Installing a metal grommet in a piece of fabric is a quick, straightforward process. It involves only a few tools and a solid work surface. The tools are a grommet kit (cutter, base, flare tool, grommet pieces) and a hammer. For smaller grommets, specialized pliers are used to set the grommet. These kits can be found on Amazon or at most big box home centers.
What are Grommets?
Grommets are small rings that line the edge of a hole to provide extra support. That support reduces the chance of the material being torn away from the hook, clip or cable holding it up. The most familiar ones are in tarps, flags, and vinyl banners.
Why Do I Want To Install Grommets?
There are any number of reasons you may want to try using grommets in a piece. A tarp that had one tear out but is otherwise in good shape can easily be repaired with a grommet. You can also use them to hang up a sound/moving blanket to protect walls or improve sound quality while recording audio, which I have done.
My most recent use of grommets was to fix a sun shelter we use at the beach. Two grommets that held the tips of the fiberglass rods tore out. So the rod would just slide through the anchor point and pretty much be useless. Two grommets later, the shelter is back in perfect condition.
How To Use A Grommet Tool
If you are wondering how do I use a grommet tool you are in the right place. First thing is to make sure you have all the components. Here is a list of what the kit contains:
- One hole punch. This is a small cylinder with a cutting edge at one end. A hammer strike will cut the hole.
- A waste/protective piece. This is placed between the workbench and material to protect the workbench. It this piece is lost or missing, a piece of scrap wood will do just fine.
- One base. This will sit under the item to receive the grommet and hold the shank half in place.
- Shank half of a grommet. This piece has a small shaft that extends about a 1/4″ from the surface. It sits shaft up in the base with the hole of the work piece over the shaft.
- Flat half of a grommet. This piece fits over the shaft and rests on top of the work piece.
- One flaring tool. The nub of this piece rests in the shaft of the grommet.
You will also need a hammer to strike the flaring tool.
Preparing The Item
First, take the item that will receive the new grommet and figure out what size you want to use and where you want to put it. They will usually be placed around the edge to allow hanging. Do not place the grommet over the edge of the piece. I always try to place them with at least ½” clearance from the edge. If your item has been folded over and sewn, try not to damage the stitching. This area was probably set up specifically to receive a grommet.
Next, place the backing behind the location of the hole you want to make and place the punch tool in the spot you plan to make the hole. You should use the hole punch that is sized for the grommet you selected. Using a mallet, give the punch tool a firm whack. When you lift the punch tool, you should have a perfect hole.
If the item receiving the grommet already has a hole in it from a previous grommet, all you need to do is select the correct size to replace it. How do you select the correct size? The shaft, or shank, should smoothly pass through the hole with minimal clearance around it and without bunching the material. Of course, this relies on having the correct size in the toolbox.
Installing the Grommet
Now it is time to set the grommet. Place the base of the grommet tool on the work surface. Take the half of the grommet with the shank (the taller piece) and place it in the base with the wider side settled in the grove.
Place the hole in the material over the shank of the grommet. If there is a finished side to your material, like a printed vinyl sign, this should be placed finished side down. This is solely to give your project a cleaner, more professional look. Make sure your work surface is clean and will not damage the finish of your project.
After the material is placed over the shank, put the ring half of the grommet over the shank and set the flaring tool in place. The flaring tool has a nub on the end that will fit into exposed shank of the grommet.
Give the flaring tool a few good whacks with the hammer to set it. Once it has a tight fit, you are done!
If you have a repair in mind and you need some grommets, you can find some at Amazon by clicking on the following sizes: 1/2″ Grommet Kit or 3/8″ Grommet Kit. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. There is no additional cost to you.
