Chromed Brass Male Clip – Stud Fastener for Canvas Fabric

The chromed male canvas clip (product code 03997) is a protruding stud with a broad head specifically designed to be attached to canvas or flexible fabric, in order to serve as a fastening point. This male component is crucial when you want to have a snap/fastener point on the canvas itself, rather than only on a fixed frame.

Construction: The clip is made from brass – a metal known for its resistance to corrosion – and is further coated with chrome. The chrome finish gives it a shiny, stainless-steel like appearance that matches other marine hardware and also acts as a protective layer against oxidation. The head of the clip is smooth, slightly domed, and has a center stem that passes through the fabric during installation. The diameter of the head is designed to spread out the load on the canvas so that when the fastener is under tension, it doesn’t tear the material.

Mounting on Fabric: To attach this male clip to a canvas, you typically use it in conjunction with a backing washer (such as our code 03975 or similar). The process goes like this: you punch a small hole in the fabric at the desired point, insert the clip’s shank through the hole from the front (so the decorative head remains on the outer side), then slide on an appropriate backing plate on the backside of the fabric. After that, you either peen (flare) the shank or crimp it using a special setting tool. This creates a solid mechanical bond – the clip becomes a part of the canvas and will not pull out under stress.

Function: Once mounted, the chromed male clip (03997) functions as a male snap point on the canvas itself. The most common use is on canvas curtains, side panels, or extension flaps that need to attach to a primary cover or bimini. Instead of having all fastening points only on the boat’s frame, this element allows you to put a “mate” on the fabric. For example, if you have a removable cockpit side curtain, you can install 2–3 of these male clips along its edge, which will then snap into female clips (code 03974) on the main canopy – holding the curtain securely, yet allowing it to be completely removed when desired.

Another use is joining two canvas pieces together – for instance, connecting a canopy extension or drop curtain to a bimini. A male clip on one canvas and a female on the other let you join them quickly and separate them just as easily.

Compatibility: The manufacturer EVAL intends this male clip to pair directly with the female tent clip code 03974 – they are matched in size and snap tightly together. The chromed male clip can also engage with a deck-mounted fastener if the size is compatible (for example, if your boat has fixed 2-screw stud bases, this clip may snap onto them as well, but primarily it’s meant for canvas-to-canvas use with 03974).

Advantages: Using a brass clip for canvas ensures longevity – there’s no worry about rust stains on your fabric or the fastener weakening from salt exposure. The chrome-plated surface gives a professional, finished look to your installation – everything matches nicely with other chrome hardware (like snaps, zippers, hooks). Moreover, the smooth head of the clip has no sharp edges, protecting your canvas when folding or during movement (it won’t cut or abrade the material).

By outfitting your boat’s canvas with these clips, you gain flexibility in how you configure your covers and enclosures. Installation does require some skill or the help of a canvas professional, but once set, operation is simple – you can snap and unsnap panels in seconds. This product (03997) is a replacement/expansion part for a larger fastening system; it’s recommended to use it in tandem with the matching female clips and bases to ensure perfect fit. When properly installed, the male fabric stud provides a reliable anchor that lets you modularly add or remove canvas sections as needed, enhancing the versatility of your boat’s coverings.