Thanks for the offer Nino
Bit the bullet and ordered some spring steel from here http://www.pinrestore.com/Supplies.html
and the rivets & tool from here http://www.pinbits.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=9&products_id=72
Will come in handy later on
Just a note i am still trying to order the rivets/tool -have a problem creating an account on their site -have emailed them.