Embodiments of the invention provide a die retainer for use in a tool. The die retainer can include a ram head, a release button, and a die pin. The ram head includes a die cavity and a pair of lateral sides on opposing sides of the die cavity. The release button can extend through a release button hole formed in the ram head hand include opposing ends that extend past each of the corresponding pair of lateral sides. The die pin extends through a die pin cavity that intersects the release button hole. The die release button can be actuatable from either of the opposing ends to retract the die pin from the die cavity.