There are so many eyelet setting tools to choose from these days that it can be overwhelming in trying to find the one that is right for you.  This guide compares six different sets of tools and tells you the advantages and disadvantages of each. To get started, let's first look at what eyelet setting is all about and how one goes through the steps to set an eyelet.

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How To Set An Eyelet

This guide will demonstrate how to set an eyelet using the Hammer, Punch and Eyelet Tools since it has the most steps.  A picture and complete list of the tools needed is the first set of tools under the section Type of Eyelet Tools. The steps are basically the same using th rest of the tool kit discussed below but it is quicker and easier due to the advancement of the tool.

1. For the sake of this example, we will set a 1/8 inch eyelet.
2. Make sure you are working on a hard surface like a counter-top.  Some tables. like folding tables, are not hard enough for this to work.
3. Decide where you want to place the eyelet on your paper and place the setting mat under the paper. 
4. Select the 1/8 inch punch tip and screw it on to the handle.
5. Hold the punch handle perpendicular to the paper and use the hammer to hit the end of the punch handle. 
6. You now have the hole punched where the eyelet will sit. 
7. Now put the 1/8 inch eyelet tip onto the handle
8. With your paper lying face down, place your eyelet upside-down so that the shaft is sticking up through the hole
9. Position the eyelet tool so it is resting in the shaft and hit the end with the hammer until the shaft is flat on your paper.
10. Turn your paper over to see the set eyelet. 

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Traditional Eyelet Tools

(various manufacturers)

This set of tools were the first kind of eyelet setting tools.  There are many manufacturers who make variations of the ones seen in the picture but all perform the same jobs.  It takes a lot of hammering, and noise, to use these tools but they still serve a purpose.  The hammer is a great tool to use to further flatten eyelets that were set using another tool.  Individual tools start at $3.99 and continue up to $29.99 for a whole kit, depending on brand.

A Look At The Pieces

• A - Eyelet setting mat
• B - Small hammer (although the hammer in your garage will do just fine too)
• C - Punch tool - has different sizes of holes to match up with the eyelet size of 1/16 inch, 1/8 inch and 3/16 inch.
• D - Eyelet setting tool - some of these tools have different tips you screw on to a handle or actually have separate tools for each size of eyelet.
• E - This is a special type of eyelet setter that can be used on all sizes of eyelets.  It is made so that it will split the back of the eyelets causing it to flatten out.

Advantages

• Fairly small and easy to carry with you
• Can be purchased in a kit that also provides a storage container
• Can purchase each tool separately so you don't have a huge investment and you can purchase only those tools that you want
• Can be used to finish the job when one of the other tools described below doesn't set the eyelet all the way
• There is a handle for both the punch and the eyelet tools so you don't have to keep switching the tips

Disadvantages

• Very loud - and if there are several people setting eyelets, you are sure to get a headache
• Lots of pieces to manage and keep together
• Small parts
• Hard to hold for people with hand problems
• Takes a lot of hammering to punch and set 1 eyelet
• The tools aren't labeled for their size
• The hammer can be a bit cumbersome to carry

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Karen Foster's Clikit

The Karen Foster's Clikit tool can do more than set eyelets.  You can punch holes, emboss metal and stamp.  The basic kit has the punch sizes needed to set eyelets as well as a special tip to create button holes.  In order to stamp or emboss, you will need one of the additional kits of alphabets and/or themed tips.  Emboss on metal sheets from several manufacturers.  The retail price of the basic kit is $39.99 and the embossing kits range between $12.99 and $39.99.

Advantages

• Easy to use
• Good job of setting eyelets
• Multi-function tool
• Nice size setting mat
• Comes with eyelets
• Adjustable tension
• Has a tool tip to split the back of the eyelet which makes it easier to set and allows the back of the eyelet to lay perfectly flat
• Tips are connected securely
• Clear instruction sheet with pictures
• Comfortable to hold
• Has  warranty
• Includes cleaning tool
• Handy storage case

Disadvantages

• Not silent
• Takes some strength to use
• It takes multiple times in order to set an eyelet
• The handle is small to hold.
• The tips are not marked for the different sizes
• Sizes of tips are in millimeters when sizes of eyelets are in inches
• Embossing sets are sold separately
• Can squash decorative eyelet shapes

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Fiskars Eyelet Tools

Fiskars eyelet tools are a nice convenience and easy to use.  There are no tips to take on and off and the punch and corresponding eyelet setter are on the same tool so you don't have to match the correct sizes together.  They are small enough to drop in your purse or a pencil bag.  The set of three tools sells for $17.99 making them the least expensive of all the tools.

Advantages

• Small and easy to carry with you
• No small pieces or parts to worry about
• Matching Punch is on the same tool as the eyelet setter
• Inexpensive
• Simple to use
  

Disadvantages

• It takes several times of using the spring action to set the tool
• Not silent (but is quieter than most of the tools)
• The spring action is wobbly and takes some getting used to
• Doesn't come with a setting mat
• Doesn't come with eyelets
• No storage container (but really doesn't need one since they are so small)
• Difficult to get consistent eyelet setting since the tension applied is based on how far you pull the spring apart.

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Provo Craft Silent Setter

Provo Craft's Silent Setter is one of two tools that is truly silent so you can use them for those late nights of scrapping!  Has a convenient zippered storage bag that can be carried anywhere and even has a place to put some eyelets. This set sells for $19.99.

Advantages

• Comes in a nice zippered case
• Is truly silent
• Tips are magnetic so it is easy to switch
• Sets eyelets consistently
• Eyelets flatten without lots of strength
• Easy to follow instructions
• Doesn't misshape the eyelets

Disadvantages

• A little awkward to hold
• Metal handle is uncomfortable
• Setting mat is small
• Eyelets do not set tightly (using a washer with the eyelet will help this)
• Cannot set tension
• Works best with aluminum eyelets only (aluminum eyelets don't have the shank painted)

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Making Memories Instant Setter

Making Memories has added to their line of eyelet setting tools with the Instant Setter.  Comes in their signature metal tin and a setting mat that is twice the size of their original one.  You can use this setter with the Stamping Die Set to emboss metal. The Instant Setter sells for $24.99 and the Stamping Die Set is $29.99.

Advantages

• Nice storage case
• Large setting mat
• Multi-function tool
• Simple and effective
• Tension control
• Little effort needed
• Magnetic head
• Great results with 1 click
• Interchangeable with embosser
• Comfortable

• Easy to tell the sizes

Disadvantages

• Noisy
• Smallest size setter doesn't work well
• No cleaning tool
• Tips fell out after punching
• Case is too heavy
• Handle is small and not ergonomic

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American Tag HomePro Tool

The HomePro tools by American Tag are industrial strength and one of the most versatile tool kits on the market.  You can set eyelets, snaps/rivets, rhinestones, nailheads and now decorative metal corners using either of the tools.  All of the tips are interchangeable between both tools.  The basic tool comes with one set of tips to punch and set eyelets.  The HomePro LR tool sells for $49.99, HomePro 2 Hand tool sells for $19.98 and the accessory kits and bag sell for $24.99 each. 

A Look at the Pieces

• A - HomePro Long Reach (LR) tool
• B - HomePro 2 Hand Tool
• C - Eyelet & Punch Tips
• D - Nailhead Tips
• E - Travel Bag

Advantages

• Perfect setting every time
• Adjust tension
• Multi-Function tool - Can do the most
• Tips are clearly labeled on the tip itself and in the storage case making it easy to identify sizes
• See-through storage containers for each of the accessory kits
• The HomePro 2 Hand tool is completely silent and the HomePro LR  is very quiet
• Industrial strength lets you use the tool on fabrics, leather, etc. and is still gentle enough for paper
• It is so easy to set up and use
• Super fast eyelet setting
• HomePro LR tool is the only tool that can be used by a person with a hand disability
• Takes no muscle to use
• Sets the eyelet with one push of the handle
• HomePro LR tool can be mounted to a workstation
• Heavy duty bag can hold the HomePro LR tool
• Can handle heavy duty eyelets, rivets, etc.

Disadvantages

• It's heavy
• Hard to find in stores to purchase
• HomePro 2 Hand tool is very limited to where an eyelet can be set
• Have to purchase the accessory tip kits separately
• Most expensive set of eyelet setting tools (but well worth the money)
• Takes some care to position your paper exactly where you want the eyelet to be (if you make a small mark on the paper before using the tool, this problem no longer exists)
• The tips get stuck on some brands of eyelets

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Conclusion

As you can see there are good and bad to each of the tools so it comes down to what you are looking for in a tool.  There are some definite recommendations that come forth in this comparison.

• Little Ones in the House:  Provo Craft's Silent Setter is the way to go.
• Difficulties Using Your Hands:  American Tag's HomePro LR tool is for you. 
• On a Budget: Go for Karen Foster's Clikit for its 3-in-1 tool or Provo Craft's Silent Setter for being the best value.
• Scrap Tool Addict: keep the traditional tools for finishing eyelets, get the Provo Craft Silent Setter for those times when quiet is necessary and then get American Tag's HomePro LR for its multi-function features.

Happy Shopping & Happy Setting