Choosing the Right Grommet

• What Do Grommets Do?

  Grommets are rings used to protect holes in thin materials like fabrics, sheet metal, and carbon fiber. Grommets or eyelets are used so that wires, rope, or cords can be put through your material without tearing through or misshaping the hole. Grommets are necessary when hole reinforcement is needed to prevent fraying. You can find grommets made out of a variety of materials and in many different sizes with varying hole diameters.

• What's the Difference Between a Grommet and an Eyelet?

  Grommets are used with a washer and are typically used in heavy-duty applications, such as marine, awning, and banner use. Eyelets don't require a washer and are used for lighter applications, such as clothing and shoelaces. Sometimes small grommets are referred to as eyelets, which can be confusing.

• What Types of Projects Use Grommets?

  Grommets have a wide range of applications for residential, commercial, and industrial use. You can typically find grommets on everything from lacing bands, shoes, curtains, and tarps to covers for boats and vehicles. How you use grommets will depend on the project.

• How Do I Install Grommets?

  The basic process for attaching grommets to canvas is very simple. You can easily install multiple grommets within a few minutes with a hammer, measuring tape, grommet, washer, fabric, and a hole punch.

  To install grommets, you'll first measure where you would like the center of your grommet to be on your fabric. This way, you can space the grommets when making curtains and other canvas products. Mark the center with a pencil. Center the hole punch on the pencil marking and create the hole. Insert the tall part of your grommet to the underside of the fabric. Place the washer on the top side of the fabric. Pound using the hammer to fasten the washer, fabric, and grommet together.

  When installed correctly, high-quality grommets should last in the fabric for years.

• How Do I Remove Grommets?

  To remove a grommet, you'll need a dead blow hammer and a flat head screwdriver. Placing the screwdriver at an angle on top of the beveled edge of the grommet, use the dead blow hammer to hit the end of the screwdriver and crimp the edge inward (toward the hole and away from the surrounding washer). Repeat around the edge of the grommet until you are able to pull the washer loose. You should then be able to remove the grommet from the hole on the bottom side of the fabric.

• What's the best sign and banner fabric for reinforcing grommets?

  Dickson® Jet 550 is specially designed and coated to work well with grommets.

• What grommets work with the FASNAP® PM5 machine?

  The FASNAP PM5 machine sets self-piercing grommets up to size 300 (#4).

• What are the different benefits of metal grommets, rubber grommets, and plastic grommets?

  Rubber and plastic are impervious to corrosion but metal grommets are much sturdier.

Materials Grommets Come In

You’ll find grommets and washers in a few different materials, each containing its own benefits. The following are four of the most common choices.

• Brass is a durable, moderately priced material that resists corrosion and can withstand high temperatures. Brass grommets are popular because they can live in just about any environment. Because the material is malleable, it’s easy to work with. Brass grommets with plain washers are a good standard choice.
• Stainless steel is less malleable than brass but very strong, making it best for use in self-piercing grommets.
• Aluminum is lightweight but durable and corrosion resistant. Since it’s not as strong as brass or steel, it’s generally used for lighter uses.
• Nickel and black plated options offer different finishes with added abrasion resistance.

How to Use a Grommet Tool

There are several tools you can use to install a grommet. Using the right grommet tools help make the installation process go much smoother. We recommend pairing the following tools with your preferred grommet style and a distinct fabric for a professional result.

What is the best grommet tool? That will depend on your project. Below we'll describe the differences between the tools and explain how to use a grommet press and other grommet tools. You can apply the grommets by hand or with a grommet press tool.

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