Grommet dies for a Grommet Hand Press Machine

Grommet Setting Machine

A "hand press machine" makes setting grommets a lot easier, a lot faster and a lot healthier. A  "hand press machine" is actually a tool, unless it is motorized; but they are typically called machines anyway.  If you don't have a "hand press machine", then chances are you are using plier style hole punches mallet to  set grommets.  The pliers are hard on your hands and hammer setting grommets can be both time-consuming and inaccurate.
 
  There are several styles of "hand press machines"; some have handles that pull towards you, some have handles that pivot, and some have handles that get pushed down.   The one used in this article has a handle that gets pushed down.  Farthingales sells this one and one that pivot's.

Regardless of which type of "hand press machine" you choose to use the machine must be securely anchored to a stable surface.  .  The photograph shows a large C clamp securing the "hand press machine" to a tabletop.  .  You can also use bolts to permanently secure a "hand press machine".
 
Various dies can be purchased to fit the machine and serve different purposes.   Pictured below  are; "adaptors" in to sizes and a hole punch and anvil set. The "adaptors" consist of a post and a threaded hole .   The post fits into the machine, and dies gets screwed into the threaded hole. 

 

To set eyelets or grommets you have to use the dies that are specific to the grommets or the eyelets . They look very similar but setting a grommet with an eyelet die will not work as well as setting a grommet with the grommet die.

 

 

 

There is another type die available for setting grommets.  It's called pick die and has a spike that pokes through the fabric; creating the hole and setting the grommet simultaneously.   It sounds like a great idea and saves the time of hole punching but my experience is that it pulls the fabrics and creates marks aroundthe grommets.   So I don't recommend this die but there is a picture of it below.

 

 For more information on how to set grommets with a hand press machine / grommet setting machine / eyelet setting machine or to purchase one go to www.farthingalescorsetmaksupplies.com

 

 

 

 



Grommet Setting

Basic Grommet Setting Tips

1. Always test your setting technique on scrap of the same fabric and same number of layers.
2. When hammer setting, always work on a stable surface which will not flex with the pounding of the hammer. The floor is the best surface but can be awkward.
3. Work slowly and carefully. It is impossible to "unset" a grommet.
4. The grommet goes on the "right side" or "outside" of the garment and the washer goes on the inside.
5. Always use a washer!
6. Only use rubber or rawhide mallets.

Grommet Machines

The grommet machine sets grommets perfectly and with ease. It is however quite large and not to be considered a mobile unit. It requires three screws (not included) in order to be mounted onto a table. As it functions on the principle of leverage it must be mounted on a table in order to work effectively.

The machine and the dies for setting the grommets are sold separately. We stock only size #00 dies but other sizes are available by "Special Order"

INSTRUCTIONS

SETTING GROMMETS

A) By Machine
1. Punch hole in fabric	2. Place the washer over the spike in the bottom die. It is slightly concave on one side and this side should face upward. Pretend it has to hold a drop of water.
3. Fit the grommet through the hole in the fabric. Place the grommet and fabric onto the spike of the lower die, fabric side down.	4. Slowly pull the lever down so that the grommet sets evenly.
B) With Pliers
Punch hole in fabric with included hole punch. Use rubber mallet. Place grommet through hole in fabric. Pliers should be in your hand with the longest center "probe" coming up from the bottom jaw. Place the fabric and grommet on this with the grommet against the jaw, the fabric upper most and the probe through the grommet hole. Slowly squeeze the pliers shut to attain an even set. NOTE: We have found that the shank of grommet is not always long enough on this kit and that a rough finish can result. This could be uncomfortable next to the skin and a placket may be required to finish the garment.
C) With Hammer Punch Tool
Hammer Setting Kits require a rubber or rawhide hammer which is NOT included. Punch hole in fabric with included hole punch. Place grommet through the hole in the fabric. Place grommet and fabric, with grommet on bottom, onto the round metal disk. Grommet should rest in the circular groove found on the top of the disk.	Place washer over grommet with fabric in between. Place the steel setting tool over the washer with the "probe" entering the grommet and washer hole.
Be sure all pieces are in place and hammer 3-4 times.	Grommets can be purchased at www.farthingales.on.ca

Grommet/rivet setting machine

The new web site seems to be full functional and relatively glitch free. It's been a long haul and there are still things to tweek. But then...there always will be.

We got several new items on the new site including two machines for setting eyelets(grommet) and rivets! These two machines come with both dies and.... eyelets, washers, rivets and D-rings (lacing rings). If you're spending alot of time and energy setting grommets with a hammer it might be time to consider this investment.  

We've also got black metallic busks, diamond busks and antique brass busks!

But perhaps most importantly is all the "How to" information.

So if you haven't been to our very attractive new site...visit now.