Keychains Two Ways: Learn how to make Split Ring and Snake Keychains with your Model 150 Button Maker January 10 2017

Button Keychains are practical, easy to make, and come in lots of different styles and sizes to suit any taste.

Button keychains allow you to take a special picture with you everywhere you go! You can rep your favorite band, show off the cutest picture EVER of your cat, oh the possibilities!

The videos below show you how to make a 1-1/2" Round Split Ring Keychain, as well as a 1-1/2" Round Snake Keychain. Both styles are pressed on a Model #150 Hand Press and use Standard 1-1/2" Round Parts.

Supplies used to make Split Ring Keychains on the Model #150 Button Maker: - Standard 1-1/2" Round Button Shell - Standard 1-1/2" Round Slot Back - Standard 1-1/2" Round Mylar (3mm)  - Split Ring with Tab - Button Artwork

You can find "EVERYTHING for Split Ring KEYCHAINS" kit in the drop down product menu when you click through the link. This kit includes the button shells, slot backs, 3mm mylar, and split rings with tabs (everything except the artwork). They are available in packs of 10, 25, 100, 500, and 1000 units.

Supplies used to make Snake Keychains on the Model #150 Button Maker: - Standard 1-1/2" Round Button Shell - Standard 1-1/2" Round Slot Back - Standard 1-1/2" Round Mylar (3mm) - Snake Keychain with Tab - Button Artwork

Keychains 101 - Part 2: Types of Keychains

 

 

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Cool for School (And Lots More!): Zipper Pulls from People Power Press September 13 2016

Want to teach your button machine something versatile? Try Versaback Zipper Pulls! Zipper pulls are perfect for backpacks, pencil cases, suitcases and gym bags! But they don't just pull zippers! They also make great keychains, ID tags, decorations, luggage tags, and even gift tags!

Zipper pulls work best with Versaback inserts which are compatible with standard 1", 1.25" and 1.5" parts for Tecre and Flex machines. If you're already rocking Versabacks in your machine you can find "Just the Pulls" here.

Ready to try making your own? Check out our Video Tutorial:

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Keychains 101 - Part 2: Types of Keychains July 22 2016

INTRODUCTION: WHAT TYPES OF KEYCHAINS DO WE CARRY?

In Keychains 101 - Part 1, we talked about the difference between versa back and slot back keychains. Now we're ready for the fun stuff!

We carry 7 different types of keychain closures, all of which are in the image above.

 *NOTE: Image shows C-Hook keychain style, which has been discontinued by the manufacturer.*

The Mini Split-Ring Keychain can be used with a Jump Ring, or a Plastic Tab. They are available for keychains made with 1", 1-1/4" and 1-1/2" button parts. It's basically just a wee little version of the standard Split-Ring Keychain.

The Split-Ring Keychain is super versatile and can be used with any size button keychain. The smaller button sizes often use a Mini-Split Ring because it's more proportional to the smaller button parts. Button Keychains that are 1-3/4", 2-1/4", 2-1/2", 3" and 3-1/2" in size use the Split-Ring along with a Tab and Slot Back.

The Zipper Pull is meant to be worn on a zipper, but can be used like a keychain, too. Zipper Pulls are most often used with a 1", 1-1/4" or 1-1/2" button and versa back.

The Loop Keychain is one of the fancier styles, but it's also really practical. Available for 1", 1-1/4", and 1-1/2" buttons, the Loop can be used with just a Versa Back (pictured above), or with a jump ring. (We recommend the jump ring for easier assembly and our kits do include the jump ring).

The Pull-Apart Keychain is unique because the part that attaches to the keys can be removed from the rest of the keychain with nothing more than a click :) Contact us at info@peoplepowerpress.org or give us a call at 1-866-996-1984 for details.

The Snap Hook Keychain closes with a hinged snap hook (sort of like those airtight swing top jars). This type of keychian is available for 1", 1-1/4", and 1-1/2" buttons and is used with a versa back. The Snap Hook is also compatible with 2" round buttons, as well as 2-1/2" X 3-1/2" rectangular buttons when used with Welded Up Eyes.

The Snake Keychain is essentially the same as a Snap Hook Keychain, but for use with larger buttons ranging in size from 1-3/4", 2-1/4", 2-1/2", 3", and 3-1/2". The Snake keychian is attached to a Slotted Back with a "Tab".

Last, but certainly not least, is The Link Keychain. This style has a really classic keychain look, and is comprised of a Split Ring on the end of a metal chain. For button keychains 1", 1-1/4", and 1-1/2" in size, the Link Keychain can be attached to a versa back with a jump ring. If you're using button parts 1-3/4", 2-1/4", 2-1/2", 3", or 3-1/2" in size, it attaches to a slot back via a Tab.

Hope that this post about the types of keychains that we offer was helpful :)

If you have any questions about the products you read about here or any products available on peoplepowerpress.org, feel free to give us a call at (416) 204-1984 or email us at info@peoplepowerpress.org

If How-To Videos are more your style, you can find lots on The Button Guy YouTube Channel!

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Keychains 101 - Part 1: Slot Back and Versa Back Keychains June 09 2016

INTRODUCTION: CAN I MAKE A KEYCHAIN BUTTONS WITH MY HAND PRESS?

Many different sizes of ROUND buttons can be made into keychains. All that you need to make them are the right parts!

All keychians use the exact same shell and mylar that are used to make pinback buttons. The only difference is the keychain backing, and keychian closure itself.

That means that any of you out there with a Standard Hand Press, Flex1000, Flex2000, and even a Flex3000 machine are able to make keychains! You'll be good to go as long as your hand press makes standard ROUND buttons in one of the following sizes: 1", 1-1/2", 1-3/4", 2-1/4", 2-1/2", or 3".

KEYCHAIN BACKING

The type of keychain backings available are based on the size of button your hand press makes.

1", 1-1/4", and 1-1/2" Keychains have something called a "versa back" which is a plastic backing that snaps into a collet.

The versa back can be used with either a jump ring (which is compatible with all keychain styles), or a plastic tab (which can be used with a split ring keychain only).

All of the keychain parts can be seen in the above image!

Below is an instructional video that walks you through all the steps of making a versa back keychain.

The other type of keychain backing is a slot back. Keychains ranging in size from 1-1/2", 1-3/4", 2-1/4", 2-1/2", and 3".

Here is another awesome How-To Video video! This one shows you how to make a Slot Back Keychain :)

Now that you're a pro at keychain backings, stay tuned for Keychain 101 - Part 2: Keychain Styles!

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Add Versatiltiy to 1" buttons with a Versaback July 17 2013

1" Button Versabacks

Convert 1" buttons into key chains or zipper pulls using a snap in versaback.  A versa back is a black plastic button part that snaps into the back of a 1" collet and replaces the lock pin.  Once the versa back is inserted it is a permanent and secure back with a 1/8" hole extending out from the back of the button.  Attach split rings, key chains or zipper pulls through the hole to add functionality to your 1" buttons.  

Split Ring Keyring with Plastic Tab Versaback. 
(Split Rings are too big for 1" button versabacks and require the use of a plastic tab).

Mini Split Ring and Zipper Pull Versabacks

Snap Hook and Chain Keychain Versabacks

** Versabacks are also available for 1-1/4" and 1-1/2" buttons - Happy Button Making!! Versabacks also known as versa-backs, versa backs and snap backs.   Can be available in black or white.

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Key Chain Buttons with a Feline edge January 16 2013

Yes you can make key chains with your button maker.  It is just like making a pinback button except that you use a slotted back which you then insert a snap-in tab and attach a keyring.  I used these 1-3/4" button parts but keychains are available for most sizes of buttons.

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