A grommet is a small but mighty piece of hardware. It’s a metal ring used to reinforce a hole in fabric, canvas or other materials. By lining the hole, a grommet helps prevent the material from tearing or fraying under stress from rope or hooks. Whether you are repairing a ripped tarp securing a boat cover or working on a DIY project, a grommet kit provides a durable and reliable solution.
What are Grommets Used For?
Grommets are the perfect solution for repairing or adding a reinforced hole to a variety of fabrics. A grommet kit is a smart item to keep on hand for quick fixes.
- Tarp repair: The most common use is to fix a torn-out eyelet on a tarp extending its life.
- Custom die-Downs: Add new anchor points to tarps canvas or custom covers exactly where you need them.
- Outdoor gear: Reinforce fabric on tents, awnings and boat covers to make them more resilient against wind and weather.
- Home projects: Use them for shower curtains, custom fabric bins and other creative DIY ideas.
Metal Grommets for Durability
The quality of the grommet matters especially for outdoor use. We offer a selection of top-quality metal grommets to stand up to the elements.
- Brass grommets: Brass is an excellent choice because it is naturally rust-resistant, making it perfect for tarps, boat covers and anything else exposed to rain and moisture. A brass grommet provides a secure anchor that won’t stain your fabric with rust.
- Nickel-plated grommets: These offer another durable and corrosion-resistant option with a classic silver finish.
Grommet Kits for Convenience
For an all-in-one solution, a grommet kit is the best choice. It makes installation simple and ensures you have everything you need in one package. A typical kit includes a supply of metal grommets, a hole-cutting tool and a two-part setting tool (a setter and an anvil), but this varies depending on the manufacturer.
How to Install a Metal Grommet
Installing a grommet is a straightforward project. With a grommet kit and a hammer, you can create a strong reinforced hole in just a few minutes.
- Mark the Spot: Place your fabric on a scrap piece of wood and mark where you want the center of the grommet to be.
- Cut the Hole: Place the cutter tool on your mark and strike it firmly with a hammer to create a clean hole.
- Position the Grommet: Push the taller half of the grommet through the hole from the bottom. The fabric should be sandwiched between the flange and the top of the grommet.
- Set the Grommet: Place the washer over the top of the grommet barrel. Position the setter tool in the center and strike it firmly with a hammer. This will cause the barrel to roll over the washer creating a secure and durable metal grommet.
What About Snap Fastener Kits?
While grommets reinforce holes for tie-downs, snap fasteners connect two pieces of fabric, like the snaps on a jacket or a backpack. A snap fastener kit makes it easy to add closures to boat covers, canvas bags or custom upholstery. Similar to our grommet kits, these sets include snap fasteners and setting tools for a simple and secure installation.
Shop Grommets Near You at Ace Hardware
When you need to make a quick repair, head to Ace Hardware for grommets near you. Our helpful staff can set you up with the right grommet kit for your project. While you're here, you can also find other essentials to help you finish your task. We have a great selection of tarps, high-quality rope, bungee cords and other fasteners. We’ll help make it easier to get what you need in one convenient trip.
