grommets

Grommets are a type of reinforced ring used to surround and protect holes in fabric, leather, plastic, and other sheet materials. They consist of a ring (the grommet) and a backing washer or flange, which distributes stress and prevents tearing around the hole. They can also be used to guide or shield cables and cords from sharp edges.

Most grommets are metallic, though rubber, plastic, and composite versions exist. Common metals include brass (often nickel-plated), aluminum, and stainless steel, chosen for corrosion resistance and strength. Rubber and silicone grommets are used where vibration damping or weather sealing is important. Sizes vary by inner diameter (the hole space) and outer diameter (flange).

Applications span clothing, footwear, curtains, tarps, upholstery, banners, and equipment panels. In cables and machinery, grommets serve as protective bushings, protecting wires from edges and providing strain relief. Weatherproof or flame-retardant varieties are used in outdoor, marine, and industrial settings.

Installation requires creating a hole in the target material at a size just larger than the grommet’s inner diameter. A setting tool, press, or hand punch is used with a corresponding anvil to crimp the grommet and secure the flange. Some installations use rivets or service washers for extra security.

Sizing and selection consider material thickness, hole diameter, edge distance, and environment. For high-traffic or outdoor use, choose corrosion-resistant metal or protected rubber with a sealing lip. In electronics or cable management, plastic or rubber grommets provide insulation and strain relief. Standards are often manufacturer-specific.