A Grommet – we see it every day, but we most of us don’t know the name of it. Well, a Grommet is something similar what you have in your shoes (eyelet.) It is a small piece, yet very useful. In this article, I will be covering: 1) What is a Grommet 2) Its uses 3) Rubber.
OK, I would like to go with the definition given on Wikipedia. “A grommet is a ring or edge strip inserted into a hole through thin material, typically a sheet of textile fabric, sheet metal and/or composite of carbon fiber, wood or honeycomb.” It acts as a “hole reinforcement,” also protects two rubbing surfaces. OK, let’s talk about eyelets. Eyelets act as barriers between holes and the shoelace.
Grommet types
Many types are available in the market for various purposes. Let’s get to know about each type a bit better.
1) Sheet metal
Plain washers is another name given for this type. I know you have seen the metal rings on your shower curtain. When you move the shower curtain on the bar, a sheet metal Grommet act as a smooth barrier that protects both the curtain and the metal bar. In other words, it acts as a reinforcement that protects the curtain.
Banners, flags, and tarps are some other examples of its applications. This type of Grommet is very cheap when compared to what it does for us. For outside applications such as banners and flags; corrosion-resistance ones are available. Reinforced plastic ones also can be used for outside applications where corrosion-resistance is a required property.
2) Rubber
This Grommet type is the most widely used type in wiring and industrial applications. Corrosion-resistance and easy installation are the top properties of rubber. Widely used to cover sharp metal edges. For example, a wire running through a sharped-edged metal hole. With time, the sharp-edged metal hole can cause damage to the wire that runs through it. A damaged electricity wire can lead to a disaster.
Advantages of a rubber Grommet
When compared to other types, a rubber one comes with unique properties and advantages. I am highlighting the advantages below:
* Weather-resistant
Not like the metal types, rubber is a material that doesn’t get corroded. Anyway, extreme cold and heat can form cracks on a rubber Grommet. But they show more resistance to heat than plastic ones.
* More practical
Installing rubber is much easier when compared to other types as you can change their shape. You can’t bend or change the shape of plastic and metal.
* Resistance to acid corrosion
Not like metal grommets, rubber types show more resistance to acid corrosion (hydrochloric, Saltpeter, phosphoric, and sulfuric acid.)
* More economical
Available in a variety of sizes, and cheaper when compared to other types.
* Tear-resistant
Rubber grommets are more durable.
Some final words
Hopefully, now you know why does a rubber Grommet stand above all. Anyway, you can’t use rubber types for decorative applications such as shoes and clothing. Rubber type fits well in industrial and commercial applications. Most rubber types come in black. A shiny metal adds a rich look to flags and shower curtain. Nobody would like to have rubber installed on a shower curtain and clothing.
Colin Munro
February 14, 2018It’s simple, yet effective.
A lot of times it’s difficult to get that “perfect balance”between superb usability and appearance.
I must say you’ve done a amazing job with this.
Christa
February 22, 2018Thanks for your feedback here. Will surely visit your website soon…
Much more to come like that…
Christian Plaugher
February 23, 2018I assume you made sure nice points in features also.