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Old 03-15-2012, 09:37 PM   #1
SirDrake
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Default Keep Those Curtains Closed!

Here is another mod we did in the first few years of owning our TM.
I know this topic has been covered in other threads, but I thought I would create a new one so I can cover the whole process.

Like many of you, we were frustrated with trying to keep the curtains closed in the TM.
TrailManor makes the curtains with nice tie backs for keeping the curtains open, but It seems that they overlooked the need for keeping them closed!
We tried velcro (kept coming off), and clothes pins (looks shabby and we kept losing them when not in use).
We wanted a solution that was easy to use and looked nice.
I remarked to my wife that it would be nice to find a snap that would match the buttons on the curtain valance.
So I began searching the internet for colored, plastic snaps that would be easy to install, that's when I found Kam Snaps.

Kam Snaps are plastic snaps that are typically used for cloth diapers.
The snaps come in a variety of colors, they work with most fabrics, and are easy to install and use.
Here is a link to their website: www.kamsnaps.com
The Starter Kit costs $25 and comes with the Kam Snap Crimper tool, an Awl, and 50 Snaps (your choice of color).
In addition, when you purchase the kit from their eBay store, they donate all proceeds to charity.
They usually donate to the Walkin' the Bark Rescue (they assist in the placement of shelter dogs into permanent adoptive homes).

So I decided to order the Starter Kit on eBay and give it a shot.
I chose the Denim Blue snaps for our blue curtains but you can choose from a variety of colors to match your decor.
The Denim Blue snaps are a close match to the decorative buttons on our blue curtain valance.
I decided to use one snap per curtain and I placed the snaps near the center of each curtain (you can place them where you like or use multiple snaps too).
I used two snaps on the bigger curtains at the front and back of the TM.
I lined up the curtains and made a dot with a marker where I wanted to place them on the curtain.
Then I used the included awl to make a hole through both sides of the curtain where I put the dot.
The snap halves come in two pieces each (4 pieces for a complete snap).
You take the half that has the spike in the center and push it through the hole, then place the other half over the spike and crimp it together with the Kam Snap tool.
Just repeat these steps for the other curtain side using the opposing Kam Snap pieces.
Here is a video that shows the process: Kam Snap How-To Video

When you want to close your curtains, just snap the Kam Snaps together!
To open the curtains, just pull the curtains apart.
The snaps are really tough and hold nicely.
I can't tell you how much we like this mod - our curtains now stay closed!
It was cheap, easy to install, matches the decor, and proceeds went to a charity!
How cool is that?
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Old 03-16-2012, 07:26 AM   #2
Maxine_51334
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Smile

Nice !
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Old 04-22-2012, 02:10 PM   #3
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Very nice job! I ordered the color sample card from Kam Snaps. If they have a color that'll work with my tan curtains, I'll order the snaps and tool. Looks like 100 sets is the minimum order per color, so I'll share them with other TM owners if I get them.

Thanks for sharing!

Betty
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Old 04-22-2012, 05:23 PM   #4
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Betty, if you don't mind, please let us know if you find some tan ones which work. I am in a time crunch and you might get the chart earlier than I could. Thanks.
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Old 04-22-2012, 06:58 PM   #5
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Scott D

Will do Ordered today so will hopefully get the sample soon.

Betty
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Old 10-28-2020, 10:25 PM   #6
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Default Great idea!

I know this post is over 8 years old, but I thought I would chime in and say what a great idea this is! I also wanted to thank you for sharing this idea with the rest of us.

Truly,
Cindy
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Old 10-29-2020, 06:58 AM   #7
ThePair
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Agreed. I took it one step further and lined the curtains with blackout material before using these to (a) attach the material to the curtains and then (b) getting the curtains to snap shut. Total darkness bliss for the kiddos.
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Old 11-04-2020, 07:46 PM   #8
B_and_D
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Snaps are a great idea. The first thing I did to the TM was sew velcro onto the curtains in the middle. Let's see...bought the TM in 2003..it's 2020...after 17 years no problems with them.
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