Donnelly/Colt
Box 188
Hampton, CT
06247

(860) 455-9621

Can't find something you're looking for? Just ask, and we'll let you know if we have it or can get it.

Solid Steel Button-Making Machines & Accessories

Get started making your own buttons with the finest U.S.-made solid steel equipment and supplies you or your group can purchase at wholesale from us. These machines are built to last literally for generations. We sell the manual button assembly machines, the graphic punch circle cutters to cut out the printed paper, and all sizes of the steel button parts to assemble buttons.
Our machines and components are all solid steel and designed and built in the U.S.
Design your own buttons on your computer, print them out on your color printer (or a color copier). Cut the printed paper with the Graphic Punch die-cutter and assemble the buttons using the machines we offer. These tools will make it possible for you to cut, assemble and press out your own finished professional-quality buttons locally, inexpensively and quickly. All of our buttons are produced using the same manufacturer's machines. You may still want to go to us for larger print runs or other shape buttons. See our Custom Button page:

Having your own button machine for small runs is a great way to be able to produce buttons at the last minute, in literally less than one hour. You can make as few as one or a handful of buttons in a few minutes. Even the fastest rush service from anywhere else (including us) will take one day to process (make, email proof and wait for your OK of the proof), one day to print and overnight shipping to get to you the fastest way. That adds up to three working days (excluding weekends and holidays).
Do-it-yourself with your own button machine can shorten that to literally under one morning, afternoon or evening to design, print, cut out, assemble and produce finished buttons for any last-minute situation. The major trade-off is: you're trading paying someone else to do that work, for putting in your own time and labor to make the buttons. Some people prefer doing-it-themselves, others would rather pay someone else to do it for them. We offer options for both kinds of people.


We offer the equipment and component parts you need to make buttons yourself. CALL or EMAIL us for MUCH LOWER PRICES for sets of 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 25,000, 50,000 and 100,000 button parts. We also sell the large, commercial, electric, rotary button-making machines which printers use to mass produce buttons (starting at $6,700.00 and as much as $12,600.00). The manual button assembly machines are $249 each for each of the most popular 7 smaller size round buttons.

CAN ONE BUTTON MACHINE MAKE DIFFERENT SIZE BUTTONS?

The question we're most often asked is, "Do the button machines have interchangeable dies, so one machine can make different size buttons?"
The short answer is they don't. Here's why:
While the thought of having a button machine that has interchangeable dies might seem like a cost-effective solution for someone just getting started, here's why it wouldn't be as good an idea as it might seem.
The most expensive part of a well-built, manually operated button machine is its steel assembly die. The tooling necessary to create the precision dies is very costly and accounts for about 90% of the cost of the machine. The rest of the machine is simple steel bar stock.
If you were able to purchase a second set of dies, those
dies would be nearly as expensive as a second machine.
And if you had a button machine that had a single base, but two sets of dies, you still would only make one size at a time.
However, with two machines (and one other person), you could make both sizes at the same time. Or make both sizes in two separate locations.
This might not be important when you are first getting started, but once your business starts growing, I guarantee you, it will !
Another reason why interchangeable dies aren't as good an idea as it might seem is the time factor that would be involved in going back and forth between the different size dies whenever you wanted to make the other size button. Imagine how frustrating it would be if you had to spend 5 or 10 minutes changing the dies on your button machine, just to make one or two sample buttons, and then spend another 5 or 10 minutes to go back to the size you were previously making!
While interchangeability might sound like a good idea, due to the factors mentioned above, I think you'll agree it's not quite as good an idea as it seems at first.

Do-it-yourself button making is focused, repetitive work, that yields the best results when attention is paid to detail. If you're good at that, making your own buttons is a great idea for you. These sturdy, reliable machines and parts allow you to make the best quality professional buttons or magnetic buttons, spread the word and raise awareness of a cause or issue you or your customer care about. It is a unique and creative way to raise money with great potential.
The parts are inexpensive, the process takes just a few simple steps and the price you sell the finished button for makes them an ideal fundraiser for those willing to make the investment of purchasing a machine, and putting in the time and attention needed to make the buttons. An attractive design and a timely, relevant message will sell itself.

ONE INCH BUTTONS NOW CAN BE MADE AS KEY RING TAGS, & ZIPPER PULLS Now with the introduction of the Versa-Back™ attachment, for the first time ever, one inch buttons can now be made into Zipper Pulls and also attached to key holders. The Versa-Back™ is an unbreakable black plastic insert with an extension with a 1/8" diameter hole to allow a variety of different kinds of attachments. The Versa-Back™quickly snaps into the back of our 1" button parts (after the buttons have been assembled) without tools, easily by hand.
We offer three popular styles of key holders that can be attached to the Versa-Back™ fitted one-inch buttons:
The basic split ring style; the snap hook ring style and the C-Hook screw open/close style. They're all shown further down this page. The Versa-Back™ is easily snapped into the back of the one-inch button by hand and the zipper pull or key tag holder is attached to the unbreakable Versa-Back™
You can also put a ball-chain or string cord through the Versa-Back™ to create a necklace with the one-inch button(s). We don't carry the ball-chains or cords (you can find these items in most hardware stores). These can be sold as fundraisers, as a functional new use of the one-inch size button.
• Note: the Versa-Back™ works best with the one-inch button parts that we distribute. They are engineered and designed to work with these, even though they may work in other brand one-inch buttons. If the Versa-Backs™ doesn't work on your pre-made one-inch buttons you may return them for a full refund of the cost of the Versa-Backs™

You decide what's best for you and your group. Sometimes the trade-off will change with age and experience. Get your school, club, college or local print or copy shop to purchase the machine. It will be a long-term investment in a machine that will last for many decades. You may consider starting a small business of your own making buttons for local bands, organizations, clubs, group fundraisers, shops, schools, universities, teams (Go Reds, Beat State!"), community groups and events, religious groups, libraries, hospitals, births ("It's a Newborn!") co-ops ("Shop Locally"), flea markets, political parties, local candidates, birthday parties, weddings, reunions, anniversaries, annual get-togethers, street fairs, local band shows, protests, pickets, civil disobedience actions...the possibilities and opportunities are everywhere.

IMPORTANT! The Graphic Punch cuts a circle that is a little larger in diameter than the finished button. This is necessary to allow the paper to wrap around onto the back of the button so it can be pressed in the button machine together into a finished button.

   
MBAM-225.jpg 7/8" Manual Button Assembly Machine
$300.00
MBAM-7/8
Just like the one-inch machine, but this one makes an even smaller size button: just seven-eighths of an inch in diameter. The smallest button size available. Perfect for those who prefer discreetness over visibility. Also, this (like the one-inch size) is great to convert to earrings: see earring backs and posts at the end of this section. The earring backings have a permanent adhesive to replace the removeable lock pin. This smaller size is even more popular with those who like one-inch buttons. The component parts to make the buttons (shells, collets, clear acetate covers and lock pins) are the same price as the one-inch size, too.
• 2 step quick button making process
• swivel die set (no changing dies between steps, unlike other machines)
• Cushioned hand grip
• Compact (3" x 9" footprint) & light weight (only 7 pounds) for easy storge and carrying

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GPPDC-100.jpg 7/8" Graphic Punch Paper Die Cutter
$159.00
GPPDC-7/8
GPPDC-7/8
Quickly and easily cuts the printed designs for 7/8" size buttons to the oerfect size every time. One press of the handle does it safely and efficiently. 5" wide x 7"long x 3" tall. Weighs 4.6 pounds. Made in U.S.A.

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buttonpartsjpg.jpg 7/8" Button Parts
$60.00
7/8" BP-500
Set of 500 complete button parts for making 7/8th inch buttions: shells, collets, non-yellowing, crystal-clear acetate covers and lock pins.
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MBAM-225.jpg 1" Manual Button Assembly Machine
$300.00
MBAM-100
• 2 step quick button making process
• Swivel die set (no changing dies between steps unlike other machines)
• Cushioned hand grip
• Compact & light weight for easy storage and carrying
These sturdy, solid-steel compact, professional manual button assembly machines are the best on the market.
• weighs only 6.5 pounds! with a 3" x 7" footprint1 • Click on title for more information...

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buton_die_cutter.jpg 1" Graphic Punch Paper Die Cutter
$199.00
GPPDC-100
A quick tool for cutting paper to the appropriate size for use in the 1" button assembly machine. PLEASE NOTE that it does NOT cut the paper to 1" diameter, but to a larger diameter, to allow for the paper to wrap around the circumference of the button in the button assembly machine. ALL seven sizes of the Graphic Punch die-cutters create an over-sized paper circle that becomes the finished button size, after it is assembled in the button machine. These graphic punches are only for use in the button-making process. It cuts the entire circle at once using a circular cutting die (which never needs sharpening). This device does the cutting precisely and ten times faster than cutting out the circles using a smaller hand held cutter with a rolling blade or by hand using scissors. A sturdy, solid steel, durable tool designed to last a lifetime. 5" wide x 7" long x 3" tall. Weighs 4.6 pounds. Made in U.S.A.
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buttonpartsjpg.jpg 1" Button Parts
$60.00
1" BP-500
All components to make 1" round buttons: shells, collets, clear Mylar coverings, and lock pins.


   
1x1.75 Oval.jpg Oval 1" x 1.75" Manual Button Assembly Machine
$695.00
MBAM-OVAL
Solid, built to last for generations! • New size & shape (October 2017)
• All metal construction
• Cam-on-roller design requires very little physical force to operate.
• Button maker machine is compact and lightweight for easy storage and transport.
• Cushioned hand grip
• Two-step button making process.
• Swivel die-set increases speed.
• "Positive stop" ensures upper and lower die alignment.
• Rust-resistant plating.
• Weight: 10 lbs.
• Length: 10” Width: 3” Height: 6”
• Made in USA.



   
Oval Die-Cutter.jpg Oval 1" x 1.75" Graphic Punch Paper Die-Cutter
$295.00
GPPDC-OVAL
Cuts perfect circles in a second!
• "Zero scrap loss" engineering
• All metal construction
• Entire circumference punched to exact dimension in one motion
• Punch either graphics or photos
• Compact and lightweight
• Clear visual centering
• Weight: 4 lbs.
• Length: 7” Width: 5” Height: 3”
• Made in USA



   
OvalParts.jpg 1" x 1.75" Oval Button Parts (Set of 500)
$56.00 $42.00 On Sale!
OVAL BP-1000
1" x 1-3/4" oval button supplies include shells, mylar and pinned backs.
• 6 pounds per Set of 500
• Made in U.S.A.



   
MBAM-225.jpg 1.25" Manual Button Assembly Machine
$300.00 $275.00 On Sale!
MBAM-125
Same specs as the 1" machine, including same size footprint. This makes one-and-a-quarter-inch size safety pin backed buttons. The backs have the safety pins already pre-inserted (with pins closed) into the button back parts (instead of the collet used only on the 1" button backs). Weighs 7.5 pounds.
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GPPDC-100.jpg 1.25"Graphic Punch Paper Die-Cutter
$195.00 $175.00 On Sale!
GPPDC-125
Same specs as the 1" button circle paper die-cutter. Same size machine. Ten times faster than hand cutting with scissors. A seperate cutter is needed for each different size button machine. 5" wide x 7" long x 3" tall. 4 pounds. Made in U.S.A.
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SafetyPin BP-500.jpg 1.25" PARTS for Manual Button Machine (Set of 500)
$85.00
1.25" BP-500
500 sets of metal shells, metal backs with safety pin clasp attachments already inserted (and closed), and crystal-clear, non-yellowing circular-cut mylar coverings. All larger size button parts include the safety pin style attachments already inserted (closed) into the backings: the 1.5", the 1.75" and the 2.25"
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MBAM-225.jpg 1.5" manual Button Assembly Machine
$300.00
MBAM-150
Same specs as the 1" and 1.25" machines, including same size footprint. The backs have the safety pins already pre-inserted and closed (instead of the collet used only with the 1" button size). Weighs 7.5 pounds.
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GPPDC-100.jpg 1.5"Graphic Punch Paper Die-Cutter
$215.00
GPPDC-150
Same specs as the 1" and 1.25" button circle paper die-cutter. Same size machine. Ten times faster than hand cutting with scissors. A seperate cutter is needed for each different size button machine. It cuts a perfect circle each time when you push down the lever. 5" wide x 7" long x 3" tall. 4 pounds. Made in U.S.A.
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SafetyPin BP-500.jpg 1.5" PARTS for Manual Button Machine (Set of 500)
$79.00
1.50" BP-500
500 sets of metal shells, metal backs with safety pin clasp attachments alreadyinserted (and closed), and crystal-clear, non-yellowing circular-cut mylar coverings.
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MBAM-225.jpg 1.75" Manual Button Assembly Machine
$300.00
MBAM-175
Same specs as all the other machines described, including same size footprint. This one makes one-and-three-quarter-inch size safety pin backed buttons. The backs have the safety pins already inserted and closed. Weighs 8.5 pounds.
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GPPDC-100.jpg 1.75" Graphic Punch Paper Die-Cutter
$215.00
GPPDC-175
Same specs as the 1", 1.25", 1.5" and 2.25" button circle die-cutters. Same size machine for each different size button. Ten times faster than han d-cutting using scissors. A seperate cutter is needed for each different size button machine. 5" wide x 7" long x 3" tall. 4 pounds. Made in U.S.A.
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SafetyPin BP-500.jpg 1.75" PARTS for Manual Button Machine (Set of 500)
$79.00
1.75" BP-500
500 sets of metal shells, metal backs with safety pin clasp attachments already inserted and closed, and crystal-clear, non-yellowing circular-cut mylar coverings.
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MBAM-225.jpg 2.25" Manual Button Assembly Machine
$295.00
MBAM-225
Same specs as all other button machines. 2.25-inch is the second-most popular size (after the favourite 1-inch size button machine). Weighs 10 pounds.
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GPPDC-225.jpg 2.25" Graphic Punch Paper Die-Cutter
$215.00
GPPDC-225
Same specs as all other circular button paper die-cutters. Cuts perfect circle for the 2.25" button machine. Ten times faster than hand-cutting with scissors.
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SafetyPin BP-500.jpg 2.25" PARTS for Manual Button Machine (Set of 500)
$89.00
2.25" BP-500
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MBAM-225.jpg 3" Manual Photo Button Assembly Machine
$405.00
MBAM-300
This machine makes 3" diameter buttons - an ideal size for photo buttons. Same specs as other machines, except is is 3" wide by 7" long by 12" tall, and weighs 15.5 pounds.
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GPPDC-225.jpg 3" Graphic Punch Photo Die-Cutter
$255.00
GPPDC-300
Same specs as the other Graphic Punch die-cutters. 7.5" wide x 9.5" long x 2.5" tall. Weighs 7 pounds. Made in U,S.A.
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SafetyPin BP-500.jpg 3" Parts for Manual Button Machine (set of 500)
$95.00
3" BP-500
500 sets of metal shells, metal backs with safety pin clasp attachments already inserted and closed; and crystal-clear, non-yellowing, circular-cut mylar coverings.
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MBAM-1.5 SQ 1.5" Square Manual Button Assembly Machine
$1,749.00
MBAM-SQ 1.5
Same quality as all of the round button machines. The higher price is because the dies, alignment and torque necessary to assemble square shaped buttons require much more intricate design and tooling. This machine assembles 1.5" square button, also magnets and keychains. 3" wide x 7" long x 14.5 tall. weighs 19 pounds.
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GPPDC-1.5 SQ 1.5" Square Graphic Punch Paper Die-Cutter
$345.00 $295.00 On Sale!
GPPDC-1.5 SQ
Cuts paper graphics for the 1.5" square shape buttons, magnets or keychains.
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2x2 BP-500.jpg 1.5" Square Parts for Manual Button Machine (set of 500)
$79.00
1.5" SQ BP-500
Parts for making the 1.5" square (or diamond-shaped) button.
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ARCC-1-3.5.jpg Adjustable Rotary Circle Cutter
$105.00
ARCC-1-3.5

This circle cutter provides a low-cost method to cut circular button graphics with speed and accuracy. Two interchangeable plastic centering templates, pre-cut for 1" button graphics (1.313" diameter) are included and can be cut to match larger sizes. A metal cutting plate is also included - it protects surfaces as the rotary cutter "crush cuts" the paper graphic. The rotary blade lasts for thousads of cuttings, and it only $7 to replace. Depending on paper thickness, multiple graphics may be cut at one time. This circle cutter is $49 less than the die-cut graphic punch device for cutting out paper circles. Made in U.S.A.

• Spring-loaded, bronze-bushed main shaft - permanently lubricated, smooth, steady operation.

• Interchangeable centering template - accurate placement, custom cut for each size, fewer wasted graphics.

• Pre-set stops for five popular button sizes: 1", 1.5", 2.25", 3", 3.5" - easy and fast adjustment between sizes.

• Palm-sized knob - greater comfort, less fatigue.

• Top-mounted, quick-release knob for size adjustments - speedy changes added convenience, full range of sizes from 7/8" to 4" diameter.

• Powder coated finish - durable and attractive.

• Knurled base - provides excellent grip, avoids slipping on graphics (br>
• All metal chasis construction - strong, durable, long-lasting.

• Spare Replacement cutting wheels are sold seperately for $7.

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Button Machines, Accessories & Button Parts
   
Customprinted Labels for Back of Buttons or Stickers (Roll of 1,000 minimum)
$220.00
CL-1,000
For groups or shops who buy our buttons wholesale and want to have a way for their customers to contact them again these labels are the solution. We customprint your contact info in black on white self-stick labels on a roll, and send them to you to apply to the back of each of the buttons you order from us (or from anyone else). We are offering these custom printed labels at our cost as a special service to our customers who order buttons or button parts from us.
• The minimum number of labels you can order is 1,000.
• At higher quantities (2,000 and up) the price per label is a lot lower than at 1,000. The labels are small enough – 1/2" by 3/4" – to fit on the back of even the smallest (1") buttons we sell.
• Size: 1/2" tall x 3/4" self-stick paper labels. For the same price, you can get a slightly larger (1/2" x 2") label to put on the back of bumpertickers or small vinyl stickers.
• Your own wording on up to 4 lines (13 upper case characters per line or 21 lower case letters per line.
• Your choice of one of the following Ink Colors: Black, Red, Green, Blue, or Purple. Ink is for the color of the text (reversal printing is NOT recommended on this small size of label.
• Your choice of one of the following Paper Colors: White Gloss (recycled), Yellow Gloss; ALSO Fluorescent (Dayglo) colors: Red, Yellow, Green, Light Orange, Pink (black ink only on all fluorescent color papers, since other colors don't print in their accurate color on fluorescent paper); ALSO Matte Finish Silver Metallic paper.
• Only choose one ink and one paper color per order of 1,000 labels.
• Because the text will be tiny, we will set it in a clear Ariel or Ariel Narrow font.
Suggested information for each line of text:
• Line 1: (your organization's name)
• Line 2: (continue name if needed; or phone number)
• Line 3: (e-mail adddress)
• Line 4: (website; or price you want to sell button for)

Putting labels on the backs of all buttons (both buttons you make and buttons you buy already made from anyone else) is a smart way to identify and promote your business or group as the source for more of the buttons, so you will get repeat orders and new orders. You can also put these labels on the backs of bumperstickers, postcards, etc. It will also direct people to your website. We are offering these at our cost to help you promote your organization. They are less expensive when ordered in larger quantities (2,000 or more).
• 2,000 (all same) for $249. 3,000 (all same) for $300. 5,000 (all same) for $349. 10,000 (all same) for$395. 15,000 (all same) for $425. 25,000 (all same) for $465.

Prices good trough 2024, after that, prices are subject to change. TO ORDER: Write the wording you want, line by line (4 lines maximum), in the "Comments" section after you click to add this item to your shopping cart. Click once only for a roll of 1,000. Unless you indicate otherwise, we will print them in black ink on white labels.
• You can also order these by emailing us at info "at" donnellycolt "dot" com
You won't find prices this low anywhere else on the internet or at any retail shop. This is a promotional price only available to our customers who want to use custom printed labels on the backs of any buttons you purchase at wholesale from anywhere, that you want to re-sell, so you will be seen as the source for more buttons.

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