Grommet Types And Their Typical Uses

Have you ever noticed the metal rings in your bathroom curtain? Did you know that the metal rings are there for a good reason? The small plastic rings in your shoe are called eyelets. And the metal rings in your shower curtain is called Grommets. People don’t know what is a Grommet, most of the time. It’s a useful item you will find in everyday places such as shoes, shower curtains, surgical devices, and electrical wires. Many Grommet types are there made with plastic, rubber, and metal. It acts as a reinforcement and protects the holes. As you can see in the picture, Grommets protect the holes and act as a reinforcement. Also, it protects the shoe laces by providing a smooth surface.

Typical Grommet Uses: Well, the most common application can be hole reinforcement (especially, in fabrics.) For example, the shower curtain in your bathroom. Moving the curtain here and there can damage the holes. But the Grommets are protecting the holes by acting as a barrier between the holes and the metal bar  Installing Grommets is not rocket science. But you need a Grommet kit for easy installation. They are widely used to protect electrical wires running through metal-edge holes. The metal edge is sharp, so can damage the electrical wires passing through it. The materials used for such applications would mostly be a soft one like rubber. Office tables come with a hole for running wires and the installed Grommet acts as a barrier that protects both the hole and wires Another type of Grommet is there for sharp edges. They are called “Rubber Edge Grommet.” They come in a roll, and you can buy the length you need from a local hardware shop.

Types of Grommets: Well, you can categorize this useful piece as a hardware one. Hardware pieces come in many types usually. Likewise, different types of Grommets are available in the market today. Let’s know about each in details:

* Sheet Metal Grommets/Plain Washers: Made with many different metals and coatings. Suitable for all types of materials. Very cheap Grommets type available in the market, but may not suit for all the applications. Widely used for banners, curtains, tarps, flags, and so on. A special type is available for high-stress applications, and they are called Spur Grommets. The way you have to install them is different from general methods. And you need tools such as a grommet hole cutter, grommet inserting die, a mallet, and a cutting pad to install Spur Grommets.

* Decorative eyelets: Used as decorative pieces on jeans, shoes, and belts. They add more details to clothing and shoes. Come in many colors and materials such as plastic, metal and so on.

* Corrosion-resistance types: Well, you know their use. Use for applications where corrosion resistance is a must. Also, called Marine-Grade Stainless Steel Rolled Rim Grommets. Used for moisture-related applications such as boats, tarps, and awnings.

* Drapery Grommets: Another very common type you can see on fabric curtains. Easy to snap on without tools (come in metal or plastic.)

Some final words: Many types of Grommets are there for different applications. Easy-to-install, durable, and reliable hardware pieces.