Grommet FAQs

What Is a Grommet?

Grommets (not gromits nor grommits) are small metal rings (not "eyelets" as described below) that are typically used in signage including vinyl, fabric, and canvas banners, rigid plastic signs and corrugated plastic yard signs. You’ll also often see them in drapes and curtains in various shapes and forms. The purpose of a grommet is to provide a reinforced hole through which something passes through. The reinforced hole ensures that one can hang a sign (or curtain) without tearing the material itself. They are also used as decoration in clothing and purses.

What is the Difference Between Eyelets and Grommets?

Some refer to grommets as "eyelets". While many use the terms interchangeably, doing so isn’t 100 percent accurate. Technically speaking there is one major difference. Eyelets are one piece of material such as brass or metal that is t-shaped and punched through the material. It is then compressed to make sure it stays in place. Grommets on the other hand are made up of two pieces; a grommet and a washer, for example, two metal rings are placed on either side of the material (think canvas, vinyl, corrugated plastic, etc.) and then compressed to form a more durable grommet. Eyelets are often used in cases where a smaller answer is needed such as scrapbooking, crafting, clothing and even in shoes for shoelaces. Grommets are much stronger and used in situations that call for a more reinforced and longer lasting hold, such as permanent signage and heavy curtains or drapes.

What Types of Grommets are there?

Grommets can come in a variety of materials. These materials include rubber, plastic, and various types of metal. Our grommets are made from metal (specifically brass that will not rust). Each type of material has advantages and disadvantages, but metal is typically the most popular type of grommet in banners and yard signs as well as drapes or curtains as they are the most durable.

What is a Self-Piercing Grommet?

With self-piercing grommets, there is no need to pre-punch holes in the material before applying grommets. Our self-piercing grommets and dies combine two steps into one. Using one of our presses, a die set, and grommet works together allowing the grommet to cut its own hole in the material and close around the washer. This makes for fast and durable application. In addition, self-piercing grommets are a heavier gauge than traditional sheet metal grommets. Self-piercing grommets are available in sizes between #XX00 (1/8”) to #5.5 (11/16”).Larger grommet sizes, including #7.5, #8.5 and #12, are not self-piercing and require a hole punch die and a setting die.

How are Grommets Applied?

There are typically two ways that grommets are added to materials. These are the do it yourself approach and industrial presses used by sign shops.

The first, and much less common, way is the DIY approach using a grommet hand tool or kit. The hand pliers are simple to use. Just install the die and grommets, and squeeze the handle around the material. In one step it will cut a hole and set the grommet.

There is also the grommet setting tool kit for larger #12 (1-1/2”) grommets that comes with two grommet dies (1 hole piercing die and 1 two-piece grommet setting die), a poly cutting board and a starter pack of 100 grommets. Not included but required is a heavy rubber mallet. This method includes punching the hole first and then setting the grommet and washer together.

The more common way that grommets are applied is with an industrial grommet press. These machines are operated by a worker who uses a hand or foot lever to make the machine compress the grommets and punch the hole. This method provides a cleaner hole and more professional installation of grommets than doing it yourself. Grommet dies are sold separately.

What Sizes do Grommets come in?

Just like most everything else there are certain standard sizes when it comes to grommets. See the size chart below.The “size” of the grommet is dictated by the interior diameter of the hole. The most common size is the #2 (3/8”).The #2 and #3 also available in ‘long neck’.These are designed to fit through thicker applications such as foam boards or thick leathers.

Do All Grommets Work with All Grommet presses?

Not all grommets are compatible with all machines. ClipsShop grommets are proprietary and only compatible with particular ClipsShop grommet presses, just as other brands (such as Stimpson grommets) are only compatible with their name-brand machines. We offer the ClipsShop brand of grommets and presses; they have been proven as the highest quality available, for the best price. Check the below chart for ClipsShop grommet size and press compatibility.

What Color Grommets come in What Sizes?

How Many Grommets come in a Pack?