Which rivet / snap press to get

[1willi4]

It seems like most leather supplier has their own rivet and snap press. Whose or which press do you recommend?  

[fredk]

Get the set to match the snaps you buy from the same seller. Others may not suit

[bikermutt07]

After placing an order with Goldstar and the buckle guy I see there isn't really much contest.

I have used Tandy hardware mostly. Then wound up with a Goldstar press and hardware from a lot sale. The press seems fine. I ordered some non press type hardware from Goldstar and while it was cheap, it was no bargain. Most of the stuff I wouldn't want to use.

So, for that particular project run I spent some more money and tried the buckle guy. It was no comparison. Solid brass everything and built like a Sherman tank. I will be trying to use their stuff exclusively from now on. It will be tough though, I have a lot of hardware from Tandy, Goldstar, and a few random things of unknown origin. 

Even buckle Guy's hand rivet setters are a real cut above. Cnc machined setters and anvils. Meaning they left no unsightly rings on the surrounding leather.

I was very impressed. 

[klutes]

I have been picking up Stimpson 405 press when I can find them. These are the old cast iron ones. Really robust press. Wouldn’t mind picking up  another one.  I use rivets and snaps from Weaver supply. Pleased so far.

Edited March 16, 2019 by klutes

[1willi4]

Thank-you for all your help!!

[garypl]

16 hours ago, bikermutt07 said:

After placing an order with Goldstar and the buckle guy I see there isn't really much contest.

I have used Tandy hardware mostly. Then wound up with a Goldstar press and hardware from a lot sale. The press seems fine. I ordered some non press type hardware from Goldstar and while it was cheap, it was no bargain. Most of the stuff I wouldn't want to use.

So, for that particular project run I spent some more money and tried the buckle guy. It was no comparison. Solid brass everything and built like a Sherman tank. I will be trying to use their stuff exclusively from now on. It will be tough though, I have a lot of hardware from Tandy, Goldstar, and a few random things of unknown origin. 

Even buckle Guy's hand rivet setters are a real cut above. Cnc machined setters and anvils. Meaning they left no unsightly rings on the surrounding leather.

I was very impressed. 

Hi Mutt - do the snaps from Buckle Guy work ok with the Goldstar press?  I am using Goldstar snaps and they seem to work ok, but if there are better snaps out there I would like to use them.

Gary

[bikermutt07]

1 hour ago, garypl said:

Hi Mutt - do the snaps from Buckle Guy work ok with the Goldstar press?  I am using Goldstar snaps and they seem to work ok, but if there are better snaps out there I would like to use them.

Gary

I don't have any of their snaps yet. Just jiffy rivets, buckles, and d rings so far.

I plan to make an order soon, but I doubt they will fit. We'll see.

Even if line 24 snaps work in the Goldstar does, it doesn't mean other sizes will. 

This may turn out to be a costly upgrade.