets so you’re not mid-project with a surprise shortage.

Use cases that suit it well

• Repairing or adding snaps to canvas boat covers, biminis, and sailcloth where the mate surface is fiberglass or wood
• Securing tonneau covers, vinyl skirts, or soft enclosures to plastic frames and trim
• Tacking down tarps and patio enclosures to wooden frames without installing specialty anchors

For these tasks, screw-in snaps are faster than rivet-on snaps and more durable than adhesive fasteners. They’re also reversible—remove the screw and you can relocate or replace the stud without leaving a large hole.

Alternatives to consider

• Rivet-based snap studs: Better for thin metal where a through-fastener makes more sense. Requires rivet tools.
• Adhesive snap bases: Quick, no drilling, but much weaker in heat and moisture; good for very light-duty or temporary setups.
• Stainless hardware: If you insist on stainless studs for maximum corrosion resistance, ensure compatibility with your snap caps and be mindful of galling.

If you’re working exclusively on aluminum structures, a riveted stud may be preferable. For everything else—wood, FRP, plastics—the Arrow kit’s screw studs are the more convenient option.

Verdict and recommendation

The Arrow kit does exactly what I want from a small repair pack: quality materials, consistent fit, and an uncomplicated install. The nickel-plated brass holds up outdoors, the 3/8-inch screws anchor reliably in common substrates, and the snap action is solid. It’s not a one-box solution—there are no tools included, and six sets won’t cover major projects—but for targeted repairs and add-ons, it’s a dependable, cost-efficient choice.

I recommend this snap kit to DIYers and boat or truck owners who need to secure canvas, vinyl, or tarps to wood, plastic, or fiberglass. It’s durable, easy to use with basic tools, and the results look clean and professional. If you anticipate outfitting a whole enclosure, plan for multiple packs or a bulk buy; otherwise, keep one of these on hand and you’ll be ready for the next flap, flap, flap that needs a quick, lasting fix.