Hi Gary
Here are the tools that I use for installing snaps, lift dot snaps, eye holes and grommets in canvas and seat covers. These are the simple tools if you are doing a relatively few of each, like a vehicle at a time. If you want to get into manufacturing seat covers then the more expensive high production tools may make senses.
First and most useful
this is far the most useful tool use this for the little snaps and for the Dot Lift Snaps. Its usefulness comes from the different hole sizes that it will punch. Using the largest hole punch you can even larger holes by nibbling.
With the Dot Lift Snaps I take the backing plate and use it to mark all the little tab holes and the large center hole. Then using the tool above to punch the holes.
The next group of tools for various types of snaps
these are for cutting holes in canvas for fabric most kits for
grommets and snaps come with a hole punch which you are supposed cut the canvas by hitting it with a hammer on a block of wood. What I have found cuts a cleaner hole is to put the hole punch into a drill and cut the hole that way. Hence the drill and various sized tubing stock. Yes 303 shell casing cut nice 1/4" holes, short lengths of tubing of different diameters make good cutting tools. Just dress the edge a little by spinning the tube against a file both out side and inside. Once it dulls or roles edge over just resharpen. Cutting cloth is not a matter of pressure as much as speed of the drill and a soft block of wood underneath to press against When doing a lot holes putting the cutting tubes in the drill press and selecting a high speed works very quick, remember the wood backing. (Use the same trick when making gaskets in paper as well)
Two other tools needed less often are for doing eyelets on left is the cheap hardware or sewing store tool for eyelets. Tool at right is an old tool found it in a flea market multi tool crimping rare but if you see one cheap grab it.
Purpose of these tools is to roll the inside end of the eyelet back on to the fabric.
Now for the snaps the little kits sold in the hardware or sewing store seem to come in two varieties cheep limited use
generally made of aluminum or heavy duty made of steel as in the grommet kits style.
Hope this is of some help.
General question about readability is this style of posting with thumbnail picture inserted into the text at the appropriate location more useful than having all the thumbnail photos at the bottom. Which is easier read?
Cheers Phil