Snap fastener

A method of replacing an existing male snap component of a snap fastener supported in a bore extending through a panel structure which is arranged to mate with a female snap component in which the female snap component comprises a socket with an annular periphery which is movable from a relaxed position to a flexed position in which the annular periphery has a greater circumference than the relaxed position and in which the annular periphery is urged under tension back to the relaxed position, said method comprising:

• removing the existing male snap component from the bore in the panel structure;
• providing a replacement male snap component comprising a head having an annular sidewall with a main portion of circumference approximately equal to the circumference of the annular periphery of the female snap component in the relaxed position, a shank extending from the head, and an anchor threadably supported on the shank at a location spaced from the head, the anchor having a plurality of gripping fingers extending in a longitudinal direction of the shank from the anchor towards the head at an outward incline away from the shank in a relaxed position;
• inserting the shank of the replacement male snap component into the bore in the panel by flexing the fingers inwardly towards the shank until the head and anchor are located on opposing sides of the panel structure;
• engaging the fingers with the panel structure;
• and
• rotating the shank relative to the anchor until the panel structure is clamped between the head and anchor.