Wrestling headgear protects an athlete's head from concussions and from unsightly keloid scarring, called cauliflower ear. Headgear, a simple piece of equipment, can become a problem if repeated impacts damage the snap. This usually results in 1 of 2 problems: Either the snap loses its grip and keeps unsnapping in the middle of matches, or it becomes difficult or impossible to close. Either way, repairing and replacing snaps is a skill most wrestlers should have.
Repair the Snap
Step 1
Check the snap to see if any of the ridges have come out of alignment. They should be circular and stand straight up. Look specifically for ridges that are out of round or than have bent inward or outward.
Step 2
Adjust any bent ridges by bending them back into position using your needle-nose pliers.
Step 3
Test the snap by closing it and then checking how tightly it holds. Repeat this step as necessary. If you can't get a good connection after 3 or 4 tries, move on to replacing the snap.
Replace the Snap
Step 1
Remove the old snap by prying it apart with your screwdriver and pliers. If it's stuck together, which is common with damaged wrestling snaps, use the screwdriver and hammer to knock it out of place.
Step 2
Push the closed side of the snap through the hole, with the post pointing toward the inside of the headgear.
Step 3
Attach the open side of the snap to the interior side of the headgear, threading the post through like a washer over a bolt.
Step 4
Squeeze the snap tight using your vice grips.
Things You'll Need
- Needle-nose pliers
- Vice grips
- Spare snap of the same size
- Phillips-head screwdriver
- Hammer
References
- Andy Brick; Wrestling Coach; Hillsboro; OR
- Denver Fabrics: Snap Basics
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