Of course! I'm sorry I can't be more help, but I only own some fairly crappy pliers from Dritz. Definitely not really recommended, except in comparison with a hammer.

Hey, thanks! I didn't know about the LJ community, it's really interesting. I think I might stick with my vario pliers for now and just wrap the handles in tennis racket tape, because at the moment they shred my palms

Not a terribly substantial reply, but here is the collected knowledge of the Corsetmakers LJ community (which I moderate) on the subject of grommet setters. You can browse back and get a pretty good variety of reviews, and I know we've also had a few posts asking much the same question - the responses to those posts may prove useful to you.

Hey FR!

I've been contemplating getting a setting machine/press for eyelets and spiral wire end caps, as my poor hand is red raw after tipping all those bones with pliers! Just wondering before I spend £150, have any of you got one? Are they any good? Which does everyone prefer - hand or machine?

Thanks, and looking forward to your input!

Xx