Tools – Zipper Zoo.net

Bagmaking Tools

install your bag hardware

There are various tools you can use to install bag hardware. Some tools use hand strength and others are easier to use. It’s important to know the options, as well as how and when to use them.

For example, you use tools to install rivets or grommets onto a bag. First you use a hole puncher, then you use a tool designed to apply enough force that the rivet or grommet will not come loose.

Tools vary in terms of ease of use and price.

FAQ

When you look to buy a tool for bagmaking, you need to determine your budget first. You also need to decide between using your own strength, like with a hammer, or using assisted force, like with a table press. The hardware you want to install will also dictate whether the size or shape of the tool is important.

The simplest and least expensive tools involve more manual dexterity and strength. They also tend to have a longer installation time.

To get through more projects more quickly, you want to invest in better tools that create a more automated process.

For example, you can install rivets using a hand tool like the Prym Vario Pliers, fitted with the correct set of dies for your hardware. You will need to manually adjust the placement of where you want to make the hole or apply the rivet. Then you need to have the hand strength to use the pliers.

Alternatively, you can install rivets using a table press like the one from Kam, also fitted with the correct set of dies for your hardware. The table press is more expensive, but requires little hand strength. It also allows you to place your project in a fixed spot where the hole will be made or the rivet installed. The end results will be more precise.

If you are only installing a few rivets a year, the manual pliers might make sense. But for repeated projects, you can decide whether a little investment is worth the time savings and added precision.

Question: What other factors are important to consider when selecting a magnetic snap closure?

Answer:

Closure Strength: The magnet’s strength determines how securely the snap holds the bag closed. Stronger magnets provide a more secure closure, which is important for bags that carry heavier or valuable items. Weaker magnets may be suitable for lighter bags.
Ease of Opening: While a strong magnet provides a secure closure, it can also make it more challenging to open the snap, especially for individuals with limited hand strength. So, it’s important to strike a balance between strength and ease of use.
Bag Weight: Consider the weight of the bag and its contents. Heavier bags may require stronger magnetic snaps to ensure they stay closed even when the bag is full.
Quality: The quality of the magnet itself is crucial. High-quality magnets are less likely to lose their magnetic strength over time, ensuring the longevity of your bag’s closure mechanism.
Testing: If possible, test the magnetic snap before purchasing or using it in your bag project. This can give you a better sense of its closure strength and how easy it is to open and close.

Question: Is placement important?

Answer: Yes. You want to make sure both halves of a magnetic closure will meet and stay closed in a bag or wallet. Always determine placement based on the finished bag, and measure twice to avoid mistakes.

For example, if a bag has a flap, make sure you consider how the flap will fold over the bag and where the edge will end up.

For hidden magnets, you want to make sure you have enough room around the clear plastic for your seams or topstitching.

Question: Do I need special tools to install a magnetic snap?

Answer: For prong-style snaps and hidden magnets, you do not need any special tools.

For rivet-style magnetic snaps, you will need a hole punching tool as well as a rivet setting tool (or die set, for a table press) that is precisely designed for that snap in terms of the diameter and shape of the rivet cap.

For designer/decorative magnetic closures, you may need a small screwdriver if any part is secured with set screws.

Question: Are invisible magnets strong enough for a bag closure?

Answer: High-quality invisible magnets are perfectly suitable for bag closures. It’s important to know that the pair of magnets definitely has a “right” way and a “wrong” way to go together.

Even though both sides of each invisible magnet might look the same, one side makes a stronger connection while the other side makes a weaker one, often with resistance.

Since invisible magnets are installed inside the bag layers and are not on the outside of the bag, you need to be aware of the materials that will cover the magnet. Thicker leather and more layers will require a much stronger invisible magnet.

Question: How do I determine the “right” way for the invisible magnets to go together?

Answer: Trial and error! Place the two magnets together. If the magnetic connection is strong, there is no resistance, and the center magnets themselves are perfectly aligned, then those sides go together.

If there is some resistance or weakness, or the center magnets are offset at all, flip one magnet over. Now it should feel strong without resistance.

To keep from messing up the pairing later on, once you determine the “right” sides that go together, mark them with an “X”. Always remember that the Xs go together.

Common Bagmaking Tools

Many tools are available for bagmakers.

How to Use

Select one of the following for magnetic snap installation steps using a table press or Prym Vario pliers.

Step 1

Line up the magnet halves and mark the placement for the rivet holes, then carefully punch the holes using a table press fitted with a hole puncher on the top and an anvil on the bottom.

The male magnet half (with a protrusion) goes on the underside of a flap. The female half (with a depression) goes on the main part of the bag.

Step 2

Gather the dies for the table press.

There is one die for the rivet caps (C), one die for the male magnet half (A; this has a depression), and one die for the female magnet half (B; this has a protrusion).

Step 3

Attach the dies to the table press. The rivet cap die (C) goes on the top. The magnet die (A) goes on the bottom.

We will be installing the male magnet half first.

Step 4

Step 5

Position the male magnet half face down into the die (A) and the rivet cap into die (C). Install by pushing down on the long handle of the table press. It should not take much force.

Step 6

We will be installing the female magnet half next.

Leave the rivet cap die (C) on the top. The magnet die (B) goes on the bottom.

Step 7

Step 8

Position the female magnet half face down into the die (B) and the rivet cap into die (C). Install by pressing down on the handle of the table press. It should not take much force.

Step 9

The magnet is installed!

Step 1

Line up the magnet halves and mark the placement for the rivet holes, then carefully punch the holes with a manual hole puncher or Prym Vario pliers fitted with hole punch dies.

The male magnet half (with a protrusion) goes on the underside of a flap. The female half (with a depression) goes on the main part of the bag.

Step 2

Gather the dies for the Prym Vario pliers.

There is one die for the rivet caps (C), one die for the male magnet half (A; this has a depression), and one die for the female magnet half (B; this has a protrusion).

Step 3

Attach the dies to Prym Vario pliers. The rivet cap die (C) goes on the top. The magnet die (A) goes on the bottom.

We will be installing the male magnet half first.

Step 4

Place the rivet cap through the punched hole (A) so that it is visible on the exterior of the flap. Place the male magnet half through the same hole from the other side, and lightly click the pieces together. The male magnet half should be on the underside of the flap.

Position the male magnet half face down into the die (A) and the rivet cap into die (C). Install by firmly squeezing the Prym Vario pliers closed.

Step 5

We will be installing the female magnet half next.

Leave the rivet cap die (C) on the top. The magnet die (B) goes on the bottom.

Step 6

Place the rivet cap through the punched hole (B) so that it is visible on the interior of the bag. Place the female magnet half through the same hole from the other side, and lightly click the pieces together. The female magnet half should be on the exterior of the bag.

Position the female magnet half face down into the die (B) and the rivet cap into die (C). Install using your tool by firmly squeezing the Prym Vario pliers closed.