Key Chain Sets

The Model 225 Button Machine is the only one that has it's own dedicated key chain sets. (All of the other sizes use the Key Chain Add-On's that are used in addition to your existing button parts.)
The 2-1/4 inch Complete Key Chain Sets are "complete" in that they come with shells, mylar, chain style key rings, and special key chain backs. The backs are flat with a slot at the top.

Here's how you make 2-1/4 inch Key Chains:

1. Get everything you need together. That includes a model 225 Button Machine, a model 2625 graphic punch or adjustable rotary cutter or scissors, complete 2-1/4 inch key chain sets, and a graphic.






2. Cut your printed graphic into a 2.625 inch circle.

3. Insert the shell into the pick-up die (the one with the deep groove in the center). Then insert the graphic on top of the shell. Make sure the graphic is face up and centered so you can read it. Insert the mylar on top of the graphic.








4. Rotate the die table around so that the crimp die is facing you and the pick-up die is under the upper die.








5. Next make sure the slot in the back piece is at the top. Insert it into the machine sharp side up.








6. Pull the handle toward you and press it all the way down. Rotate the die table around so the crimp die is under the upper die and pull the handle again - just like making a normal button.

7. Remove the key chain from the machine and insert the key chain component into the slot at the top as shown.

Bottle Openers!

The 2-1/4 inch machine from Button Makers is the only size that can make bottle openers! These are really cool and unique. They'd make a great promotional item for a restaurant, event, band, whatever. Who doesn't need a bottle opener? Well, actually, I don't drink so I don't really need one... unless it's for ROOT BEER!

Okay so here's how you make a bottle opener:

1. Get your model 225 button machine, model 2625 graphic punch (or circle cutter, or scissors), printed 2.625 circular design, and bottle opener sets together.











2. Cut out your design.








3. With the Pick-Up die facing you (the one with the deep groove as pictured), load the shell into the die smooth side up. Then insert the graphic right side up, and then the mylar on top.

4. Rotate the die table around so that the Pick-Up die is under the Upper die, and the Crimp die is facing you.








5. Load the bottle opener back into the Crimp Die sharp side up, with the two holes toward the top as shown.









6. Pull the handle down toward you. Rotate the tie table again so the Crimp die with the bottle opener back are under the upper die and the (now empty Pick-Up die is facing you). Pull the handle down again.








7. Remove the bottle opener from the machine and insert the split ring key chain. That's it! You're now the proud owner of a xROOT BEERx bottle opener!!

1 inch Key Chains (and they said it wasn't possible)

All of the ButtonMakers machines can be used to make key chains as well as buttons with the use of the Welded Eye and Snaphook Key Chains (or if you have a 2-1/4 inch machine there are dedicated key chain sets available to you.) - All of the sizes, that is, except for 1 inch. One inch people have been stuck making buttons, magnets, tie tacks, and earrings only...

UNTIL NOW!!!

Thats right folks - with a little poking, prodding, cutting, and crafty spirit I've figured out a way to make key chains with the 1 inch button making machine and parts. Please note that this machine and these parts were not made for this, so proceed at your own risk. (I've done it a bunch of times and never had any problems though).

Okay first you will need the following:

- A model 100 Button Maker (of course)
- Complete 1 inch Button Parts*
- 1 inch Flat Backs
- Key Chain Snaphook Sets**
- A pointy exacto knife (like the one in the photo)
- A graphic cut into a circle

*Complete sets include Shells, Collets, Mylar, and Lock Pins -- but you won't need the Lock Pins for Key Chains.

** Key Chain Snaphook Sets include the Key Chain component itself and the Welded Eyes you'll use to attach the key chain to the button.

1. Get everything you need together.

2. Hold the Welded Eye up to the flat back to get a feel for where you should start cutting. You want the Welded Eye to be as close to the top as possible, but you don't want the flat metal part to protrude from underneath the flat back.

3. With the flat back on the table or a cutting board poke the tip of the knife into spot where your hole will be, and begin to twist it around and around. Keep twisting the knife in further making a nice cricle wide enough to just get the Welded Eye through
***Production Tip***
If you want to make 100's or 1000's of these for resale, I would recommend purchasing the key chain punch to make these holes instead of doing this by hand.

4. Poke the Welded Eye through the hole and set aside.

5. Begin loading the button machine. Put the Shell, Graphic, and Mylar into the takeup die (the one with springs). Then put the Collet into the crimp die as normal. Then carefully insert the Flat Back with Welded Eye on top of Collet, eye side down.

6. Press as you would if you were making a button, but with a little more care.

7. Remove the button from the machine, and attach the Snaphook Key Chain onto the back.

That's it. You've made yourself a 1 inch Key Chain!!
And they said it wasn't possible...