Comprehensive Guide to Grommet Applications

Comprehensive Guide to Grommet Applications

By MICRON® America — CE & ISO 9001 Certified

Grommets reinforce mounting points so fabrics and panels don’t tear under load. This guide covers five core application areas with correct spacing, edge prep, and material choices — plus the right MICRON® machines for each use case.

1) CANVAS, TARPS & TENTS — Heavy-Duty Outdoor Work

Reinforce the edge (hem/webbing) and place grommets at consistent intervals so wind and tension are shared across the perimeter. Typical recommendations: 12–24 in (≈30–60 cm) depending on size and wind exposure.

Effective Technique:
• Fold/hem or add webbing before setting grommets; corners get extra reinforcement.
• Material picks: Brass (weather-resistant), 304 stainless (harsh/coastal), galvanized steel (economical for tarps).

Recommended MICRON® Machines

• M-500 Fully Automatic Eyelet Attaching Machine — sheet-metal grommets + extended neck washers; ideal for heavy tarps, tents, and industrial covers.
  • MC-20 Double Cylinder Pneumatic — up to #18 curtain / large grommets; ideal for multi-layer canvas and heavy tarps.
  • MH-5 Hydraulic One-Shot — Cuts and sets heavy-duty round or oblong grommets in a single stroke; ideal for truck tarps, awnings, and the curtain industry. Accommodates grommet sizes up to #15 (2″ ID).
  • PL-10 Pneumatic Portable — roll-to-workpiece for big covers and field jobs.
  • DEP-2 Heavy-Duty Hand Press — manual pro option for tarps/marine covers.

2) PRINTING, SIGNS & BANNERS — Clean Mounting, Long Life

Hem the edge first, then add grommets. Many banner producers space grommets every 2–3 ft (≈60–90 cm) or 12–18 in for high-load mesh. Use #2 brass (≈½″ ID) and 3/8″ grommets.

Effective Technique:
• Heat-welded or sewn hems + perimeter grommets distribute stress and stop edge tearing.

Recommended MICRON® Machines

• PL-20 Semi-Automatic Pneumatic — rapid setting on vinyl/mesh/coroplast; auto hopper feed (#1–#3).
  • MC-20 Double Cylinder Pneumatic — with metal-cutting for aluminum/steel sign boards.
  • PL-10 Portable Pneumatic — roll to large banners; sets #1–#3 quickly.
  • TEP-3 Hand Press — manual for on-site reinforcement.
  • DEP-2 Hand Press — bench-mounted precision with double stroking action.

3) PAPER, TAGS & LABELS — Short-Barrel Eyelets for Thin Stock

Paper/card stock needs short-barrel eyelets with flat flanges so the hole is reinforced without crushing or wrinkling. Match hole size to eyelet and avoid long barrels on thin stock. Add a small backer for heavy tags.

Recommended MICRON® Machines

• PL-20 Semi-Automatic Pneumatic — paper eyelets #1.7–#3 with automatic grommet feed & manual washer feed (side washer chute for hand safety purposes).
  • MC-20 Single Cylinder Pneumatic — mid-volume for tags/labels.
  • DEP-2 Stroking Hand Press — precision manual sets for short runs.

4) CURTAINS, SUNSHADES, UMBRELLAS & BATHROOM CURTAINS

Curtain and shade fabrics must slide smoothly and resist daily wear. Use large decorative or functional grommets in the top hem. Common sizes include #12 (≈1-9/16″ ID) and #15 (≈2″ ID).

Effective Technique:
• Double-stitch or webbing-reinforce the top hem.
• Space grommets evenly (5–7 in).

Recommended MICRON® Machines

• MC-20 Double Cylinder Pneumatic — installs #12–#18 curtain grommets.
  • MH-5 Hydraulic One-Shot — for large drapery & outdoor panels.
  • PL-10 Pneumatic Portable — flexible floor-level operation.
  • TEP-3 Hand Press — manual option for small batches.

5) MARINE-GRADE — Yacht, Coastline, Sun-Shade & Beach Use

Marine-grade grommets are made from AISI 304 Stainless Steel for corrosion resistance in salt air. Typical uses: boat/yacht canvas, coastal curtains, shade sails, beach umbrellas, outdoor lounges, and banners.

Effective Technique:
• Reinforce hem/webbing and use the same spacing logic as tarps/banners.

Recommended MICRON® Machines

• M-500 Fully Automatic — for sheet-metal grommets + extended-neck washers.
  • MC-20 Double Cylinder Pneumatic — for stainless grommets in marine canvas.
  • MH-5 Hydraulic One-Shot — for stainless & oblong grommets in yacht covers.
  • PL-10 Pneumatic Portable — field repairs (umbrellas, chairs, sunshades).
  • DEP-2 Hand Press — manual precision for small marine shops.

6) PLASTIC GROMMETS & WASHERS — Lightweight, Non-Conductive, Rustproof

Plastic grommets are available in 3 sizes (PGW #1 – 21/64″, PGW #2 – 13/32″, PGW #3 – 15/32″) and can be installed using the MICRON® PL-10 Pneumatic Machine or TEP-3 Hand Press. They are made of high-quality polycarbonate material, available in clear, black, and white finishes. Plastic washers are designed specifically for thin or stretch fabrics, providing soft pressure distribution and preventing damage during setting.

Recommended MICRON® Machines

• PL-10 Pneumatic — for all 3 sizes of plastic grommets.
  • TEP-3 Hand Press — manual option for small runs and on-site installation.

PGST #4 Snap‑Together Plastic Grommets

Tool‑free PPC (polypropylene carbonate) grommets that lock with a washer by hand. Non‑conductive, UV‑resistant, moisture‑proof; washable and dry‑cleanable. Fits standard #4 (1/2″ ID) holes.

Installation:
1) Align the two halves and press until locked.
2) For thicker fabrics, place a wood block and tap gently.
3) To remove, pry apart with a flathead screwdriver (single‑use only).

Plastic Nylon Washers — For Thin & Stretch Fabrics

Economical, lightweight washers that distribute pressure and help prevent fabric slippage or cracking during turn‑over. Designed for use with self‑piercing grommets, sheet‑metal grommets, and curtain grommets on delicate materials.

Available Packaging:
• Sizes #1.7 to #5 — 500 pcs per bag
• Size #12 — 100 pcs per bag

Applications & Ordering

Applications: digital printing & banners, signage, canvas & textiles, curtains, tarps, electrical maintenance tags, outdoor shade and accessories.