grommet

A grommet is a ring or eyelet used to reinforce a hole in fabric, leather, rubber, or other materials. It serves to protect the hole from fraying and to guide or shield cables, wires, or cords that pass through it. Grommets come in various materials, including metal (often brass or steel with a protective finish), rubber, and plastic, and they are available in multiple shapes and sizes.

Installation typically involves cutting or punching a hole to the appropriate diameter, deburring if needed, and placing the grommet so that the flange sits flush against the surface. Metal grommets are usually set with a press or a specialized grommet setting tool. Rubber and plastic grommets may snap or be heat-fitted. The choice of grommet depends on the load, environment, and whether a seal or wear protection is required.

Common applications include upholstery, drapery, sails and marine equipment, automotive wiring, electrical panels, machinery housings, and outdoor furniture. They help prevent cable abrasion, reduce wear at the entry point, and can provide a degree of weather sealing when paired with grommet seals.

In the field of software, Grommet is also the name of a JavaScript UI framework for React. This open-source library provides accessible, responsive components and a theming system to aid in building modern web applications.