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Rivets & Snap Buttons · Hoop Hardware · Made for Polypro, HDPE & PE
The connection that keeps
The connection that keeps
your hoop a circle.
Every hoop starts as a length of tubing. What turns it into a circle — and keeps it one under the forces of flow, performance, and travel — is the connection hardware. Rivets lock the insert permanently into the fixed end. Snap buttons allow the other end to release for collapse. Together they are the two-part fastening system used in virtually every performance polypro and HDPE hoop in the world.
⚡ Rivets — The Fixed Side
A rivet is a permanent, one-way fastener. Driven through the tubing wall and the insert material using a hand riveter, it locks the insert in place on one end of the hoop. This end cannot be opened. The rivet takes the tension of the hoop trying to straighten itself and prevents the insert from walking out over time. Hoopologie stocks US-made 1/8” aluminum rivets — not the imported hardware-store variety that snaps off mid-set.
◯ Snap Buttons — The Collapsible Side
A snap button (also called a push button or spring clip) is a spring-loaded release mechanism. It threads onto the insert material so that a small button protrudes through a drilled hole in the tubing. When pressed in, the tubing end releases from the insert and the hoop can be coiled flat. When released, the button clicks back into position and the hoop holds its circle. This is what makes a hoop collapsible for travel, shipping, and storage.
Hardware Sizing Reference
Which hardware fits your tubing?
Match your tubing outer diameter to the correct snap button, rivet, and insert. Getting the sizing wrong is the number-one cause of loose connections and failed hoops. One set of hardware = 1 rivet + 1 snap button + 1 insert, and makes approximately one hoop from 10ft of tubing.
| Tubing OD | Snap Button | Rivet | Insert | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2” OD | XS Snap | Tiny Rivet | 3/8” Polypro Insert | Mini hoops & prop work |
| 5/8” OD Most Popular | Small Snap Button | Regular Rivet | 1/2” Polycarb Insert Recommended | Performance & dance hoops |
| 11/16” Goldilocks Exclusive | Straight-Leg Snap | Regular Rivet | 1/2” Polycarb Insert Required | Polycarb strongly recommended for this OD |
| 3/4” OD | Medium Snap Button | Regular Rivet | 5/8” Polycarb Insert Recommended | On-body & beginner polypro |
| 7/8” OD | Large Snap Button | Regular Rivet | 3/4” Insert | Body-rock & thick-wall hoops |
| 1” PE (Beginner) | Large Snap Button | Regular Rivet | Special 3/4” PE Connector | Beginner & fitness PE hoops |
One set of hardware per 10ft of tubing. 20ft coil = 2 sets · 50ft coil = 5 sets · 100ft coil = 10 sets. Hardware is included automatically when you select the hardware upgrade option at checkout on any tubing listing — the correct sizes are matched to your chosen tubing automatically. Order extra from this page to keep a stock on hand for your workshop.
What’s on This Page
All listings explained.
Aluminum Rivets — 1/8”
All tubing sizes · Fixed-side fastener · Consumable
Hoopologie’s US-made 1/8” aluminum rivets — the single most reliable rivet for hoopmaking. Most hardware-store rivets are imported and break off during setting, leaving the mandrel jammed in the tool and the connection incomplete. These are sourced specifically for polypro and HDPE hoopmaking and set cleanly every time. One rivet per hoop on the fixed (non-collapsible) side of the connection.
From $0.15 each · $0.50 single
Small Snap Buttons
5/8” OD tubing · 1/2” insert · Collapsible side
For 5/8” OD hoops using 1/2” insert material. The most commonly ordered snap button size — matched to the most popular performance hoop diameter. Fits polypro and HDPE 5/8” OD tubing. Thread onto the insert so the button protrudes through a drilled hole in the tubing wall on the collapsible end of the hoop.
From $0.60 each · $1.15 single
Medium Snap Buttons
3/4” OD tubing · 5/8” insert · Collapsible side
For 3/4” OD hoops using 5/8” insert material. Sized for the larger bore of 3/4” tubing and the 5/8” insert that fits inside it. Used with polypro 3/4”, HDPE 3/4”, and any other 3/4” OD hoop build. Same spring-loaded release mechanism as the small button — press to collapse, release to lock.
From $0.60 each · $1.15 single
Large Snap Buttons
7/8” & 1” OD tubing · 3/4” insert · Collapsible side
For 7/8” OD polypro and HDPE hoops and 1” OD PE beginner hoops. Fits 3/4” insert material. The PE beginner hoop connection uses this size with a special 3/4” PE connector (sold separately on the inserts page). Also used for 7/8” body-rock and thick-wall polypro hoops.
From $0.60 each · $1.15 single
Polycarb Inserts — 1/2”
5/8” & 11/16” Goldilocks OD · Connector
Polycarbonate (polycarb) inserts for 5/8” OD and 11/16” Goldilocks tubing. Approx. 1.65” long, very snug fit — they will loosen slightly with use. Polycarb is stronger and stiffer than standard polypro insert material and is the strongly recommended connector for Goldilocks tubing and all Glossy Polypro lines (Stardust, Radioactive, Fusion). Provides a straighter, more secure join than standard inserts.
$0.95–$0.99 each
Polycarb Inserts — 5/8”
3/4” OD tubing · Connector
Polycarbonate inserts for 3/4” OD tubing, where the inner bore requires a 5/8” insert. The same rigid polycarb material — superior rigidity to polypro insert, less flex at the connection point, cleaner circle especially for larger hoop diameters. Recommended for 3/4” Glossy Polypro builds and any 3/4” hoop where a straight, firm join is a priority.
$0.95 each
Installation Guide
Rivet + snap button:
Rivet + snap button:
how they work together.
Every performance hoop connection uses exactly one rivet and one snap button per hoop — never two rivets (can’t collapse) and never two snap buttons (won’t hold shape reliably). The rivet is always on the side that sees the most tension; the snap button is always on the side you want to open.
You’ll need a hand riveter (sold on the Tools page), a drill with correct bit sizes (1/8” for rivet hole, slightly larger for snap button hole), and your insert material. The installation sequence below takes about 5 minutes once you’ve done it a couple of times.
1
Push insert halfway into one end
Press the polycarb or polypro insert halfway into one cut end of the tubing. Leave exactly half exposed to receive the other end.
2
Thread snap button onto insert
Before closing the circle, thread the snap button onto the exposed half of the insert from the end that will be the collapsible side. Orient the button leg outward.
3
Close the circle
Press the second cut end of tubing over the exposed insert to form a circle. Check the join is flush on both sides with no gap.
4
Drill rivet hole (fixed side)
Drill a 1/8” hole through both the tubing and insert on the fixed side (the side opposite the snap button end), about 1” from the join.
5
Set the rivet
Load a rivet into the riveter, insert the tip through the hole, and squeeze until the rivet sets with a click and the mandrel snaps cleanly.
6
Drill snap button hole (collapsible side)
Drill a slightly larger hole through the tubing on the snap button side. Push the button end through the hole until it clicks. Test: press button to release, let go to lock. Done.
Hoopmakers University
Rivets & Push Buttons:
Rivets & Push Buttons:
Which ones should you use?
Hoopmakers University has a dedicated tutorial covering every rivet and snap button type — when to use each, how to install them correctly, what drill bits you need, and the most common mistakes to avoid. Free with every Hoopologie purchase.
Watch: Rivets & Push Buttons Guide at Hoopmakers University →
Common Questions
Rivets & snap buttons, answered.
Do I need both a rivet and a snap button for every hoop?
For a standard collapsible hoop, yes — one rivet on the fixed side and one snap button on the collapsible side. You technically can make a hoop with two rivets (fully permanent, non-collapsible), which some hoopers prefer for a hoop that stays at a fixed diameter and never risks accidentally opening. But two snap buttons is not recommended — the hoop will flex and pop open during aggressive flow. For shipping and travel, collapsible is almost always better.
How do I know which snap button size to order?
Match the snap button to your tubing’s outer diameter: Small for 5/8” OD, Medium for 3/4” OD, Large for 7/8” and 1” OD. The snap button size is determined by the insert material it threads onto — small fits 1/2” insert (for 5/8” OD), medium fits 5/8” insert (for 3/4” OD), and large fits 3/4” insert (for 7/8”+ OD). See the full sizing table at the top of this page.
What drill bit sizes do I need?
For the rivet hole: a 1/8” (3.2mm) bit drilled through both the tubing wall and the insert. For the snap button hole: a slightly larger bit — typically 5/16” (8mm) for standard snap buttons — drilled through the tubing wall only (not all the way through the insert). The button leg needs enough room to pass through and click. If your snap button isn’t clicking cleanly, the hole is likely too small — open it up slightly with a slightly larger bit.
Why use polycarb inserts instead of polypro inserts?
Polycarbonate is significantly stiffer and stronger than polypro insert material. This matters at the connection point because a flexible insert allows the hoop to bend at the join — over time this creates a kink or flat spot that makes the hoop oval rather than circular. Polycarb inserts resist this flex, maintaining a truer circle especially in larger hoop diameters. They are strongly recommended for Goldilocks (11/16”) tubing and all Glossy Polypro lines, and are a good upgrade for any performance hoop where hoop integrity matters.
How many sets of hardware do I need for a 100ft coil?
A 100ft coil makes approximately 10 hoops (at roughly 32–36” OD each). You need one set of hardware per hoop — so 10 rivets, 10 snap buttons, and 10 inserts for a full 100ft coil. If you order tubing with the hardware upgrade, all 10 sets are included automatically. For custom builds or larger/smaller hoop sizes, adjust accordingly: use our Hoop Size Calculator to get exact footage and hardware counts for your specific diameter.
What’s a “straight-leg snap” and when do I need it?
The straight-leg snap is the specific snap button type for 11/16” Goldilocks tubing. Because Goldilocks has a thicker wall than 5/8” OD but the same 1/2” inner bore, the standard small snap button can fit but the leg geometry is different enough that the straight-leg version seats more cleanly and reliably. If you order hardware via the tubing listing’s hardware upgrade option, the correct type is included automatically when you select 11/16” tubing.
Watch before you build.
It’s free.
Hoopmakers University’s rivets & push buttons video covers every step of hardware installation in detail — including drill bit sizing, common mistakes, and the exact technique for a clean, professional connection. Free with every Hoopologie purchase.
US-Made Rivets1/8” aluminum, no breakage
3 Snap Button SizesSmall, Medium & Large
Free TutorialRivets & buttons video at HMU
Boulder, ColoradoHoopologie — Est. 2013
