Scrapbooking Product Review: Crop-A-Dile Big Bite

If you've been thinking about buying a Crop-A-Dile Big Bite by We R Memory Keepers, you've come to the right place! I've been experimenting with the Crop-A-Dile Big Bite for the last few days, so I want to share my thoughts. I've decided that I love the Big Bite, but you should consider what you'll be using the machine for before you buy. I'll say right off the bat that I'm not into scrapbooking. I make mixed-media jewelry, books, and other random things.

When I went to the store, I wasn't planning on buying the Crop-A-Dile Big Bite. I was hoping to find the lime green hand-held Crop-A-Dile that comes with a case and 400 eyelets. (I found out later that this version is only available online). When I was checking out the hand-held version, I saw the Crop-A-Dile Big Bite. The hand-held one was $34.99 at A.C. Moore (which was the cost of the lime one with case & eyelets online). It was the tool only; no eyelets, no case. The Big Bite was $49.99, which is a crazy lot of money for a tool if it's not going to live up to expectations. I had a 40% off coupon, but I decided to check the nearby Michael's to see what they had. The Big Big was only $39.99 at Michaels, which, with my 40% off coupon, came to about $25 after taxes. A pretty darn expensive hole puncher, right?

Only the Crop-A-Dile Big Bite is more than a hole puncher. It also sets eyelets and snaps, but don't be fooled like I was at first: the snaps that the Crop-A-Dile can set are basically flat-top eyelets. If you want to use this tool to set snaps that open and close, the Big Bite won't work for you. I decided to order resin KAM snaps & pliers on ebay. If you want absolutely perfect eyelets every time, you might be disappointed with the Big Bite. On the eyelets I've set, some of the finishes have been a little scuffed by the machine. Also, the backs don't always open fully. But I haven't had a single eyelet mashed beyond use. Besides, I'm using the eyelets more as a functional addition than decorative, though I do like the look of eyelets. I'm not using decorative eyelets at all, just regular 3/16 inch ones. I haven't tried smaller eyelets yet.

Also of note is that I'm not using We R Memory Keepers brand eyelets. I've used Dritz brand (in the sewing section, way cheaper) & eyelets from a bag of eyelets that I bought on ebay years ago. The eyelets in my random bag (brand unknown) will not work with my hand-held grommet setter. I don't even know why I saved them, except that I know eyelets can be expensive & I'd planned on using them with polymer clay. I was excited that the eyelets that I thought were defective worked just fine with the Crop-A-Dile Big Bite! I just ordered a lot of 3000 eyelets on eBay and will post later to update how they work.

So far, I love the Crop-A-Dile Big Bite. I punched a single sheet of paper to test out the settings. I've punched through leather, chipboard, a metal button shell, a metal bottle cap, and a mini hand-made book (the whole book at once) with no troubles. Seriously, like butter, baby. The only issue I've had is that the leather doesn't always punch completely through, so I have a tiny little circle attached on the back. I just pinch this off with my fingernails and it's a non-issue. When I punched through nylon webbing, it worked, but looked ugly on the back, since the fabric frayed. I think this is just the nature of the webbing though. It made a super cute bracelet that has a kind of... emo / punk / goth feel to it. I haven't tried the Big Bite on fabric yet.

I've used 3/16 inch eyelets to join two punched pieces of leather. I made a crazy cute leather cuff bracelet, which I am wearing right now. I used eyelets to join two small pieces of leather, used the Big Bite to punch decorative holes in the bracelet, then added eyelets at either end of the cuffs. I then treaded thin strips of leather through the eyelets and used this to tie the bracelet on. This morning I used the Big Bite to join a bottle cap to a piece of vinyl, which is going to make a great pendant when I'm finished with it.

I'm not a scrapbooker, so I can't imagine using this Big Bite on single sheets of paper very often, if at all, but it's completely opened up a whole world of possibilities using the materials already on hand in my studio. But I actually didn't buy the Crop-A-Dile Big Bite for me! I teach an afterschool jewelry program in Providence called Bling Bling. We make "regular" jewelry like bracelets and earrings, but we do a lot of mixed media stuff, too. When we've worked with metal, I've had to pre-drill pieces at home, which is a huge pain in the arse. In fact, in the spring, I was reminded why I don't have my 12-year-old students using power tools with my drill slipped and I ended up drilling a hole right through my finger tip. Ugh! Now I don't have to worry about emergency room visits and tetanus shots because the Crop-A-Dile makes the work so freaking easy!

Plus, I think the table-top version is a much better version for student use, because it's not going to require the hand strength that the hand-held Crop-A-Dile requires. That's the main reason that I bought the Big Bite in the first place -- I want my students to be able to make their own jewelry; not me having to do everything for them! I know they are going to love making leather cuffs with the Big Bite. They only thing I'm going to have to worry about are fights over the machine... which I might resolve by buying another one! Seriously, it's that good!

Imagine me trying to have the kids setting eyelets and punching holes using a hammer and nail? For one thing, I'd be worrying the whole time about smashed fingers. For another, I'd have a wicked headache by the time class was over, and since I get headaches a lot anyway, I would not want to do anything to aggravate it. The Crop-A-Dile Big Bite is practically silent, which I know any teacher would appreciate. The kids are loud enough!

If you buy a Big Bite, I recommend waiting until you have a 40% off coupon at your local craft store and using the savings to buy some eyelets. Don't bother buying eyelets in the store, unless you get a pack of Dritz ones to start with. Buy eyelets online in bulk -- you're going to use them!

Do you have a Crop-A-Dile? Do you love it? Has this review helped you?