Button snaps make it easy to close pants and jackets. However, when button snaps are broken, they do not snap properly. Fix broken button snap-on pants with a snap setter tool. Snap setter tools work much like pliers, but attach buttons to fabrics using an anvil and setter located on the end of the jaws. Snap setter tools work best on thick fabrics, like denim and canvas.

Purchase brass snap buttons similar to those originally on your pants from a fabric store. Brass snap buttons are available in different sizes, especially from 12.5 mm to 25 mm.

Insert a the tip of a 3/16-inch screwdriver between the fabric, capped post and socket on the waistline‘s exterior. Firmly wiggle the screwdriver tip to loosen the capped post and socket apart around the button.

Hold the socket with flat-nose pliers, and lift the capped post away from the fabric with needlenose or slip joint pliers. Repeat steps 1 and 2 to remove the interior post and socket on the waistline. Toss the broken snaps in the trashcan.

Remove the snap button with a drill if you are unable to remove it using the screwdriver and pliers. Hold the snap post firmly with vise grip pliers on a hard surface, and slowly drill a hole through the socket with a 3/16 inch drill bit. Then remove the socket in the same manner.

Align the snap setter with the anvil by turning the knob left or right. Set the snap on the bottom ring with the cap’s post facing up. Insert the cap’s post through the hole on the exterior portion of the waistline, and place the socket over the post.

Squeeze the snap setter’s handle together firmly for two seconds, then release. The snap post and socket remains locked together. Repeat steps 4 and 5 to attach the stud and socket on the interior portion of the waistline.