Eyelets vs Grommets
Though eyelet and grommet serve one basic purpose: reinforce the area surrounding the hole that is cut into any fabric, there is difference between eyelet and grommet. By strengthening the area of the hole that was cut, eyelet and grommet eliminate any fraying whenever rope or wires are threaded through the hole to makes it easier to attach the fabric to some other objects such as a tree or pole. Eyelet and grommet are usually metallic, mostly brass, but sometimes they are also made of rubber or plastic. This article highlights several differences that do exist between them and set them apart.
What is an Eyelet?
Eyelet is a small ring, usually made of brass, which serve as a reinforcement to a hole in a fabric with a flange surrounding the hole. Other alternative materials out of which an eyelet is made include plastic, metal and rubber. The flange extends into a barrel that is slipped into the hole then the barrel grabs the material by either rolling or spreading out and strengthening the hole. Eyelet is usually used in clothing and handicrafts and is not to be confused by their larger cousin, the grommet. Eyelet can be seen most commonly in shoes through which the laces are intertwined.
What is a Grommet?
Grommet is the larger version of the eyelet. It is an edge strip or a ring that is inserted into a hole through the thin material, typically fabric or sheet metal. Collared or flared on each end, the flange of the grommet is larger than the hole in diameter which allows it a firmer and stronger grip on the material providing it strength. Preventing the material from tearing or abrasion of the pierced material, this makes the grommet useful in industrial applications like tents, flags, sails and banners. However, grommet’s use is not only limited to industrial purposes. A grommet, called tympanostomy tube, is used in surgery for cases of otitis media with effusion.
What is the difference between Eyelet and Grommet?
Eyelet and grommet practically have the same use. They both provide structural integrity by reinforcing a hole so that any rope or wire you thread through it would not cut the material itself. Eyelet and grommet are usually metallic, mostly brass, but sometimes they are also made of rubber or plastic. However, several differences do exist between them that set them apart.
While grommet is used mostly used in industrial applications, eyelet has been primarily used in clothing and design. In recent years, eyelet has evolved to use aluminum instead of the usual brass or nickel finish and are available in different designs and colours. This allows eyelet to be more appropriate for any craft project as well as providing a little design for it. Not many colors or designs are available in eyelet.Grommet is much larger than an eyelet. As such, one would need to consider the size of the hole and the type and thickness of the material to be used in choosing whether to use an eyelet or grommet.
Summary:
Eyelets vs Grommets
• Eyelet and grommet reinforce the area around the hole in a fabric, or other material, so as to prevent further tear when threading ropes or wires.
• The main difference between an eyelet and the grommet is the size, with the grommet being the larger of the two.
• Since the grommet is larger, it is more useful in industrial applications like tents and tarps. Eyelet, on the other hand, is more useful in clothing.
Image Attribution:
1. Red laces and eyelets by Timothy Tolle (CC BY 2.0)
2. Red grommet by waferboard (CC BY 2.0)