Grommets and Eyelets for Leatherworking

Eyelets are typically smaller and used for lacing holes, like on boots or small bags, where a lace or cord repeatedly passes through. Grommets are larger and often used for structural reinforcement, like tarp corners, curtain holes, or bag straps, where the opening needs to resist tearing under load. Choose eyelets for lacing applications and grommets for larger openings that need reinforcement against pulling.

Eyelet and grommet sizes are usually labeled by number (like #0, #2, #4) or by hole diameter in inches or millimeters, and you need to match that to the lace, cord, or hardware passing through the hole. A hole that's too small will bind or fray your lacing, while one that's too large won't grip the material properly. Check the finished inside diameter listed on the product page against what needs to pass through it.

Solid brass offers excellent corrosion resistance and is a durable choice for leather goods that see regular handling or moisture. Steel-base eyelets and grommets offer strength and value and may feature different finishes or platings for added protection and appearance. Aluminum is lightweight and corrosion resistant, making it a good option for lighter-duty applications.

Most eyelets and grommets need a properly sized setter and often a matching anvil to flare the metal evenly on both sides of the material; using just a hammer without the right setter usually results in a crushed, uneven, or loose eyelet. Some multi-size setter kits can cover a few common sizes if you work with different eyelet sizes regularly. Always match the setter size to the eyelet or grommet size listed on the product page.

This usually happens from using the wrong-size setter, striking unevenly, or setting the grommet into material that's too thin or too thick for that hardware size. Grommets need enough material thickness to flare properly without tearing, so very thin fabric or leather may need a backing patch for support. Testing on a scrap piece of the same material and thickness before committing to your final project helps catch this issue early.

Bulk boxes (sold by the gross) make sense for production runs or repeat manufacturing where you'll use hundreds or thousands of the same size and finish. Smaller packs of 12 or 24 pieces are more practical for one-off projects or testing a size and finish before committing to a larger order. Compare the per-piece cost, since bulk boxes usually offer a lower unit price if you have ongoing use for them.

Eyelets are designed to keep a hole open and reinforced, like for lacing or ventilation, while rivets permanently join two layers of material together. If your project needs an open, functional hole a lace or cord will pass through repeatedly, an eyelet is the right choice. If you're joining layers of leather permanently without an open passage, a rivet or Chicago screw is the better fit.

Nickel and gunmetal finishes tend to read as cooler, silver-toned metal, while antique brass and solid brass lean warmer and gold-toned; matching your eyelets to your buckles, D-rings, or snaps keeps the overall look consistent. If you're mixing brands, ordering a small sample pack in your chosen finish before a bulk order helps confirm the color match. Black finishes are a versatile neutral that pairs reasonably well with either warm or cool-toned hardware.