rommets

A grommet is a ring or edge insert used to reinforce a hole in fabric, leather, metal, or plastic. It serves to protect the material from wear where a cord, cable, or other item passes through, and to provide a neat, finished opening. Grommets help prevent tearing and reduce abrasion on the surrounding material.

Grommets come in metal, plastic, and rubber varieties. Common metal grommets are made of brass, steel, or aluminum, often with a galvanized or lacquered finish. Plastic and rubber grommets are used when electrical insulation or weather sealing is needed. A grommet typically consists of a ring with a flanged washer on the underside; some designs are one-piece and rely on a hollow bezel or surrounding lip. Sizes are described by inner diameter and outer diameter, and the range can be from a few millimeters to several centimeters in industrial applications. Popular consumer sizes include inner diameters of about 1/4 inch and 3/8 inch.

Installation generally requires creating a hole close to the grommet’s inner diameter, then setting the grommet with a punch and setter, a grommet press, or pliers with an anvil. The aim is to secure the ring so the exposed edge remains intact and the washer lies flat on the opposite side, without crushing the surrounding material.

Common uses include reinforcing holes in tarps, banners, tents, upholstery, backpacks, curtains, and cable glands in machinery or electronics enclosures. In some contexts, the term eyelet is used for decorative or lacing holes, while grommets typically denote protective, reinforcing inserts.