The All-in-One Snap, Rivet, Eyelet & Grommet Set: A Beginner's Guide to Getting Started

The All-in-One Snap, Rivet, Eyelet & Grommet Set: A Beginner's Guide to Getting Started

If you have landed here, you probably want to add a snap to a jacket, put rivets on a leather bag, or set eyelets in a curtain — but every product page throws sizes, systems and part numbers at you, and none of it means anything yet. You are not alone. The single most common question new buyers ask is simple: "Which one do I actually need?"

The honest answer for most beginners is: you don't need to decide yet. An all-in-one hand press machine set hands you the press plus the most popular snap, rivet, eyelet and grommet dies in a single box, so you can start today and learn what you like as you go. This guide explains what these fasteners are, who each kit is for, and how to pick without overthinking it.

Snaps, rivets, eyelets and grommets: what's the difference?

Before choosing a kit, it helps to know what each fastener does. You do not need to memorise this — just get a feel for which ones match your projects.

  • Snap buttons (press studs / poppers): the "click" fasteners on jackets, baby clothes, work shirts and bags. They open and close repeatedly.
  • Rivets: permanent metal studs that join layers together — think leather bags, belts, dog collars and denim reinforcement. Double-cap rivets look finished on both sides.
  • Eyelets & grommets: the reinforced metal rings around a hole — used on curtains, banners, lace-up shoes, corsets and tarps. Grommets are the larger, heavier-duty version.
  • Jeans / tack buttons: the sturdy no-sew buttons on denim waistbands.

Here is the key point for a beginner: one hand press machine can set all of these. You just swap the die (the small metal mould) for each fastener type and size. That is exactly why a mixed starter set is such a smart first purchase.

Why an all-in-one set is the right choice for beginners

When you are new, buying individual dies one at a time is frustrating — you often discover mid-project that you own the wrong size. A curated set solves three problems at once:

  • It removes the "which size?" guesswork. The set already contains the sizes people reach for most, so you can experiment instead of gambling on a single die.
  • It is cheaper than buying piece by piece. Bundled dies cost noticeably less than the same items bought separately.
  • It grows with you. The press is universal, so any die you add later works with the same machine.

Our flagship option for this is the Snap Button, Rivet, Eyelet & Grommet Hand Press Machine Set. It is a 17-piece kit that includes the hand press machine plus 3 sets of snap button dies, 5 sets of double-cap rivet dies, 5 sets of eyelet grommet dies, and 2 mm & 4 mm hole punchers with a brass base — everything a first-timer needs to cover the most common jobs in one purchase.

What's inside the set (and what each part is for)

Understanding the contents makes the kit far less intimidating:

  • The hand press machine — a lightweight aluminium press (about 1.65 kg / 3.6 lbs). It is a "silent clicker" press, meaning no hammering: you place the fastener, pull the handle, done. This alone makes results far more consistent than a hammer and anvil.
  • Snap button dies — for the everyday spring snaps used on clothing and bags.
  • Double-cap rivet dies — for finishing leather goods, straps and repairs with a clean look on both sides.
  • Eyelet & grommet dies — for curtains, banners, lace-up projects and craft holes.
  • Hole punch dies + brass base — because most fasteners need a clean hole first. The brass base protects the cutting edge so your punches stay sharp.

Good to know: the kit includes the machine and the setting dies. The consumable fasteners themselves (the actual snaps, rivets and grommets you press in) are purchased separately based on the colours and finishes you want. This is standard for press systems — it lets you choose exactly the studs and grommets your project calls for.

Which version of the set should you buy?

We offer the same core idea in a few configurations so you only pay for what you need. Here is how to choose:

All of our dies share the same fitting — a 6.3 mm (1/4 inch) top screw thread and an 11.9 mm (1/2 inch) bottom diameter — so they are compatible with our hand press machine. If you own a different brand of press, just check that your machine matches those measurements before ordering.

What can you make with it?

This is where beginners get excited. One set opens up a surprising range of projects:

  • Repairing snaps on jackets, work shirts and children's clothing
  • Making and fixing leather bags, wallets, belts and dog collars with rivets
  • Adding grommets to curtains, banners, tarps and shower curtains
  • Custom sewing, cloth nappies/diapers, and small-batch garment work
  • Craft, upcycling and DIY leather projects

Because the press does the hard work, results look neat from your very first attempt — no crushed caps, no wandering hammer strikes.

Beginner tips for your first press

  • Test on a scrap first. Set the depth screw on the press so it seats the fastener firmly without crushing it, then repeat on your real piece.
  • Match the die to the fastener size. A 15 mm snap needs the 15 mm snap die; a 9 mm rivet needs the 9 mm rivet die. When in doubt, keep the fastener's size and "system" (e.g. line 24 / 831) written down when you reorder.
  • Punch a clean hole. For rivets and eyelets, use the included punch dies over the brass base for a tidy, correctly sized hole.
  • Buy fasteners to match your dies. Once you know which sizes you use most, restocking snaps, rivets and grommets is quick and inexpensive.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to know my exact snap or rivet size before buying?
No — that is the whole point of an all-in-one set. It covers the most common sizes so you can start experimenting and learn what your projects need.

Are the snaps, rivets and grommets included?
The kit includes the press machine and the setting dies. The consumable fasteners are bought separately so you can pick your preferred colours, finishes and quantities.

Is it hard to use?
No. It is a hand-lever press, not a hammer tool. Place the fastener, pull the handle, and it sets in one squeeze. Most people get clean results within a few practice presses.

Will these dies fit my existing machine?
They fit our hand press machine and any press with a 6.3 mm (1/4 inch) top thread and 11.9 mm (1/2 inch) bottom diameter. Check your machine's measurements if it is another brand.

Ready to start?

If you are new to fasteners and don't want to gamble on a single size, an all-in-one kit is the most forgiving, cost-effective way in. Start with the complete Snap Button, Rivet, Eyelet & Grommet Hand Press Machine Set, and add specialised dies later as your skills grow. One machine, endless projects — and no more guessing which part you need.

Back to blog