Welcome to: www.grommettools.biz
Lets start with grommets before we talk about grommet setting tools.
Grommets are simply a piece of hardware used to reinforce a hole made in
some type of material. Grommets with holes smaller than 3/16'' (size
#00) are usually called eyelets.
A Grommet consists of two parts, the grommet (shank) and the washer (the
Shown here is a Grommet kit for setting size #4 grommets that have a
hole diameter of 1/2''
image of Grommet Components - Left: the grommet or shank, Right: the
washer. There are also Spur Grommets
The Grommets used for fabric and leather that we will be discussing here
are typically made out of Brass, Nickel Plated Brass or Anodized or
painted Brass. Brass is used to make most grommets because it is both
non-rusting, non-corrosive under everyday conditions, and because brass
is a soft enough metal to work with using non-hydraulic forces and
relatively inexpensive setting tools.
heat treated Stainless Steel Grommets
that can be set with regular
hand grommet toots are now available. Previously, the hardness and
brittleness of stainless steel prevented it's use for grommets
Grommets come in several sizes and are measured and sized by the
diameter of the hole in the center, not the overall diameter of the
washer or flange. Grommets commonly range from size #00 through size #8.
Oversize grommets, such as #10,
and the huge size #15 are also available.
Here is a chart that shows the grommet numbered sizes and there
measurements in inches. (Click to Enlarge Picture)
Grommet Setting Tools range from expensive, industrial, powered presses,
to hand tools that are operated with a light mallet (a type of hammer
with a soft, plastic, rubber or wood head).
Hand Grommet Setting Kit
consists of a hole cutter, a bottom setting
die, a top setting punch/die and a wooden or plastic cutting block.
Grommets are simple to set by hand as shown by these
instructions for setting grommets using a hand grommet kit
. With the
hand grommet setting kit, a different kit is needed to set each size of
grommet, and as the grommets get larger in size they require more and
more hammering force. A size #0 grommet can probably be set with one
light blow with a heavy mallet, but a size #8 grommet might take 5 to 7
heavy blows with the same heavy mallet.
Hand Grommet setting kits that use a mallet to set grommets are great
for the occasional user, but for higher output or shop use, a
Grommet Setting Press
will save a lot of time and effort. Grommet
Setting presses are able set most sizes of grommets from the smallest to
the largest. Simply snap or screw in a different set of grommet setting
dies to set different size grommets. Grommet setting presses, are
intended to be bolted down to a heavy work bench or floor standing,
weighted steel frame. The lever action of the grommet setting press
gives even the smallest person enough of force to set the largest
grommets. Constant downward force is not required, simply use the weight
of the handle, throwing it downward sharply, to generate enough force
with 2 slams, to set even a size #15 grommet.
Instructions for the grommet press shown here
dies for a grommet setting press
, Left: Hole Cutter. Center: Bottom
Grommet Setting Die. Right: Top Grommet Setting Die.
Shown here is the size #10 Hand grommet setting tool wich sets grommets
with a hole diameter of 1.5'', larger size grommets like size
need to be set with a grommet press due to the force required
to set them properly. Notice the washer in this photo, it has pointed
"spurs" on it. This type of grommet is called a
, the pointed spurs help the grommet
hold onto the fabric
better, common in the larger size grommets, but not oftern neccesary in
smaller sized grommets.
Grommets are often used in tarps
Visit our other sites to learn
Buckles and hardware for webbing straps www.bucklewebbinghardware.com
and www.nylonwebbingstraps.com for
information about the different types of webbing material that can
Grommets are also used to attach shock cord to webbing and vinyl, learn
about shock cord and elastic here: www.elasticshockcord.biz