Is there a faster way to install eyelets?

[AliciaH]

I'm trying to reduce the amount of time it takes to wire frames.  Was wondering if there was a faster way to install the eyelets.  I've tried doing some Google searches, but haven't found any magical tools.  ;) Suggestions?

I know some will say not to bother with eyelets, but when I do that the wire bites into the wood and doesn't stay tight. 

Thanks!

[danno]

do you have one of these?
http://www.dadant.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=178

[AliciaH]

Yes I do.  And it is very helpful, but only with one eyelet at a time.  I know I'm probably wishing on a star, but I'm fantasizing that somewhere out there, there is an eyelet "gun".  Kind of like an air stapler, but with eyelets.  Not sure how that would work with loose eyelets as they need to be directional, but hey, I can dream!

So, for the inventors out there, there is your next idea....you're welcome!  :)

[Billy B]

I do eyelets and agree, what a pain.  That said, I know many beeks that use staples instead.   Use a staple gun to place staple just below/above hole as appropriate to where the wire will pull against it.

[AliciaH]

Oh!  Okay...Thank you, Billy!  I had seen references to the staples but didn't really understand the process.  Your explanation painted a nice picture for my brain.  I'll try that!

[Nico]

I load the spindle of a 1/8" blind rivet with 4 then grip the rivet with vice-grip pliers and push them in the frame.
Nico

[Intheswamp]

Simple... :)

Get one of those miniature screwdriver sets.  Take a screwdriver that the eyelets will slide over and load it up with them.  I can load eight eyelets up on the screw driver that I use.  Works great...*MUCH* better than that eyelet tool!!!

Ed

[RHBee]

Does anyone else install the eyelets before assembling the frame?

[Intheswamp]

I don't, Ray.  Seems not all eyelets install tightly into the holes and with stapling/hammering/handling an eyelet will sometimes be jarred out or simply fall out.  I wait until I'm getting ready to wire frames before I install eyelets.

Ed

ETA:  Using the screwdriver loaded up with eyelets might be a problem on unbuilt frames as the shaft of the screwdriver has to pass through the end bar to firmly insert the eyelets.  The first couple of eyelets on the screwdriver results in only a small length of shaft sticking through but as you proceed with more eyelets more of the shaft will protrude from the other side.  Using a screwdriver on a unassembled end bar piece would require a void below it for the shaft to pass into.  If all that makes sense...  :-D

[AliciaH]

That does make sense, thank you! 

I have started to put my eyelets in before assembling frames because it's something I can do to pass time.  Then they are ready when I need them.  But it makes sense to put the frames together first if using the screwdriver or the 1/8" blind rivet.  I like the screwdriver idea because I think I could hold that better.

[Intheswamp]

Alicia, the small screwdriver that I use came out of an old set of that had small metal handles...I would look for a screwdriver with a larger, plastic/rubber handle for comfort and ease of handling.  I use all medium frames so I can install eyelets in two frames before needing to reload. ;)

Ed

[Dunkel]

Thankyou,  I was to the bottom of a pint jar full and was taking forever.  Now I can sit back and put in enough for 3 frames before reloading.  It cut my time in a third and easier on my palms. Plus I don't have to pick up all the ones I dropped when I'm finished.  The only problem I had was pushing too hard on a couple and jamming about eight together.

[NotactJack]

I second staples. I just did 50 frames and what a pain. I had done staples before but I wanted to try eyelets. With a 10 torx bit it was horrible.

[Intheswamp]

Thankyou,  I was to the bottom of a pint jar full and was taking forever.  Now I can sit back and put in enough for 3 frames before reloading.  It cut my time in a third and easier on my palms. Plus I don't have to pick up all the ones I dropped when I'm finished.  The only problem I had was pushing too hard on a couple and jamming about eight together.

I've had a couple get wedged together but that's about it.  That must of been some hard wood and a small hole!!!  Glad it helped ya...

I second staples. I just did 50 frames and what a pain. I had done staples before but I wanted to try eyelets. With a 10 torx bit it was horrible.

Ah well, one size doesn't fit all, eh? ;)

Ed

[Dunkel]

The only thing worse would have been big holes and soft wood :evil:

[Intheswamp]

Yelp, that would've been a "no-eyelet" frame. ;)

I've hit some wood that was much harder than normal...it'd be nice to have it all like that once you had itl assembled but getting it assembled might be the test.  ;)

Ed

[davidawbrown]

To answer your question, this is the fastest way to install eyelets!

http://www.thorne.co.uk/index.php?route=product/product&filter_name=eyelet&product_id=1827

Regards
Dave

[minz]

I stack mine on a nail, I rest the frame on a piece of wood, tap, tap, tap with a hammer.  Goes pretty dang quick.  The nails I use had galvanized so I had to file it down.

[davidawbrown]

I stack mine on a nail, I rest the frame on a piece of wood, tap, tap, tap with a hammer.  Goes pretty dang quick.  The nails I use had galvanized so I had to file it down.

I do that myself,

But my nails are exactly the same size as the eyelets!
I put an eyelet onto the nail and tap all four of at the same time (I drill the holes first though with a 1mm smaller drill bit!)

Tap in all the nails and tap them out and the eyelets stay firmly in place.
I'm buying that kit from thorns though, il looks easy to use.....

Regards
Dave

[Intheswamp]

 :?  What could be easier than loading eight (or more) eyelets up on a small screwdriver and shoving them in?  I mean, with the hammer you've got to load the nail up, hold the loaded nail and tap the eyelet it in with the hammer, then (apparently) tap the nail back out with the hammer, and repeat.  What's wrong with shove, shove, shove, shove, done?

Maybe I'm missing something...  :-\

Ed