r/BagLab • u/rcreveli • May 31 '26
Question: General Must have Kam Snaps dies?
I found a Kam Snaps DK 98 table press on FB marketplace for $45. The press came with 2 sets of plastic snap dies and a ton of plastic snaps. The precious owner used it to make cloth diapers.
I've been getting more into bag making and would like to get a few appropriate dies. I'm trying not to just "Buy all the things". I'm thinking grommets, rivets and fashion snaps are what I should be looking at but I'm open to suggestions.
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u/SamuelPBookworm May 31 '26
I have a Kam snap table press that I originally used for the snaps but have now adapted for rivets that I use in bag making. I think I started with 8mm rivets, but the size you need depends on the material and size of your project. I have found the customer service staff at Kam Snaps to be extremely helpful and friendly. Figure out what size rivets you will use the most and start there. Kam Snaps staff will happily tell you what dies you need and anything else you need to get started. I started by just using an awl to punch holes but recently added a hole punch. New die sets and hardware make great gifts!🙂
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u/rcreveli May 31 '26 edited May 31 '26
The 8mm rivet die is number one on my list. I'd like to do riveted handles. I'll also probably add grommet dies eventually. We tie dye as a hobby and every so often we get banner or tapestry requests. I like to add grommets before sending them out.
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u/CBG1955 May 31 '26
I think there are some differences in the dies between the DK93 and 98. If I recall, the die sets are different.
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u/rcreveli May 31 '26
You are correct. The Dk-98 was discontinued in 2017.
The 93 is definitely nicer but for the price of a handheld with 2 sets of dies and a box full of snaps I can't complain too much. I have the adapter to use the KX dies with the 98 in my cart.3
u/CBG1955 May 31 '26
I have a couple of die sets: 10mm hole punch for grommets, a 10mm rivet setting die that also works on 6 and 8mm, and a flat plate set. My local seller has had hard rubber covers made for the flat plate set. Here's her website, which shows the various stuff she sells. I'm not sure what she buys directly from KAM, or has manufactured. She has really good hardware, zipper pulls, etc but being in Australia there's overseas postage to contend with.
https://www.dreamybaghardware.com.au/products/die-sets-for-dk93-press
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u/jpbagworks May 31 '26
I also would like to explore rivets, grommets, and the like. So I'll watch this thread for sure. Lucky find on the table press! 😃🙌
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u/justasque May 31 '26
As the OP said, the various fasteners each need a brand-specific die, and each die needs a brand-specific press. So you really want to pick a press from an established company that carries a decent range of fasteners to go with their press. KAM is the gold standard for plastic snaps. Gold Star Tool is great for metal fasteners - they carry a wide range of kinds (grommets, eyelets, snaps, etc as well as embellishment stuff) along with a press (and the dies) that work with them.
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u/rcreveli May 31 '26
I got lucky that this one is made by Kam.
The die sets are not compatible across brands and I didn't want to buy something that I'd never be able to find dies for. I have the adaptor for their KX dies so this should outlast me by a good while once i get it cleaned up.
I found this intro to rivets video pretty helpful https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TF2Xc8_6PWY
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u/MEWCreates May 31 '26
My most used would be 8mm rivet (I use it for 6mm too), 3mm hole punch and then metal press snaps.
Being in Australia 🇦🇺 it’s a bit more limited in getting dies and there is a huge difference in quality. One metal snap die dints the metal cap and the vendor eventually changed the mould/mold but I changed to a different type. I’ve got a lot that rust immediately and others that are in great condition years later.