Every amigurumi crocheter is familiar with the challenge of securely attaching safety eyes to their handmade projects. These essential components contribute not only to the aesthetics of your creations but also to their overall safety and stability, especially when they are given to children or displayed as collectibles. However, the process of attaching safety eyes can be tricky and often frustrating. 

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In this blog post, I will delve into four different tools designed to make the process of attaching safety eyes easier and more efficient. Each tool comes with its advantages, helping to ensure that the safety eyes remain securely in place, preventing any risk of them falling out. By the end of this exploration, you’ll have a better understanding of the options available and feel more confident in your ability to enhance your amigurumi projects with safety eyes that are both secure and visually appealing.

 

Safety Eye Jig

Distributed by Rustic Pixels

A safety eye jig is a small tool, usually made of plastic or wood, that features holes of various sizes. I often come across these jigs displayed as small handheld devices, such as the Safety Eye Jig from Rustic Pixels, or even as keychains. Each hole in the jig is designed to fit different sizes of safety eyes. To use the jig, simply align the hole corresponding to the size of the safety eye with the back of the eye and press firmly.

Advantages

• Typically small in size, making it easier to store and bring with you
• Simple and easy to use, requires almost no instruction
• Strong and sturdy design
• Can be used on both regular safety eyes and sinker eyes
• Lots of different fun designs and color options
• Affordable, typically listed under $10 USD

Disadvantages

• Some jigs may not have holes that fit all safety eye sizes, potentially requiring you to purchase multiple different jigs

Interested in the Safety Eye Jig? Find Rustic Pixels on Etsy here!

 

Safety Eye Snapper

Distributed by Craft Easy Tools

The Safety Eye Snapper was originally designed by Craft Easy Tools as a 3-in-1 tool to simplify the process of attaching safety eyes to your projects. The Safety Eye Snapper includes the eye snapper tool, a holder, one set of interchangeable nubbins to adjust the size of the holes on the tool, and a free pry bar for removing the nubbins. On their website, you can find a wide variety of tools and even a fun case available for purchase to accompany your Safety Eye Snapper.

The Safety Eye Snapper resembles a pair of pliers and features an ergonomic grip, making it easy to handle and use. This tool can be used for safety eyes up to 40mm in size, 18mm sinker eyes for blanket yarn, and 20mm for chenille yarn. To use it, simply hold the snapper and place the hole over the back of the safety eye. Position the soft pad on top of the safety eye, then squeeze the tool until the back is securely attached to the safety eye.

Advantages

• Versatile, one tool can be used for a large range of safety eye sizes
• Easy to use, especially for those who may have hand or wrist issues
• Soft pad on the snapper protects the safety eye from getting damaged or scratched while attaching
• Strong and sturdy, but easy to replace pieces if something were to break or go missing
• Lots of accessories that can enhance the tool's usefulness
• Compact size, with the addition of the case, makes it easier to store and travel with
• Lots of fun color options

Disadvantages

• Not as many size options for sinker eyes
• More pieces that could potentially get lost or break
• One of the more expensive options for safety eye tools, listed at $19.99

Interested in the Safety Eye Snapper? Find it on Craft Easy Tools here! Use code SQUIBBLES for 10% off your order!

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Three Piece Safety Eye Tool

Distributed by Amazon

The three-piece safety eye tool available on Amazon is designed to help attach safety eyes and comes with three different-sized tools. Each tool features a wooden ball handle with a metal attachment to secure the safety eyes. While Amazon does not specify which sizes of safety eyes this tool is compatible with, I tested it on sizes ranging from 6mm to 20mm without any issues. Additionally, I also tried using this tool with 18mm sinker eyes, and it performed flawlessly. To use, simply place the back of the safety eye under the metal attachment and push into place.

Advantages

• Easy to use, fits nicely in my hand and is comfortable
• Strong and sturdy design
• Can be used for both regular safety eyes and sinker eyes
• Affordable, listed at $13.99

Disadvantages

• 3 different tools, I prefer more of a one-size-fits-all tool
• Multiple pieces that could get lost
• Not as easy to store or travel with

Interested in the 3 Piece Safety Eye Tool? Find it on Amazon here!

 

Sinker Snap

Distributed by Craft Easy Tools

The Sinker Snap is a new tool from Craft Easy Tools, designed specifically to simplify the process of attaching sinker eyes. When I first received this tool, my initial thought was that it looked like something I might find in my husband’s toolbox; however, I was eager to give it a try! 

This device is compatible with sinker eyes ranging from 18mm to 50mm in size. There is also a heavy-duty version available for those who need additional strength when dealing with stubborn sinker eyes. 

To use the Sinker Snap, simply hold the handle and wind the crank back. Position the safety eye with the eye resting on the soft pad and the back underneath the crank. Slowly turn the crank to secure the safety eye in place.

Advantages

• Easily and securely attaches sinker eyes to your amigurumi projects
• Versatile, one tool can be used for a large range of safety eye sizes
• Very lightweight and easy to handle
• Strong and sturdy design
• Small device that would be easy to pack or travel with

Disadvantages

• Requires a little more dexterity than the other safety eye tools, as you have to hold the device and wind the crank at the same time
• Slightly more expensive than other safety eye tools, listed at $24.99

Interested in the new Sinker Snap? Find it on Craft Easy Tools here! Use code SQUIBBLES for 10% off your order!

 

Overall, I think all four of these safety eye tools are pretty awesome. Each one has its perks and drawbacks, so it really comes down to what works best for you and which safety eyes you use the most. But, if I had to pick a favorite, it would definitely be the Safety Eye Snapper from Craft Easy Tools. I love all the different accessories and how easy it is to use!

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FTC Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links, meaning when items are purchased through those links, I receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting me and my business!