How to find the right Plain Washer Grommets AI guide
Written by an AI model from its trained knowledge.
What the AI looks for in Plain Washer Grommets
- Size number matches your setting die
- Grommet size (#00, #0, #2, #4 and so on) must be identical to the size stamped on the setting die and hole cutter Dies are size-specific; a mismatched die crushes the barrel off-centre or leaves it unrolled, and the grommet pulls out.
- Barrel length versus material stack
- Choose the shank length for the combined thickness of all layers; long-shank versions exist for thick canvas, leather or folded hems Too short a barrel will not roll over the washer, and too long a barrel buckles and splits.
- Material and finish for the environment
- Use solid brass or stainless steel outdoors and on boats; use plated steel or zinc only indoors or for crafts Plated steel rusts and stains fabric once the plating is scratched during setting.
- Plain washer suits firm materials
- Use plain washers on canvas, leather, heavy cotton and paper, where the material holds without biting On slick vinyl or poly tarps a plain washer can spin and tear out under load. Teeth washers are the better choice there.
- Washer sold as a matched set
- Buy grommets and washers as sets from the same maker and size Washers from different makers often have a slightly different inner diameter or curl and set poorly.
Brands that matter
- C.S. Osborne: Long-established maker of brass grommets with matching hand setting dies and cutters.
- Stimpson: Industrial grommet and washer maker. Its size system is widely used by press and die suppliers.
- Lord & Hodge: Supplies grommets and setting tools for the sign, tarp and marine trades.
- Dritz: Craft and sewing grommets in small sizes. Fine for light fabric, not for load-bearing tarps.
- Prym: Sewing-oriented eyelets and grommets with matching pliers and tools.
What to avoid
- Unbranded kits that mix grommet and washer sizes or ship without the matching die
- Plated steel grommets for anything that will get wet
- Setting grommets without a hole cutter, since a ragged knife-cut hole tears around the barrel
- Plain washers on slick vinyl or polyethylene tarps under tension
Questions
Is a grommet the same as an eyelet?
A grommet uses a separate washer on the back and is stronger. An eyelet is a single piece rolled directly onto the material and suits light-duty use.
Can one setting tool cover all sizes?
Hand dies are per size, while bench presses take interchangeable dies, one for each grommet size.