Hand Tools OR Kam Press???
Are you deciding if you need to splurge and get a full set up with the Kam Press and Dies or are you on a budget and need the tool sets but not sure which ones to buy?
We will give you the run down on both as we stock both.
Let’s start with the tool sets…
Tool sets can be quite a bit quicker to use, rather than changing over die sets on a kam press.
Tool sets are perfect for the budget friendly shopper also or for someone who is just starting and isn’t 100% sure if you will be using many of the snap/ rivets or buttons you will be installing.
Tool sets are lighter and smaller to store in smaller space in your crafting area
There is always a base and a hand piece in a tool set, that will need to be hit with a rubber mallet or a hammer. This can be a problem for some due to not having enough strength to hit the hardware in with.
To instal rivets all you need is a 2mm hole punch tool set and the 10mm rivet tool set. You can fit rivets with a 6mm, 8mm, 9mm and 10mm rivet cap with these.
To instal 12.5mm Spring snaps you will need a 2mm hole punch and the 12.5mm spring snap tools.
To instal the 10mm and 12mm grommets the tool sets come with a hole punch and the setting tools.
To instal the Magnetic rivets you will need a 2mm hole punch and the 18mm Magnetic rivet tool sets.
Kam Press and die sets
These are more costly and bulky to store, taking up much needed sewing space at times. These can also be more time consuming, UNLESS you have more than one, as you will have to change the die sets over constantly.
However, the benefits of a Kam press are that they require a lot less pressure to instal rivets, snaps and grommets.
To instal a rivet you will need a 2mm hole punch die set and your preferred size rivet die set OR multiple rivet die sets. You can however use a 9mm rivet die set with 6mm, 8mm and 9mm cap rivets.
For the 12.5mm Spring Snaps personally I prefer the tool sets, because for installing the snaps you will need a 2mm hole punch die set and all 4 pieces of the dies for the top and bottom of the snaps, which results in changing over 6 die set pieces. BUT I have also had some bent snaps due to not holding the setting tools hard enough and hitting them in the incorrect spot. It really is a personal preference .
One die set I will 100% recommend every time it is the grommet setting die sets. When using the die sets I find I haven’t ever had a split grommet. The quality of the grommet can also make a difference. We stock 4mm-12mm grommets.
Now onto 14mm and 18mm Magnetic Rivets Die sets. Our die sets will fit the thick and thin 14mm and 18mm Mag Rivets. These are quite easy to install, and you will also need a 2mm hole punch.
By now you may have realised that either way a 2mm hole punch die set, or tool will be one of your most used pieces. To keep them nice and sharp we recommend cleaning the fabric out of the hole punch after every use and we also stock a hole punch sharpener which will make sure for years to come your hole punch cuts sharply every time.
I have another die set for the Kam Press that you can not compare to any tool sets. I have custom designed some 40mm flat plats and adaptor plates. With these you can use cutter sets that I stock online and strap end cutter sets, along with closing up Key fobs ( recommended to use the adaptor plates for this). I have also found them handy to close up two rivets that are close together, you will get a flat cap rather than a rounded rivet cap by doing it this way.
To keep your die sets in great working order I recommend that you keep some Vaseline handy and make sure to pop a bit on your screw part of the die set regularly and this will stop it from getting stuck in your Kam Press.
I hope this helps you decide which tools you prefer to instal your hardware products.
Megan Redpath
Dreamy CEO