How to install the accessories?
When creating leather objects, the installation of accessories is often necessary: eyelets, snap buttons, chicago screws, snap buttons, etc.
Each accessory must be mounted with a tool and a suitable installation set. There are several tools for installing an accessory: striking tool, manual clamp press and bench press.
Holes must be made beforehand on the location of each accessory with round cookie cutters to punch.
Deco Cuir offers you this selection guide explaining the different methods of installing accessories .
We have produced several videos to guide you in the installation of certain accessories:
- 3 methods for installing a snap button
- The different installation methods for installing an eyelet
- 3 methods for installing a single or double cap rivet
- How to install a hammer rivet?
- How to attach a collar button?
Here are the different installation tools that exist, their advantages and disadvantages:
1. WITHOUT THE HELP OF SPECIAL TOOLS
Certain accessories can be installed without specific tools or with a simple screwdriver. It's the case for :
- Magnetic tops
- Round claw eyelets
- Chicago screws
- Collar buttons
Accessories prices: these accessories are the most expensive because they are made up of more parts and are produced in limited quantities. However, installing accessories without the help of special tools allows you to dismantle them to reuse them on a new piece of leather or to rest them better.
Tool price: there is no specific tool to ensure their installation. The use of a screwdriver, cutter or hammer may sometimes be necessary.
Ease of installation: these accessories have been developed for DIY enthusiasts, their installation is generally easy.
Quality of installation: Deco Cuir has selected well-designed accessories for you, they offer satisfactory installation quality.
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2. USE THE STRIKING TOOL
Accessory prices: the accessories to be installed with an impact tool are generally identical to those used with the pliers or with the press. These are also the same accessories as those used in industry, produced in large series and therefore not very expensive. However, you must pay attention to the material used (under the surface finish). Made of steel, they are economical but can oxidize after a while and damage your creation. In brass, a little more expensive, they will not rust and your creation will keep its shine for a long time. Deco Cuir mainly offers brass accessories.
Tool price: the tools are generally quite simple and produced in large series. Which makes them economical products. Installation is done by deformation of the metal called matting. After installation, the accessory can no longer be removed. Be careful, however, not to use low-end tools made from poor quality steel which will wear out very quickly. You must have a working surface of good resistance so as not to cause vibrations with each blow of the hammer and to correctly transmit the power of the strike to the accessory. Some tools can be used on several sizes of the same accessory.
Ease of installation : installation is not very difficult, however you must be comfortable handling the hammer, prior testing is necessary to master the gesture. You must use a heavy hammer of at least 500g in order to install the accessories more easily. Choose wooden mallets which do not damage your tools unlike steel hammers. Please note that using the hammer causes noise pollution for your neighbors or can prevent children from sleeping.
Quality of installation : proper use of this tool is necessary to guarantee satisfactory installation quality of your accessories.
Noticed :
- Requires having the correct striking gesture on the accessory with adequate power
- Possibility of having differences in appearance between several accessories to be placed next to each other.
3. USE THE BLUE MANUAL PRESS CLAMP
Accessory prices: the accessories to install with the blue manual press pliers are generally identical to those of the impact tool or the bench press. These are also the same accessories as those used in industry, produced in large series and therefore very expensive. However, you must pay attention to the material used (under the surface finish). Made of steel, they are economical but can oxidize after a while and damage your creation. In brass, a little more expensive, they will not rust and your creation will keep its shine for a long time. Deco Cuir mainly offers brass accessories.
Tool price: this installation technique requires the purchase of multi-purpose pliers with an interchangeable installation set. the initial investment is moderate. Allow €40 for the pliers + around €10 per installation set which must be adapted to the accessory to be installed.
Easy to install: little effort to install the accessories (except snap button diameter 12). The use of a suitable installation set ensures that the accessory is well positioned in the tool before installation and remains well guided in the axis during the crimping operation. The use of lever pliers allows you to properly control the force that you deliver manually on the accessory in order to achieve the correct tightening. Please note, the shape of the pliers does not allow you to place accessories in the center of large pieces of leather. It should also be noted that the force required to install the 12 diameter snap buttons requires a certain amount of hand strength. If this is not your case, using a bench press is recommended. This tool allows you to install accessories without noise, which can be an advantage when tinkering in the evening at home.
Quality of installation: this part provides good, controlled tightening when installing your accessories, which allows for optimum installation quality. Please note that this pliers can only be used on small accessories. Large eyelets or large snap buttons cannot be fitted with pliers.
Note: example of accessories to install with the blue manual press pliers: Single rivets, double cap or rhinestones, eyelets, magnetic TOPs to rivet, simple and mini snap buttons. Check the availability of installation sets to find out if an accessory can be installed with the clamp. 
4. USE THE BENCH PRESS
Accessory prices : the accessories to be installed with a bench press are generally identical to those used with the pliers or with the striking tool. These are also the same accessories as those used in industry, manufactured in large series and therefore not very expensive. However, you must pay attention to the material used (under the surface finish). Made of steel, they are economical but can oxidize after a while and damage your creation. In brass, a little more expensive, they will not rust and your creation will keep its shine for a long time. Deco Cuir mainly offers brass accessories.
Tool price : it is a professional and quality tool. The purchase of an established press must be considered as an investment that must be amortized in the long term. There are several press sizes. The bigger it is, the more powerful it will be, therefore suitable for installing large accessories. There are also several forms. Size 3 with its raised base allows you to place accessories on pieces that are already closed by placing the leather on top. The presses also allow you to make holes by replacing the installation sets with cookie cutters adapted to the press and a brass anvil called "TAS". Be careful, however, the small presses (2 and 3) will not be able to make large diameter holes (generally greater than 12 mm) but this depends on the firmness and thickness of the leather. There are press installation sets from €15 and workpiece cutter bits from €5.
Easy installation : this tool allows you to install your accessories quietly and like a professional. The use of an installation set adapted to the accessory ensures that it is well positioned in the tooling before installation and remains guided in the axis during the crimping operation.
Quality of installation : the bench press has a high pressure force which allows accessories to be installed with perfect tightening. The rotating handle which lowers the installation set allows you to control the force applied to your accessory.
Note : if you have already invested in a blue manual press clamp before adopting the press and you already have installation sets, there is an adapter that allows you to use the clamp installation sets on the press. established. 
