2.25" Button Maker Kit
What Customers Are Saying
First Machine, Fast StartThe machine is very solid and I believe it Will hold for many years of button making. Was able to make good quality buttons within an hour of unboxing.
- Junior High Marketing Class
I use the button machines for a marketing unit at a junior high. Last year I started with 1 machine, then purchased 2 more, now I am up to 5 total. My kids love to create and make buttons.
- High-Volume First Run
Super Super Easy buttom maker to use and we did 350 buttons within just a couple of hours of opening the machine for the very first time.
- Growing Button Seller
When I purchased my first ABM 1.5”kit last fall, I told myself that was it, one is enough. I was wrong...one is NOT enough! I just purchased my second ABM kit (2.25”) and have already made and sold this size.
- High School Makerspace
I was excited to add this popular size of button maker to our high school's makerspace. It is easy to use and we are glad to have another quality button maker from ABM.
The 2.25" Button Maker Kit is a complete 2.25 inch (2 1/4") button making setup in one box: the all-steel Model 225 button maker, your choice of paper cutter, and 250, 500, or 1,000 complete pinback button sets. 2.25" is American Button Machines' most popular size, and the standard size most people picture when they think of a button.
The Model 225 uses a cam-on-roller design, so a full press takes very little hand force and a finished button takes under five seconds. Its positive full-stroke verification means the handle has to complete its full travel before a button releases, so half-pressed buttons never end up in your finished pile. Every part in the kit is made in the USA and backed by a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects, with lifetime U.S.-based phone support. American Button Machines is family-owned and has been operating since 2005.
Why Buy the Kit Instead of the Machine Alone
The Model 225 makes the button, but you also need a way to cut your graphics to size and a supply of button parts to press. The kit puts all three in one order, with the cutter matched to the machine. You don't have to guess which cutter or which parts fit, and you won't wait on a second shipment.
| Compare | 2.25" Button Maker Kit | Machine Only |
|---|---|---|
| Model 225 Button Maker | Included | Included |
| Paper Cutter | Included: your choice of the Adjustable Circle Cutter or the 2.25" Graphic Punch | Sold separately |
| Pinback Button Sets | 250, 500, or 1,000 complete sets included | Sold separately |
| Build-A-Button Design Software | Three months included | Not included |
| Button Essentials Design Collection | Included (digital download) | Not included |
| Shipping | Free UPS Ground shipping (lower 48 states) | Standard shipping rates |
| Warranty & Support | Lifetime warranty against defects, lifetime U.S.-based phone support | Same |
Already own a cutter and supplies? The 2.25" Button Maker is sold on its own. Not sure which cutter to choose? See the comparison below.
Choose Your Cutter: Circle Cutter or Graphic Punch
Every button starts with a printed graphic cut to a 2.625" circle, which is larger than the finished button so the edge can wrap around the shell. The kit comes with one of two cutters. Both cut clean, consistent circles. The right one depends on how many button sizes you plan to make and what materials you cut.
| Compare | Adjustable Circle Cutter"Good" kit option | 2.25" Graphic Punch (Model 2625)"Best" kit option |
|---|---|---|
| How It Cuts | Rotate the cutter one full turn and the cutting wheel traces the circle | Press once and the entire circle is punched at the same time |
| Button Sizes | Every round size: preset stops for 1", 1.5", 2.25", 3" and 3.5", adjustable from 1.313" to 4" | 2.25" only (cuts a 2.625" graphic) |
| Materials | Printer paper, photo paper, cardstock, fabric, acetate and thin leather | Regular printer paper cut into strips |
| Speed | Can cut several layers at once, depending on material thickness | Fastest for high-volume runs of one size; very little force needed |
| Construction | All-metal chassis | All-metal, self-sharpening |
| Classroom & Library Use | Best when cutting is done by staff or trained users | No exposed blade, so it's the safer choice when students, patrons or volunteers do the cutting |
| Best For | Programs running more than one button size, or cutting fabric and specialty materials | Anyone making 2.25" buttons in volume who wants the fastest, most consistent cut |
Quick rule of thumb: for schools, libraries, and any program where kids or volunteers do the cutting, choose the Graphic Punch. It has no exposed blade, and it's the fastest way to cut 2.25" graphics in volume. Choose the Adjustable Circle Cutter if staff will do the cutting and you plan to add a second button size or cut fabric or cardstock, because one tool covers every round ABM size from 1" to 3.5".
Making photo buttons? Photographic paper is thicker than printer paper. The 2.25" PHOTO Button Maker Kit comes with the 2.25" Photo Punch, which is built for heavier photo stock.
2.25" Button Maker Kit Specifications
| Finished Button Size | 2.25" round (2 1/4", 57.15 mm) |
|---|---|
| Graphic Cut Size | 2.625" round |
| Button Maker | Model 225: patented two-step press, cam-on-roller design, center-pivot metal dies with no compression rings to wear out or misalign |
| Construction | All steel, no plastic or composite parts, yet lightweight. Low center of gravity so it won't tip, with mounting holes in the base |
| Speed | Under five seconds per button, several hundred buttons per hour |
| Power Required | None, fully manual |
| Cutter Options | Adjustable Circle Cutter ("Good") or 2.25" Graphic Punch, Model 2625 ("Best") |
| Pinback Sets Included | 250, 500, or 1,000 complete sets (shell, mylar, pinback) |
| Design Software | Three months of Build-A-Button plus the Button Essentials design collection |
| Photo & Fabric | The machine can be adjusted for photo paper or fabric. Contact us before ordering to arrange it |
| Warranty | Lifetime against manufacturing defects. Ultimate Extended Warranty available |
| Shipping | Free UPS Ground shipping within the lower 48 states. Add-on items ship at normal rates |
| Purchase Orders | Accepted, along with tax-exempt purchases. Download a quote right from your cart |
| Manufactured | Made in the USA |
American Standard Sizing: Why It Matters
The Model 225 and its supplies are built to American Standard 2.25" sizing. A 2.25" button measures exactly 57.15 mm. Imported machines and parts are usually sold as "58mm," a rounded metric size, and the actual dimensions vary from seller to seller. On a crimp, a fraction of a millimeter matters, so American Standard parts do not typically work in foreign-made 58mm machines, and 58mm parts do not typically work in the Model 225. ABM's 2.25" supplies are also not for use in Badge-a-Minit machines; those owners should shop our Badge-a-Minit parts and supplies.
Not sure which machine you have? Call (972) 985-5074 and we'll help you identify it.
What People Make with a 2.25" Button Maker Kit
2.25" is big enough for a photo, a logo and a line of text, and small enough to hand out by the hundreds. That's why it's the go-to size for so many programs:
- Schools and PTOs. Spirit days, student recognition, fundraisers, teacher appreciation and graduation keepsakes. The Model 225 is safe for school children to operate. See the 2.25" Professional School Series Kit.
- Libraries and makerspaces. Summer reading programs, staff badges, program giveaways and open maker hours. See the 2.25" Library Button Maker Kit.
- Political campaigns and advocacy. The classic campaign button size, with room for a name, slogan and photo. See the 2.25" Professional Campaign Kit.
- Churches and nonprofits. VBS, mission trips, donor recognition and volunteer appreciation.
- Photographers and events. Wedding favors, photo-booth swag, senior portrait add-ons and memorial buttons.
- Businesses and real estate agents. Promotional buttons, plus photo magnets that stay on a refrigerator long after a business card is gone.
- Crafters and small makers. Fan-art, convention and craft-fair buttons to sell.
How to Make a 2.25" Button
Every ABM machine uses the same patented two-step press, with no die changes in between.
- Design and print. Lay out your graphic in Build-A-Button or with our free 2.25" templates for Photoshop and Open Office, then print it on regular printer paper.
- Cut. Cut the graphic to a 2.625" circle with your kit's cutter.
- Press once. Place a shell in the shallow Pickup die on the left, lay your graphic on top, cover it with mylar, and pull the handle through its full stroke.
- Swivel and press again. Swivel the die set, place the pinback in the deep Crimp die on the right, and press a second time. Your finished button is ready.
Want more detail? See the full How to Make a Button guide and the Video Library.
What Else Can You Make with a 2.25" Button Maker
The same Model 225 and the same 2.25" shells make far more than pinback buttons. Just swap the back you press. Every product below fits the machine as-is.
Deluxe Sample Pack
Key chains, magnets, ceramic magnets and accent rings to try before you buy in bulk.
Refills, Add-Ons & Themed 2.25" Kits
Frequently Asked Questions
What comes in the 2.25" Button Maker Kit?
The Model 225 button maker, your choice of the Adjustable Circle Cutter or the 2.25" Graphic Punch, 250, 500, or 1,000 complete pinback button sets, three months of Build-A-Button design software, and the Button Essentials design collection. It ships free by UPS Ground within the lower 48 states. Graphic paper is not included. Regular printer paper works.
Should I choose the Adjustable Circle Cutter or the Graphic Punch?
For schools, libraries, and anywhere students, patrons or volunteers will be cutting, choose the Graphic Punch. It has no exposed blade, and it punches the whole circle in one press. Choose the Adjustable Circle Cutter if staff will do the cutting and you plan to make more than one button size or cut fabric or cardstock. It covers every round ABM size from 1" to 3.5".
Why buy the kit instead of the machine alone?
The kit includes the cutter and button parts you need to start, plus three months of Build-A-Button and free UPS Ground shipping. Machines and supplies ordered separately ship at standard rates, and the machine alone doesn't include Build-A-Button.
Is a 2.25" button the same as a 58mm button?
No. A 2.25" button is exactly 57.15 mm. Imported "58mm" machines and parts are rounded metric sizes that vary from seller to seller, so they do not typically crimp correctly with American Standard parts or machines. ABM's 2.25" supplies are also not for use in Badge-a-Minit machines. Call (972) 985-5074 if you need help identifying your machine.
Can I make photo buttons with this kit?
Photographic paper is thicker than printer paper. For photo buttons, the 2.25" PHOTO Button Maker Kit includes the Photo Punch made for heavier photo stock. Any ABM machine can also be adjusted for photo paper or fabric. Contact us before ordering to arrange it.
Do you accept purchase orders and tax-exempt orders?
Yes. Add the kit to your cart and choose "Download a quote" for an instant PDF quote that includes shipping and any applicable tax, valid for 15 days, or choose "Pay by purchase order." Tax-exempt organizations can apply their exemption to their account.
What warranty and support come with the kit?
A lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects, plus lifetime U.S.-based phone support at (972) 985-5074, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Central. Chat is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM Central. An Ultimate Extended Warranty is also available.
Is the 2.25" Button Maker Kit made in the USA?
Yes. Every part of the kit is made in the USA: the Model 225, both cutter options, and the pinback button sets. American Button Machines is family-owned and has been operating since 2005.
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