What's so special about your modified button dies?  How exactly are they "modified"? 

The upside-down die on the left is a standard bottom die as it came from the factory.  See the hole?  It isn't wide enough to accommodate button findings such as thick hair elastics.  The die on the right was modified by our machinist.

We are very pleased to offer this unique service to our customers.

Can't I just drill out my old dies on my own?

Of course, but there's no guarantee you won't destroy them in the process.  Talk to a machinist, or better yet... send us your old dies and let us do the work for you! 

Please note that some brand dies are very narrow, and there's a limit to how wide the inside diameter can be enlarged - please ask for details.

I have a Handy Jr. machine already.  All I need are some new dies.  Will your dies fit in my Handy machine?

Yes, but the fit will be very snug - possibly even too tight.  We strongly recommend having your new dies customized to fit your machine.

What do you mean by "customize"?

American button die (bottom)           Rowley Co. machine base                    Handy Jr. No. 1 machine base     

Bottom die stems fit into a hole in the base of the machine.  We can turn the stems on our dies to a smaller diameter so they fit into machines with smaller base holes.  If you already own a machine, please note the brand when ordering new button dies.  This will help us customize our dies to your machine.

If the hole on my Rowley machine base is so small, why can't I just make the hole bigger?  Then ANY button die will fit in my machine!

Yes, you can absolutely increase the diameter of the hole in the base of any machine.  HOWEVER... if you do this, you will never be able to use Rowley grommet dies in your machine - ONLY button dies.  Forever.

Dies for grommets and snaps must be perfectly aligned, top and bottom; the bottom die must fit snugly, and top die screw threads must be compatible with the machine.

Button dies are self-setting (they "nest"), so it doesn't matter if they fit loosely in the machine.  Tightening the base screw is not necessary; it's really a matter of preference.  A removable button plate screws onto the press and converts into a "button only" machine - this piece is standard with Group A and B machines.   If you use your Rowley machine as a button press, you will need an optional Rowley "Crimp Button Setter Adapter".  CLICK HERE TO VIEW

You may have difficulty finding grommet dies that fit Group B machines, but they are readily available for Group A and C machines (snap and ventilator dies are also available for Group A machines).

Can I use my new button machine right out of the box, or do I need to mount it to a workbench?

Button presses normally need to be bolted to something, or the action of the handle tips it over.  Many workrooms do bolt them to a workbench, but an alternative is to mount it to a board.  Our shop machine is bolted to a piece of 2" x 6", which makes it very portable - we move it constantly.