Removing snaps?

I have an old Jango vest that had snaps for attaching the armor. The spacing of the snaps is too close so I was going to remove them and then use the vest to test fit armor or possible for a custom mandp sometime in the future. My problem is that I can't seem to get the snaps off without ripping the pleather. Anyone have any expeirence with this?

My last resort is to just pull them out and then patch up the rips as best I can, but if there is a secret easy way I would love to know it.

I've always drilled them out.

Yep, definitely take a drill bit to them.

If you don't have a drill you could try pliers (crush the snap across the circumference)

The pliers idea is how I started and it was still ripping a bit. I will try the drill when I can get out to the shop and it's not 100 degrees outside. ( My shop ain't got no air conditioning)

I make fiberglass armor in the garage in 105 degree weather...No excuses...just a lot of liquids!