Things I Love this Week: Feb 7-13, 2021

After the last post about practicing the basic skills, I have a confession: I still have a hard time setting snaps and rivets using a mallet and setter kit. If my strike is off at all, I end up with a rivet that is domed, or a snap that isn't straight.

If there is one machine that I could not live without anymore, it's a hand press. I managed to pick up a Tandy Craftool Pro Hand Press when it was on sale, and I have been collecting the press dies when they're on sale as well...even if I don't think I'll need them. Note: this is a big investment if you're just starting out, but I just got tired of wasting my hardware or having to settle for the hardware not being set nicely.

I've heard of people finding cheaper options, such as getting an arbor press from a place like Harbor Freight, and those have worked well for them. I just happen to have a local Tandy, so it was easier to pick one up during a sale, and I like that they have die sets that are compatible with the hand press and their own hardware.

By all means, get what works for you...but if trying to hammer in your rivets leaves you more frustrated than satisfied with your work, I honestly feel like it has been a good investment.