Buttons
Handy Kenlin Group is buttons—and today, a whole lot more. But buttons are where we started more than a hundred years ago, and we’ve been the leading supplier of covered button parts and covering technology ever since. That experience is one of the big reasons furniture, bedding, and garment manufacturers consider HKG their exclusive one-stop source for buttons and covering know-how. The HKG catalog is another reason: You find more types, styles and sizes of button parts and finished buttons at HKG than at any other supplier, anywhere.
Button Shells
HKG shells range from 9/16″ to 2 1/2″ (22 to 100 ligne) in diameter. Standard shells are corrosion-resistant; we also supply zinc plated shells. Waxed, specially-selected shells are ideal for fast feeding in hopper-fed machines. Standard shells come in regular and soft tempers; extra-hard and extra-soft shells also available.
Button Backs
Zinc-plated steel or aluminum, HKG button backs resist rust and corrosion. Two types of Wire-Eye Backs are offered — the standard heavy-duty eye and the smaller eye back for more delicate materials. You’ll also find Nylon Hook Backs that eliminate hand tying in HKG’s catalog, as well as tufting discs and loops with Fastuft Clips. HKG also supplies No-Dent Corrugated Nail Backs, Threaded Nail Backs, Prong and Pivot Buttons.
Finished & Snap Buttons
HKG offers Assembled Metal Buttons with prong or wire eye backs, with brushed brass, bright gold or nickel finishes. Nylon Hook Buttons in a range of colors can simulate upholstered buttons. HKG also offers a line of Snap Buttons that snap together on upholstered panels; these can be covered on standard dies.
Scale of Button Sizes
Buttons are measured by the English standard of 40 lignes per inch. Therefore, a 30 ligne button is 3/4″ diameter, a 45 ligne button is 1-1/8″ diameter, and so on. The diagram shows the size of a button shell before covering.
Tapes, Straps, Needles
For easier, more precise and uniform tufting, use HKG Tufting Tapes and Straps. They come with clips at each end, buttons at each end or clips and buttons at the ends. Available in widths ranging from 7/16″ to 11/16″ with appropriately-sized clips and buttons. Lengths, in 1/4″ increments, from 1″ to 9″. HKG provides a variety of push-thru and pull-thru Tufting Needles with different handles and needle designs.
Loops & Twines
Here’s the way to make seams look hand sewn without hand-sewing. HKG Velvet Edge™ Tack Strips have smooth, rounded edges, so your most delicate materials are safeguarded. For extra protection, Velvet Edge™ Tack Strips can be ordered with plastic sleeves.
HKG’s line includes tough, economical Twines in nylon, rayon and cotton in 50 lb reels with 50 ends, so 50 lengths can be cut at once to any length. Our Tie Nylon is extra strong and abrasion-resistant to meet your toughest standards. It has a non-slip finish.
You save a lot of time and labor with our pre-measured, Pre-Tied Nylon Loops. And the HKG Fastuft is a complete system for tufting tight seat backs and non-reversible cushions. These pre-tied nylon loops with their retaining clips give you a uniform, secure tuft every time. Our 1 3/8″ Tufting Disc anchors pre-tied loops on the blind side.
Snaps, Grommets, Ventilators
These are heavy duty, durable Snap Fasteners for upholstery fabrics. Use HKG 3/8″, 5/8″ or 1″ screw studs with our caps and sockets or use the deep stud with your own screws; they give you a tight secure fit. Nickel plated steel or rust-resistant nickel-plated brass.
HKG solid brass Ventilators are a quality finishing touch for any mattress. They have a beveled edge that holds any plastic or fabric ticking firmly. Gold color and nickel finishes. Washers are available for thinner materials.
Tack Strips
Velvet Edge
Here’s the way to make seams look hand sewn without hand-sewing. HKG Velvet Edge™ Tack Strips have smooth, rounded edges, so your most delicate materials are safeguarded. For extra protection, Velvet Edge™ Tack Strips can be ordered with plastic sleeves.
Flex Trim
For curved or intricate seams, use HKG Flex Trim. It’s a continuous, coiled fastener that’s flexible enough for the most radical twists, bends and curves. It won’t buckle, and it eliminates sewing, double welting and gimp tacks. The galvanized satin finish won’t rust or stain. Two or three-tooth types, regular or heavy gauge.
Nails, Rings, Clips
HKG Decorative Nails and Nail Strips open fresh new design possibilities, distinctive touches you add with a nail gun or hammer. You can specify nails with nickel, gilt, french natural or relieved antique finishes, brass or steel heads. Prefer color? Order HKG steel metalene nails in any of dozens of shades. Standard shanks are 1/2″; other lengths also available.
When your design calls for a continuous line of decorative nailheads, use HKG Nail Strips. Staple and nail-on type strips are available in gilt, french natural and nickel finishes. HKG can also supply Panel Nails to fasten upholstered panels to the front of chair arms. All the hardware the furniture maker needs: you’ll find it in the HKG catalog. Snap Hooks and Rings…round and D-rings…and a full range of Steel Clips.
Mattress Hardware
Tufting Tapes & Straps
HKG #100 Mattress Tapes: HKG’s #100 polyester cloth mattress tufting tapes are 11/16″ wide with 5/8″ clip at both ends. The fabric covered clips can be anchored with felt washers or stand alone. Install with HKG’s #100 regular or ejector needles. Available in 1/2″ increments from 1-1/2″ and up. Inquire about special colors.
HKG Euro Mattress Tapes: HKG’s nylon mattress tufting tapes with 7/8″ molded plastic clips at both ends are widely used for futon and mattress tufting. They can stand alone or be anchored with felt washers and/or rosettes. Install with HKG’s #100 regular or ejector needles. Available in 1/2″ increments from 1″ and up. Inquire about special colors.
HKG Fastufts and Pre-tied Loops: HKG’s fastufts and pre-tied loops are excellent option for both inner and outer mattress tufting. Fastufts can be purchased pre-assembled with one or two clips and are available in 1/2″ increments starting at 1″ and up. Install with HKG’s regular and ejector fastuft needles. HKG’s nylon twine loops can be used to attach covered buttons and rosettes. Available in 1/2″ increments starting at 1″. Install with HKG 8402 pull and push through needles.
Rosettes, Felt Washers and Mattress Tufting Buttons
Rosettes: HKG’s Rosettes can be easily attached with HKG’s Euro Tapes, Fasftufts and Twine Loops. They can be cut open to create a pompon appearance. Available in white and cream.
Felt Washers: HKG’s Small and Large felt washer scan be attached with HKG’s #100 and Euro Mattress Tufting Tapes. Available in white. Inquire about special colors.
Mattress Tufting Buttons: HKG’s Mattress Tufting Buttons are molded plastic and designed for use in the United Mattress Button Tufting Machine. Available in gray and white.
Tufting Needles
Air Powered Ejector Needle: HKG’s air powered ejector needle is the easiest way to install #100 and Euro mattress tufting tapes, and Fastufts. The air powered plunger ejects the clip from the needle. Available in 9″ and 14″ models.
Euro Ejector Needle: HKG’s Euro ejector needle allows adjustable tension pressure on the clip, which simplifies the tufting process. In one swift motion the needle can be used to install HKG’s #100 or Euro mattress tapes. 13″ length.
Lever Ejector Needle: HKG’s lever ejector needle can be used to install #100 and Euro mattress tapes, and fastufts. The clip is held in the needle and released upon activation of the needle lever. Available in 9″ and 13″ models.
#100 and Fastuft Regular Needles: HKG’s regular #100 and fastuft needles push and pull are available in 10″and 17″ lengths.
Ventilators
Our solid brass ventilators have a beveled under-edge which holds firmly to any ticking, plastic or fabric. Use washers for thinner materials. Gold color and nickel finishes.
