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I have been thinking of getting a Crop-A-Dile, but then saw the Big Bite version and wondered if the extended reach would be more useful. Maybe it's overkill for a card maker?
Also see that there is a new version of the Crop-A-Dile that has a smaller grip. Does anyone have one and what do they think?
What are your favorite things to use either tool for? No one seems to be using eyelets anymore. But I've seen some nice looking ones.
Any thoughts on any of this would be appreciated.
__________________ I have come to the conclusion that buying craft supplies and actually using them are two separate hobbies. RachelRose Designs by Robin... GALLERY
I think the Big Bite version is overkill for a cardmaker. I bought it (with a coupon of course) and it has stayed in it's original packaging for over a year taking up valuable space in my craft area. The regular Crop-a-dile gets used on the rare occasion that I decide to set an eyelet or grommet.
Seeing where you are punching is a plus for me, gale, so many thanks for pointing that out. I watched a YouTube where the demo showed how you could see where you were punching with the Big Bite by turning it over (meaning holding that big thing upside down in your hand) and that did concern me.
I'm thinking it would be fun to be able to set grommets (are there such things as "gromlets"? I guess so, since they are referred to in several YouTubes...) and eyelets for threading ribbon or as the center of flowers. Or to make a little book.
__________________ I have come to the conclusion that buying craft supplies and actually using them are two separate hobbies. RachelRose Designs by Robin... GALLERY
Nancy - you say you use it a lot more. Are you saying that you have a Big Bite as well but you use the Crop-A-Dile more?
What do you use your Crop-A-Dile for mostly?
Thanks! ;-)!
__________________ I have come to the conclusion that buying craft supplies and actually using them are two separate hobbies. RachelRose Designs by Robin... GALLERY
The Big Bite would help free up your hands for holding the cardstock in place in order to punch the holes, for example in making the mini backpack. The longer reach would make punching easier, especially for odd-angled pieces.
For more day-to-day applications, the regular crop-a-dile would be better.
I only got the Big Bite due to getting a 60% off coupon (scratch off from JoAnns). At some point, I might use it to add holes to help expand a belt for my father.
This is very helpful, everyone. I'm now thinking just the regular Crop-A-Dile would be more useful to me.
I knew I'd get good info if I posted here!
__________________ I have come to the conclusion that buying craft supplies and actually using them are two separate hobbies. RachelRose Designs by Robin... GALLERY
I have both, Rachel. I'm glad I got the Big Bite for the times I need it, but there's no doubt that the regular Crop-a-Dile is the one I use 95% of the time, so unless you anticipate needing the extra reach, I'd definitely go for that. If I could only have one, that would be it. I didn't realise there was a new one with a smaller grip; I know when the first one came out some people had trouble holding it, so if you have small hands it could be worth considering.
I couldn't quite understand Card Maker 01's point about the Big Bite freeing up your hands to hold the card, because even with the regular one, I am holding the card in one hand and the CAD in the other.
I couldn't quite understand Card Maker 01's point about the Big Bite freeing up your hands to hold the card, because even with the regular one, I am holding the card in one hand and the CAD in the other.
Hi!
What I meant was, when I was trying to punch out some of the more inward holes on the mini backpack cardstock, I had to use one hand to hold the crop-a-dile and the other to move the cardstock around to get it into position to punch. It was due to the extended flaps for the backpack bottom (for closing) that I could have used the Big Bite to make it easier (due to the longer reach). Invariably, just as I went to punch, the cardstock or CAD would move and I'd waste more time trying to get them lined up.
It would seem that due to the weight of the Big Bite (being sturdy) and on a flat surface, aligning would be easier.
Big Bite is nice for 12x12 pages but it takes up a lot of room in a tote or on a table. Crop-o-dile is easy to grab and go and use for almost everything else.
Mary Beth
Thank-you for posting this question! I am also wondering about buying the Cropadile. I would think -for -me the smaller grip one would be better but my question would be how strong a grip do you need to squeeze it? I have arthritis in my hands and the smart! if I squeeze anything to hard. Don't think I'd use the Big bite one at all but might use the small cropadile.
Thanks RiverIsis for your comment on the smaller grip. My hands are small and fingers are short so that will make a difference too..
I had the Crop-a-dile and sold it to get the Big Bite. I have smaller arthritic hands and I could not handle the Crop-a-dile. I have much better luck and use it more often since I can rest it on the table and push down with one hand.
All of this has been useful. I'm still not sure which I should get, or if I should get one at all! I thought that setting eyelets was something it would be most useful for, but then I looked around and don't see many cards that use eyelets! Good for punching holes, but you can get a hole punch for that, right? So I just wonder what else everyone uses it for. It can't be just for hole punching?
Some months back, there was a thread where people listed their top ten favorite tools and many people put a Crop-A-Dile on that list. At this point I am wondering why. Everyone seems to have one. I am missing something here. Help.
__________________ I have come to the conclusion that buying craft supplies and actually using them are two separate hobbies. RachelRose Designs by Robin... GALLERY
I do still use eyelets - not every day, but from time to time, and especially on interactive cards and tags. I also find it great for punching holes in ribbon for putting a brad through - with ribbon like grosgrain or twill it's easier than trying to make a good hole with a knife blade. Sometimes for brads (think of a basket handle, for example, where you'd like a little freedom of movement) a small punched hole works better then piercing - I think in times past I'd have used a regular small circle punch.
At the end of the day I imagine a scrapper or someone into altered / 3d projects is likely to use one more than most card-makers.
But mine (CAD, the Big Bite lives on the floor) is one of the tools I keep on my desk because then I can always find it when I'm looking for it, and that's more often than you might expect.
I only have the big bite and I love it. I am only a cardmaker but have all the stuff to scrapbook so if I do decide to do some, I have the tool!
I like the fact that it sits on the table and I don't have to hold it. I have quite weak wrists so think i'd struggle with the orig cropodile.
There is a new, more friendly version of the crocodile. I just got it and like it a lot, smaller handle, color coded pieces so you know which one goes with which.
I use my big bite to punch holes through layers of cardstock. Just used it Sunday to put a hole through 12 sheets of cardstock at once. I never could have done that with the smaller crop-a-dile.
I have the regular size Crop a Dile and like it. I don't use it on a regular basis, but love having it when I need it.
I make bookmarks a lot, and it's so handy for punching the hole and adding an oversized eyelet on the end of the bookmark. Then I add a tassle. Really makes the bookmarks look professional.
And occasionally I use it for adding eyelets to cards, mostly masculine cards, which I think are difficult to embellish, lol. I frequently use the oversize metallic eyelets on guy cards.
__________________ Bugga in OK
"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." Dalai Lama
As gale mentioned, the Crop-a-dile (regular or Big Bite) are most useful when needing to punch holes through thick material such as plastic, leather, tin or multiple pages. Remember those paper bag books that used to be so popular? Couldn't hardly punch the holes for those without a Crop-a-dile. I do have the Big Bite but think it was a waste of money, I've maybe used it once - I do used the hand-held model for the above mentioned uses.
__________________ Claudia Splitcoast Fan Club Member
I have a long reach eyelet setter, no longer made, but it works great. It's really heavy so it never leaves home. I also have a Japanese screw punch that will put holes anywhere. These tools were expensive but worth every penny. I use the Crop-a-dile when I only need 1-2 eyelets or I'm at a class. I have arthritis and small hands and haven't had a problem using it.
The big bite is too much tool for most card makers. However, if you use your eyelets to hold embellishments like tags or flowers on to your card front then you might want a longer reach. I personally try to keep the inside of my card from clean or relatively so, so I don't put eyelets all the way through the the embellie and the card front. Just a layer or two or even just the embellie. It depends on how you work.
I rarely use my big bite but I still keep it because when I scrapbook I still want it. I mainly use eyelets for the holes on tags and bookmarks. Also for lacing ribbon, accents like portholes on boats etc. there's a new template by my time made easy for a running shoe and I'd use eyelets for the holes for the laces. I don't use them decoratively too much but I use the hole punch part more often for brads, threading ribbons, tags etc.
For instance, I recently made 230 wedding favours for my sister. The tag with their name/date wrapped around her gift-biscotti-with ribbon. I punched holes in the tags at the top and bottom to thread the ribbon through then wrap around the biscotti and tie into a pretty bow. I could do at least 10 layers at once with the Crop-a-dile. Would have taken FOREVER one or two layers at a time!
I'd love to have the new version. I'm not sure if its available in the 1/8 and 3/16" size or just the 1/16 and 1/4" version but I love the smaller way to store it. If you love some nice new eyelets, definitely get it.
__________________ RebeccaEdnie Mixed Media Artist, Paper Crafter, Jewelry Designer SCSDirtyDozenAlumni Www.Boxofchocolatescrafts.Com YouNeverKnowWhatI’mGoingtoMake
Last edited by Rebecca Ednie; 04-03-2013 at 06:16 PM..
My understanding is that neither the CAD or Big Bite will set anything but 1/8th and 3/16th eyelets. Maybe I'm wrong, and someone will correct me.
Thanks for describing how you use yours, Rebecca!
__________________ I have come to the conclusion that buying craft supplies and actually using them are two separate hobbies. RachelRose Designs by Robin... GALLERY
On another thread we were discussing brads and eyelets, and I happened to be setting some eyelets that weekend. After reading the discussion I found myself skipping the eyelet and just making a hole using my old ProvoCraft Silent Setter. I had not used it in a very long time and I was surprised how easy it was compared to the Big Bite. I just eyeballed where I wanted the holes, made a tiny pencil mark, and voila. I think I have way more tools than I reasonably need.
I find the Crop-A-Dile really useful in my card making. I don't use as many eyelets as I used to but still use it during each and every crafting session. It's a nice heavy, duty construction and can punch through just about anything. I typically use lots of layers in my designs and that means the Crop-A-Dile allows me to reach pretty much any spot. I think it would be a worthwhile investment, especially if you can get it with a good coupon and/or sale.
It sounds like the most common use is as a hole punch through thicker materials. That's what I'm getting from everything said.
How well can you see where you are punching? I thought it was kind of hard to see exactly where you are placing the hole. Somewhere I saw/read/heard that. If I'm wrong about that, please correct me.
__________________ I have come to the conclusion that buying craft supplies and actually using them are two separate hobbies. RachelRose Designs by Robin... GALLERY
It sounds like the most common use is as a hole punch through thicker materials. That's what I'm getting from everything said.
How well can you see where you are punching? I thought it was kind of hard to see exactly where you are placing the hole. Somewhere I saw/read/heard that. If I'm wrong about that, please correct me.
Rachel, I use the regular Crop a Dile. There is a hole above the punch, so you can look down through it while you punch the hole. I frequently make a pencil "tick" where I want the hole to be when I use it.
I mostly use it for setting eyelets, and mark where I want the eyelet to be.
__________________ Bugga in OK
"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." Dalai Lama
Sounds like the CAD is good for its ease of use and portability, and the BB for its reach. And that most people who have both use the CAD far more - at least as far as cards are concerned.
Amazon has the CAD for $23 (Edit - no make that $29!). Joann had a sale recently, but sold out of them fast. There are no craft stores near me, so I have to scout out a good price online.
Really, all of this is very helpful! :-)!
__________________ I have come to the conclusion that buying craft supplies and actually using them are two separate hobbies. RachelRose Designs by Robin... GALLERY
Last edited by Rachelrose; 04-04-2013 at 12:57 PM..
I have both and pretty much only use them for the hole-punching feature.
I use the Big Bite almost exclusively. I like that I can sit it on the work surface and don't have to hold it in my hand. Plus you push down rather than squeezing like the regular Crop-a-dile; I have big hands, but don't like the wide reach required to use it.
I realised yesterday when using my CAD through one layer of regular card that I was actually squeezing t from quite near the mechanism end of it, rather than holding it at the end of the handles (sorry, hard to describe in words!). But it means that reach doesn't have to be a problem. For punching through thicker layers, though, I think I probably do hold it properly for extra leverage.
I know that when I tried out the mini blind tutorial, I was so glad to have the CAD - I wouldn't have enjoyed having to punch all those holes one a time, but the CAD went straight through the whole pleated blind.
I got the new one with the reduced reach. 87 vs 125 cm. Or something like that.
What was it that ultimately convinced me? I realized I could line up brads exactly. I usually put them in rows of three. And getting them lined up straight with a paper piercer template is annoying.
Got some eyelets. We shall see. And some chipboard, so I can be excited about how easy it is to punch through. !!!
Sometimes I have to just get a thing so I can stop talking about it.
You gals were very helpful ;-)! Anytime any of you want some help deciding to spend $$$ I've definitely got your back!
__________________ I have come to the conclusion that buying craft supplies and actually using them are two separate hobbies. RachelRose Designs by Robin... GALLERY
Last edited by Rachelrose; 04-08-2013 at 11:22 AM..
I got the new one with the reduced reach. 87 vs 125 cm. Or something like that.
What was it that ultimately convinced me? I realized I could line up brads exactly. I usually put them in rows of three. And getting them lined up straight with a paper piercer template is annoying.
Got some eyelets. We shall see. And some chipboard, so I can be excited about how easy it is to punch through. !!!
Sometimes I have to just get a thing so I can stop talking about it.
You gals were very helpful ;-)! Anytime any of you want some help deciding to spend $$$ I've definitely got your back!
You made me laugh with this, Rachel. I do the same thing sometimes. I know if I go to sleep thinking about it, and then wake up thinking about it, I'm a goner.
__________________ Bugga in OK
"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." Dalai Lama
I have only the Big Bite because even though I'm a card maker, I wanted to be able to put an eyelet or punch a hole anywhere and so needed the longer throat. It does the trick and is quieter than the Click-it tool. That being said, I have to really contort to see where the hole is going as it sits on the desk and one cannot see from the top where the hole should be placed. There are markings on it for that reason, but as yet, I have not been able to figure it out without lots more effort than getting down to where the work is at my eye level. If there was a better long throated tool that would be more ergonomically designed, I would trash my Big Bite and get it.
The demo videos for the Big Bite that I watched say you can see where the hole is going if you hold the thing in your hand and turn it upside down. They show this. I don't know how heavy the Big Bite is, but it does seem like an awkward solution.
__________________ I have come to the conclusion that buying craft supplies and actually using them are two separate hobbies. RachelRose Designs by Robin... GALLERY
Crop-A-Dile or Big Bite?
Smaller Arthritic Hands
