by: GoldStarTool

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It's a huge question in the crafting community, and many who are new to sewing tend to choose whatever grommet they feel like rather than the "right" grommet. So, real quick, where do Grommets come into play?

Grommets are most prevalent in home projects and signage. Home projects are the starting point for many people who are new to crafting as they&#;ll often take on DIY sewing projects such as curtains.

What is are Grommets?

A grommet is the metal ring that is just small enough to fasten two pieces together, usually used in things that are hung. Grommets provide reinforcement for the materials used in the project and make it possible to hang them from a rod or hook. The biggest advantage of using a grommet is that it prevents the material from tearing from the weight of the fabric. 

Different Types of Grommets

Wait, there are different types of grommets? Yes, there is, and you&#;ll see that it&#;s really easy to determine which one is best for your project. There are three primary types of grommets: plain, rubber, and plastic. You can find various sizes and designs for each type of grommet which still gives you a ton of room to flex creatively, all of which can be found at Goldstar Tools.

Plain Grommets

Flags, curtains, and lightweight materials that tear easily do best with plain grommets. Plain grommets are metal, have teeth, and are surprisingly not the strongest option available. Metal or plain grommets tend to be cast rather thin and can bend under too much weight. 

If you&#;re worried about ripping the fabric during grommet installation, don&#;t choose plain grommets.

Rubber Grommets

These grommets are the best for fabric that frays or tears easily. Lightweight materials require rubber grommets. They don't have teeth, which makes a huge difference during installation.

Plastic Grommets

Plastic grommets can either entirely be made of plastic, or metal grommets reinforced with plastic coating. These are the strongest grommets on the market, but you'll rarely need them. If you're working with a very heavy weight fabric, these are your best option.

Installing Grommets

Installing grommets is pretty straightforward. You use a grommet tool, or for some grommets, a grommet gun. Choosing the best grommet tool is simple; the tool should fit comfortably in your hand and have an easy action. Or in other words, it should close completely without too much effort. The gun or tool will punch a hole into the fabric just like a staple gun.

There are industrial grommet machines if you&#;re working on mass productions or worried about having a really clean punch. Industrial machines offer a more professional appearance and can make punching holes take seconds rather than a few minutes the same way that sewing machines produce better quality work than hand-stitching.

Now that you know how to choose the right grommets, you are ready to grab your sewing machine and start your next project, like a pair of DIY curtains.

What is a grommet? What are the types of grommets?

A grommet is a circular tube or ring that is typically inserted into a hole in a thin material such as metal, plastic or rubber. Generally, a grommet is flared on both sides to hold it firmly in place. But what is the purpose of grommets? This guide answers that question, while also covering:

What is a grommet used for?
Different types of grommets 
What are grommets made from?

What is a grommet used for?

Grommets serve several purposes. They reinforce holes in panels that might otherwise be prone to tearing, fraying, or wear and tear due to friction or exposure to stress. 
 

They&#;re used in cable management, enabling cables to pass through panel holes, as shown with this stepped grommet, part of our range of grommets. You can download free CADs now for a closer look. 

You should always consider using a grommet in electrical applications. Grommets protect the cables from sharp edges while also preventing kinks and tangling. In applications where materials rub against each other, grommets are especially helpful.
 

Think of vibrations or repetitive movement that occurs in industrial applications, like HVAC components and industrial generator parts, or consumer appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers. All enjoy an extended lifespan, thanks to the flexible cable protection grommets offer.

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A grommet can also provide a seal against air, water, or dust, helping to maintain environmental integrity and provide insulation. This is the sole purpose of blanking grommets, also called blind grommets. These are not used to protect cables, but to seal panel holes. 

You can learn more about cable protection in our guide, Making Cable Management Easier &#; A Buyer&#;s Guide. 

What are grommets used for in cars?

Grommet function when it comes to cars serves two purposes. One, they protect cables from rubbing on rough surfaces. They&#;re typically used under the bonnet to seal engine components. When continuous and hard shaking is involved &#; as it is with an engine &#; you should always use cable and wire grommets that can withstand high temperatures. They&#;re also used in the car&#;s wiring harness. A grommet wiring harness comprises the wires, terminals and connectors that relay electrical signals to various components. 

Car grommets on the vehicle&#;s body are another type. The grommet purpose here is to seal access holes and prevent ingress. These are called blind grommets, or blanking grommets. 

We work with the top 15 global tier-one automotive suppliers. If you need help choosing the right grommet, our experts are happy to advise you. Call 528 .

Different types of grommets

From managing cables to reinforcing openings, different grommet types are designed for specific needs. Let&#;s look at our range of grommets that cater to different industries, and their purpose.
 

Grommet Sleeves
Used to provide extra support and protection for cables and wires passing through panels in data cabinets, electric cable enclosures, or machinery. Made of PVC.
 

Standard Open Grommets
Snap-in design enables quick and easy installation. Popular for automotive and electronic applications, they prevent pull though, ensuring the integrity of your assembly. Open rubber grommets, as they&#;re also known, are available in TPR, PVC, EPDM, and TPE. 
 

IP67 Sealing Grommets

Commonly used in applications where environmental sealing and protection are critical, such as outdoor enclosures. The IP67 rating means these grommets are highly resistant to dust, debris, and water ingress, making them suitable for use in challenging and demanding conditions. Also stands up to vibration and acts as a blanking plug until cables are installed. Made of EPDM.
Also stands up to vibration and acts as a blanking plug until cables are installed. Made of EPDM.

Membrane Entry Grommets 
Cable Grommet allows multiple cables and wires to pass through, while offering protection from sharp edges and protects against ingress. Helps keep cables tidy and organised. Typically used for electrical enclosures, data centres, control panels, industrial machinery, and solar power applications. Nylon 6/6 or black silicone grommets available. 
 

Grommet Strips
Another type of grommet is a grommet strip. This is used to route and protect cables, wires, hoses, and tubing, ensuring a neat and organised appearance while preventing tangling, wear, and potential damage. Available in TPE, LDPE, nylon, nylon 6/6, stainless steel with nylon coating, or polystyrene. 

Diaphragm Grommets
Diaphragm grommets contain a thin central film that can be pierced to allow a range of different sized wires to pass through into an enclosure or through a panel. Two sided cut-outs have the central film in the centre of the grommet, whereas one sided cut-outs have the film to one side of the grommet. Ideal wiring grommets for automotive, telecommunications equipment, and control panels. Made of PVC.

Stepped Grommets
The angular hole allows the wire to pass through at an angle of up to 45 degrees. Great for automotive wiring, electrical panels and enclosures, and medical devices. Available in EPDM and PVC. 

What are grommets made from?

You&#;ve just seen the variety of materials grommets come in. The next question is, what&#;s the right grommet to use for your application? That sometimes comes down to the material it&#;s made of. A silicone grommet is very different from a nylon grommet, for example. In fact, some plastic grommets can give you the same characteristics as rubber cable grommets. 

You can learn more in our Guide to Rubber Grommets. 
 

Download free CADs and try before you buy

Free CADs are available for most solutions, which you can download. You can also request free samples to make sure you&#;ve chosen exactly what you need. If you&#;re not quite sure which solution will work best for your application, our experts are always happy to advise you.

Whatever your requirements, you can depend on fast despatch. Request your free samples or download free CADs now.

Questions?

us at or speak to one of our experts for further information on the ideal solution for your application 528 .