I just used the hand tool and die with a hammer to set the rivets ( http://www.knifekits.com/vcom/product_info.php?cPath=41_57&products_id=1564 ). Only one side is really presentable, but once you do it a few times it doesn't look that bad. As for heating the kydex, heat gun works fine for me. Just don't hold the gun too close or in one spot for too long and you'll be fine.