Rivet Press/Punch?

[David Mary]

I bought a two piece rivet setting tool, one that is the base, and the other that I hammer to set my rivets into the sheaths. But the part I hold and hammer is smashing the rivets and they end up deformed. The toll itself has deformed. It does not have a solid center, but there is a hole in the middle, and the lip around it has chipped in places. Any recommendations on a rivet setting tool that will be reasonably priced and not destroy my rivets? Preferably something that has a solid round piece of metal in the middle instead of a hole. I can't seem to find one online.

 

[David Mary]

My post seems to have disappeared.

Here is what I asked: Recommendations for a rivet setting tool that will not destroy my rivets. I was more detailed originally but I am at work and have to be quick. I use 1/4". Thanks.

 

[evlDan]

Most of the dies on the market have a hole for alignment purposes it's not a bad thing. You could have your rivets upside down or just some bad dies that you could probably return. I have been using the knifekits and haven't had problems, but most people seem to like the USAkifemakers better(if you can ever catch them instock).

 

[Kiah]

Your post is there. Might be the device you're using.

What do you mean by rivets? Eyelets (like most Kydex sheaths use) or solid ones or ...?

 

[evlDan]

I just assumed he was using eyelets that is a good point maybe he is using actual rivets.

 

[David Mary]

Here is what I mean:

They are eyelets. And rivets.

"100x #8-8 1/4" Black Rivets Eyelets Custom DIY Kydex Holster Hardware .08-.093"

Actually, maybe you can clear it up for me?

Thanks for your replies.

 

[evlDan]

These are what most people call eyelets, rivets are solid in the center. I'm not sure where you got that tool but it does seem odd to have a hole on the setter like that. The picture on the setter is hard to see but it looks like you are using a punch style. Using a punch can be tricky the amount of force you use is really something you have to practice to get perfect. I would recommend a better setter if you are going to make more sheaths, but if it is just this one then you can improvise a bit to get these looking better. On the cheap I think these look better then what you have but a step up to these would be a big upgrade for only $12 more.

 

[Kiah]

Yeah, they're a type of rivet. Typically referred to as eyelets to differentiate.

I'm guessing your setter is made for something else and that's your issue. I've never seen a setter for eyelets with a hole like that. They're typically domed or have a post.

If I were looking for something on the cheap, I'd pick up one of those cheap green grommet presses on Ebay that comes with three die sets The 6mm/#0 dies fit 1/4" eyelets perfectly and give a great roll. Only issue is that you have to grind the circumference down on the top portion of the bottom die because it's too fat to use with Kydex sheaths (look at KnifeKits and USAKnifemaker dies to see what I mean). A bit more expensive option would be the KK or USAKM dies mentioned and a drilled arbor press. Cheapest option would probably be just getting the correct hand setter. KnifeKits has them.

I got one of the Ebay grommet presses for $20 on auction. Think they're typically in the $30-40 range (not sure about shipping to Canada). Not my favorite press, but well worth the extra over a hand setter IMO if you have a grinder to fix the dies.

ETA: Just saw Dan's post. Had completely forgotten about the guided setter. That would be a much better option than a handheld setter IMO.

 

[David Mary]

I have made close to two dozen knives since graduating from modding to making knives from blanks, and I am planning to sell my creations, so I concur about the guided setter. Thanks for the great suggestion! I see I will have to learn my way around knifekits!