Overview:
Joint Pivot Tack Combo Sets from C.S. Osborne are purpose-built double-sided button assemblies used by upholsterers, auto trimmers, marine and contract fabricators to create covered buttons that join through a cushion or pillow. Each combo set pairs a male pivot tack back with a matching female pivot back so one fastener secures both faces. That design makes them ideal whenever a finished button is required on both sides of a panel or cushion.
How they work:
The system is simple and proven. The male half is a pivot tack: a knob or button face attached to a short serrated tack shank. The female half is a pivot back with an internal spring or locking washer. During assembly the covered button on one side is pushed onto the pivot tack, the shank is driven through the padding and fabric, and the female pivot is applied on the opposite side and locked into place. The result is a neat, secure double-sided button with no visible hardware on either finished surface.
Common sizes and lengths:
C.S. Osborne joined pivots are offered in the standard upholstery button sizes used across the trade so you can match diameter and tack length to your project. Common sizes include 22, 24, 30 and 36 and larger sizes are also available for specialty work. Tack lengths vary so you can choose the right shank for thin decorative pillows or thick, deeply tufted cushions. If you are unsure which length to order, measure the combined thickness of fabric, batting and foam at the button location and add a small allowance for the locking washer.
Applications and benefits:
• Pillows and cushions: produce clean double-sided buttons for reversible cushions where both sides are finished.
• Chair backs and seat pads: good for decorative buttons that need to appear on both interior and exterior surfaces.
• Tufting: excellent for deep tufting where a strong, consistent anchor is required through heavy layers.
• Marine and automotive trim: when a professionally finished button is required on both sides of a panel.
Benefits include a secure mechanical lock that resists pull-through, consistent finished appearance on both faces, quick installation for production runs, and compatibility with standard button covering equipment and presses. Because the male and female halves are matched, you get repeatable results and reduced waste in high-volume work.
How to use them efficiently:
• Cover buttons using a button covering tool or machine sized to your chosen diameter.
• Test tack length on a scrap stack including outer fabric, lining and all padding to confirm fit before full production.
• Use a small pilot or awl to guide long tacks through dense foam if needed.
• For heavy or exterior use, check for plated or corrosion-resistant finishes when specifying materials.
Care and storage:
Store pivot sets in dry, labeled boxes by size so production crews can pull the correct parts quickly. If you keep covered buttons pre-made, protect them from crushing by spacing pieces in trays or insert sheets. Inspect tacks for sharpness and backs for locking washer integrity before assembly.
Tools and accessories:
You can install joined pivots with simple hand tools such as a button snap or button press, small mallet and padded block, or with commercial button covering machines when covering in volume. Related tools and kits from our C.S. Osborne range help speed production and improve consistency. See our upholstery tools and kits here and starter and specialty kits here. For single-sided buttons or alternate back types check our single pivot options and button backs collection.
Buying tips:
• Match diameter and profile to your design. Smaller sizes read as fine detail, larger sizes make a bold statement.
• Choose tack length to match total material thickness with a little headroom for the locking washer.
• For outdoor or marine use ask for corrosion resistant finishes and confirm compatibility with vinyl or coated fabrics.
• Order a small test pack first when trying a new button size or when using a new fabric or foam stack.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. How do I pick the right tack length for joined pivot buttons?
Measure the full stack thickness where the button will sit including outer fabric, any lining, batting and foam. Pick a tack length that clears that depth plus a small allowance for the washer to lock. If you are planning deep tufting, choose longer shanks and test on a scrap to ensure the profile and locking are secure.
2. Can these joined pivot sets be used with covered button machines?
Yes. Joined pivot tacks are compatible with most button covering tools and manual presses. Cover the button face first on the covering form sized to the diameter, then install the covered male half through the material stack and secure the female back. For high volume work use a cover machine plus a press or assembly jig to speed production.
3. Are joined pivot sets suitable for outdoor, marine or automotive upholstery?
They can be, but you should specify corrosion resistance and appropriate finishes. For marine or outdoor applications select plated or stainless components and test the assembly on your chosen vinyl or coated fabric to confirm long term durability.
