Button Tool for Covering Buttons (Fabric / Leather)

Covering material

These figures are guidelines, as the actually suitable fabric thickness can vary depending on material density and compressibility.

The button tool is available in two versions:

• Fabric:
  • for fabrics up to about 1.5 mm and faux leather from 0.5 mm to 1 mm.
  • For covering buttons with fabric — for thin to medium-weight fabrics, faux leather and very thin, soft natural leather.
• Leather:
  • For leather from 1 mm to 2 mm and upholstery fabrics from 1 mm to 2.5 mm.
  • Medium-weight leather and medium to heavy upholstery fabrics; when the fabric version does not suit your material.

Size

The button tool size determines the diameter of the finished buttons. Choose the same size as the button blanks used and the circle cutter for the fabric or leather discs.

Button size is traditionally given in so-called English lines. For buttons, one English line equals 1/40 inch, i.e. 0.635 mm. For easier orientation, we also state the size in millimetres.

Common notations and abbreviations include e.g.:

• L for line/ligne
• the double prime ″
• the triple prime ‴
• and colloquially „er“

A designation such as 24L, 24″, 24‴ or 24er thus denotes a button of size 24 lines.

Conversion: Size in lines × 0.635 mm = diameter in mm. Example: 24 lines correspond to approx. 15.2 mm.

Application

The button tool is used to cover button blanks with fabric, faux leather or leather. It is used in a press and joins button blank and material in one pressing operation into a finished, covered button.

Workflow

• Insert lower tool part (with pin and spring) downward into the press mount. If needed, screw pressure pin into the top of the press.
• Place button blank back with eyelet facing down into the lower tool part.
• Insert fabric or leather disc into the upper tool part (without spring and pin). Place button blank cap smooth side on the fabric or leather disc and press the material disc with the button cap into the tool.
• Turn upper tool part over and place it opening down on the lower tool part.
• Operate press — the pressure pin presses from above on the upper tool part and carries out the pressing operation.

Requirements

• Fabric or leather discs must be cut in advance, e.g. with the Getmore Crafts circle cutter . The discs must be large enough for the button blank to be fully enclosed.
• Button tool size, circle cutter size and button blank size must match (e.g. each 32er).
• A 9-mm mount is required for the press. The 19-to-9-mm bushing replaces the factory-installed 19-to-12-mm bushing. Both bushings are included with the TEP-2 and screw press.
• For the spring-strike press , the mount for button tool is required instead of the bushing; it provides the 9-mm reduction and a support plate. This must be purchased separately.

Notes

• When using a pressure pin in the spring-strike press, tighten the pressure pin firmly with suitable pliers. The spring strike can loosen the thread, so check the firm fit from time to time and retighten if necessary.

With Getmore Crafts products

• Presses: Compatible with all Getmore Crafts presses ( lever press TEP-2, spring-strike press, toggle press, screw press ).
• Mount on TEP-2 or screw press: Requires a 9-mm mount. The 19-to-9-mm bushing replaces the factory-installed 19-to-12-mm bushing . Both bushings are included with these presses.
• Spring-strike press: Instead of the 19-to-9-mm bushing, the mount for button tool is required. It provides the 9-mm reduction and a support plate required for the spring-strike press. This mount must be purchased separately.
• Pressing force limit: TEP-2 and screw press are suitable for button sizes up to 36er. From size 40er, the toggle press or spring-strike press is required .
• Button blanks: Flawless function is guaranteed with Getmore Crafts button blanks.
• Circle cutter: Fabric or leather discs can be cut with the Getmore Crafts circle cutter. Circle cutter size and button tool size must match.
• Available sizes: Button tools are available up to size 60er / 37 mm.

With products from other manufacturers

• Button blanks from other manufacturers may work in some cases. However, flawless function is only guaranteed with Getmore Crafts button blanks.

Your package contains:

• 1 × button tool in the selected version and size

Technical details