Grommets and eyelets are similar items used to add strength to a hole and prevent fraying. Eyelets are a single piece with a barrel which is gently rolled or split directly onto the material and frequently used where the backside is not felt or seen. Grommets are rolled onto a washer providing a smooth, finished backside. There are many types of hand tool setters. Clamp style setters are used like plyers to squish the barrel in place, many users find it difficult to keep the grommet centered and straight. Basic setter/anvil tools allow setting further from edges and better control while setting. Osbourne brand setters have the reputation of being the best basic leathercraft tools being very durable, affordable and easy to use. In addition to these basic hand tools, other styles of large bench presses and machine setters, such as Stimpson setters, are available for commercial applications some of which may be designed to only work with grommets made by the same setter manufacturer.

Grommets are sized by the inside diameter of the hole, the outside edge is much larger. Size #00 has a 3/16" hole, #0=1/4", #1=5/16", #2=3/8", #3=7/16", #4=1/2". The barrel length increases with larger sizes allowing application to thicker materials. Eyelets are also sized by the hole diameter and are typically smaller and show less of an outter edge than grommets. Each size of grommets and eyelets requires a matching size-specific setter and anvil.

Hand Setting Grommets:

Always work on a sturdy table using a rubber pad to protect cutting tools and use setting tools directly on a hard material such as marble or plate steel to prevent bouncing while setting. A rawhide, wood or rubber mallet will provide a strong strike without damaging tools, never use metal hammers. 1) It is best to pre-punch holes in the material, although self-piercing grommets are available for thinner fabrics. 2) Place the barrel of the grommet or eyelet face-down into the anvil and insert the barrel through the hole in the material. For grommets place the washer on the back to sandwich the material, eyelets do not have a back washer. 3) Working from the backside, line up the setter to the barrel keeping it centered and vertical. Lightly tap the setter with increasing strength until barrel is rolled tightly onto the washer or material. If the back washer is deformed after setting it is likely the material is too thick for the barrel length or the force of the strike is too hard. If the finished grommet is loose, the barrel length may be too long for the material or additional setting strikes may be required. Thin single layered fabrics may require an additional small piece of leather or similar material to prevent the grommet from tearing out of the fabric. With practice and the right tools, it is easy to set grommets and eyelets with professional results.

Leather Rush Store: Grommets & Eyelets