Abstract: A hand tool for fastening and unfastening snap fasteners includes a handle and a tool element fixedly secured thereto at one end thereof. The tool element has laterally spaced, co-planar prong members which are adapted to be disposed about the head of a fastener element for grasping and holding the same during a fastening or unfastening operation, the plane of the prong members being disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle. The pronged element is fabricated of spring steel and is folded substantially in half so as to have a substantially U-shaped configuration in side elevation whereby the pronged members are, in effect, supported in a cantilevered manner with respect to the handle. In addition, the operational axis of the pronged members is aligned with that of the handle so as to be able to receive forces transmitted from the handle during a fastening or unfastening operation.

Abstract: A hand tool for fastening and unfastening snap fasteners includes a handle and a tool element fixedly secured thereto at one end thereof. The tool element has laterally spaced, co-planar prong members which are adapted to be disposed about the head of a fastener element for grasping and holding the same during a fastening or unfastening operation, the plane of the prong members being disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle. The pronged element is fabricated of spring steel and is folded substantially in half so as to have a substantially U-shaped configuration in side elevation whereby the pronged members are, in effect, supported in a cantilevered manner with respect to the handle. In addition, the operational axis of the pronged members is aligned with that of the handle so as to be able to receive forces transmitted from the handle during a fastening or unfastening operation.