At Valco, we proudly produce hundreds of thousands of manufacturing parts, but by far our most famous products are the snap buttons for telescoping pipe and tubing.
These parts come in more than 1,200 variations. With our snap buttons holding so many practical and industrial applications, it can be daunting to figure out just where to start. Thankfully, we’ve created this handy guide to let you know what to look for in snap buttons and how to best utilize them in your business. Each style — from straight-leg A-series to dual-type E-series — falls under Valco’s broader catalog of industrial snap buttons used across tubing and fastening applications.
Our Most Popular Snap Button Variations
A Type – Our core model, the A Type snap button is great for general use in many applications and is highly customizable. A common usage is supplying snap buttons for aluminum poles to create adjustable and removable parts, or attaching fixtures to a product.
B Type – Another of our popular models, the B Type snap button for tubing is highly useful for lower-profile types of installation in areas with restricted space or extrusions and is ideal for smaller tubing.
C Type – These snap buttons are utilized for products that incorporate electrical parts and wiring within their tubing, such as vacuum cleaners.
D Type – These extremely durable variant snap buttons are employed when a product calls for extra strength and requires additional reinforcement.
E Type – These useful models contain double buttons on one end of the product’s tubing. One button stabilizes the tubing in place and the second is depressed to allow movement for adjustments. These high-quality snap buttons have been developed for swinging table legs and other fixed-point pivot products. Beyond E Type tubing pivots, Valco also produces double end snap buttons in dual-type E-series configurations for swinging table legs and other fixed-point assemblies. Pivot-style mounts often use double sided snap buttons from Valco’s E Double-Sided line, ideal for swinging table legs and fixed-point assemblies.
Extensive Capabilities in Button Pins for Telescopic Tubing
Valco’s vast array of tooling allows us to stand above the competition and produce thousands of various parts and components at a minimal upfront cost for our customers.
Our customers will also be glad to know that Valco is a full-service machine parts company, handling all aspects of:
DESIGN
DEVELOPMENT
PRODUCTION
TESTING (when applicable)
SHIPPING
We find that customers of our tube spring button services are quite pleased with the end results of our thorough production process, as we deliver quality products tailor-made to their specifications.
And best of all, our telescoping tube snap buttons couldn’t be simpler to operate once completed and installed within customer products, as they require no additional tools for assembly. That means a simple, easy-to-utilize product ready for store shelves.
Additionally, we have a wide variety of Valco tubing snap buttons in stock for same-day shipping in most cases, with a 2–4-week window for other orders, including specialty products.
When weight, magnetism, or chemical exposure rule out steel, the same snap button supplier can deliver the equivalent geometry in Delrin, nylon, or PVC instead.
Tube Spring Buttons Across All Industries
With more than fifty years of experience to our name, Valco has worked with dozens of sectors throughout the decades, and we’re expanding all the time. We’ve supplied snap buttons for tubing to the following industries and for the following applications:
- Health care – Medical devices, crutches, canes, wheelchairs, and walkers
- Home care – Lighting fixtures, shelving, furniture, and curtain rods
- Construction – Safety systems, electrical transformers, electrical insulation, mechanical supports, and scaffolding
- Child safety and nursery – Swings, cribs, safety gates, playpens, and railings
- Retail – Bulletin boards, displays, clothing racks, and kiosks
- Sporting goods – Tent pole push buttons, soccer and hockey goals, extension cords, exercise machines, outside lighting, and boating and kayaking equipment
- Industrial – Machinery, hazardous material transport, chemical tubing, and telescopic actuators
If you don’t see your sector among this list, remember that we’re always available for specialized and customizable orders, so we’d love to add you to our ranks!
Valco’s snap metal buttons — including E-style dual-type variants — are stamped from steel, stainless, brass, and aluminum for diverse industrial applications.
Snap Button Application and Sizing Needs
Once you’ve decided that Valco snap buttons are right for your company, it’s vital for us to know the ultimate application the snap button tubing will be used for. As you’ve read, we have many custom products designed for specific functions and we want to make sure you receive the best fastener for the job.
After this is determined, we’ll next need to establish the correct sizing for your snap buttons by measuring the ID – inside diameter – of the tubing you will be working with. Measuring the wall thickness of the tube in question is also important to ensure that your snap buttons fit properly and maintain a high functionality for your product.
Be sure to visit our catalog to see lists of minimum and maximum tube sizes for individual button models.
Why Are Snap Fasteners for Tubing Better Than Alternative Options?
Snap fasteners for tubing are beneficial because they integrate seamlessly into the product design, reducing the need for visible screws. Additional advantages of choosing our fasteners for tubing include:
Tool-free assembly
One of the key benefits of tubing snap buttons is that they can be assembled and taken apart without the use of tools. This is ideal for situations where quick adjustments are required or the user is not skilled in tool usage.
Ease of use
Tubing snap buttons are easy to use and can be utilized by anyone, regardless of the extent of their hands-on skills. This is especially useful in projects that are DIY or educational.
Lightweight composition
Snap buttons can be made to be lightweight, which is a priority for certain applications. This is important for projects in the aerospace and automotive industries where weight contributes to overall efficiency and performance. Additionally, it can be important for sporting applications where people will often be carrying the weight.
Corrosion resistance
Snap fasteners for tubing can offer corrosion resistance for your application, making them suitable for use in outdoor applications, life at sea, or other situations where exposure to harsh elements is a concern.
FAQs About Snap Buttons for Tubing
Snap buttons operate via spring-loaded properties, where the button is pressed into the receptacle. This spring-loaded feature allows the button to snap into place, creating a secure connection. To disconnect the snap button, press the button and allow it to release from the receptacle.
It is important to follow any installation guidelines to ensure proper fitting of your tubing snap buttons and achieve a secure connection. Additionally, it is key to consider load-bearing capacities and the intended use to prevent failures or accidents in your project.
Yes, snap buttons are designed to be reusable. This means that they can withstand multiple connection and disconnection cycles without significant wear or loss of functionality. The longevity of the snap button will depend on the material used and the quality of the snap button, so be sure to keep this in mind as you shop.
Generally, snap buttons are low maintenance. We suggest regularly checking for wear, corrosion, or damage to ensure safe operation and reliable performance.
We Would Love to Hear From You
At Valco/Valley Tool & Die, we’re dedicated to delivering one of our fine, readymade products or, if need be, customizing one from scratch. As a leading manufacturer of snap buttons for tubing, we know the wealth of applications they’re useful for and we hope to meet your company’s own application needs, no matter the industry.
To discover everything Valco can do for your industry and products, contact us today!