Use your HandyPress® to set semi-tubular rivets in a variety of projects. This two-piece set, commonly known as West Coast dies, includes one upper die and one lower die. The upper die has a conical point to split the hollow portion of the rivet barrel into separate sections. The lower die is spring-loaded to allow the upper die to press the rivet barrel to the thickness needed for the material assembly. Have semi-tubular rivets with different barrel lengths? Don’t worry — this die set can install them all as long as the cap sizes are compatible with the lower die. 

Each die is labeled "U" for upper and "L" for lower, making installation easy and straightforward.

Tip: The HandyPress® Sliding Backstop for Use With Lower Dies (#126448, sold separately) is a great tool to aid in hardware installation.

To Use: 

1. Install the upper die into the main vertical shaft's inner diameter and secure with the thumbscrew.
2. Place the HandyPress 3/8" lower adapter into the tool base. Then install the lower die and secure it with the thumbscrew. 
3. Set the tool for appropriate compression as directed in the HandyPress guidebook.
4. Place a rivet through a precut hole in your material assembly, then place the rivet cap over the lower die with the post facing up.
5. Holding your assembly in place with one hand, pull the handle down to split the rivet post with the other hand.

Please Note: This die set does not cut holes in the leather/fabric assembly; holes must be cut before semi-tubular rivets can be installed. For rivet sizes 5/16" and 7/16" there is no need to prepunch a hole in your leather. For size 9/16", use an awl to make a centering hole, fully punching through your leather. Hole punches are sold separately.

Note: This die was designed for the HandyPress. To see if it is compatible with your hand press check the Dimensions tab and verify that it will attach to your press.