Grommet vs. Eyelet — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 23, 2024
Grommets are metal or plastic rings used to reinforce holes in fabric or metal; eyelets are smaller, generally used in clothing for lace holes.
Difference Between Grommet and Eyelet
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Grommets are typically made from heavier materials like metal or thick plastic to provide substantial reinforcement for holes in heavier materials such as tarps and curtains. Whereas eyelets are usually made from lighter metals and are commonly used in garments, providing a durable edge for shoelaces or cords.
The installation of grommets often requires specialized tools to ensure they are set securely and can handle more strain, making them suitable for industrial applications. On the other hand, eyelets can be set with simpler tools, which makes them more accessible for home crafting and light wear uses.
In terms of size, grommets are generally larger and designed to support larger holes and heavier usage. Eyelets, on the other hand, are smaller and designed for more delicate applications where less reinforcement is needed.
Grommets usually have a two-part construction with a front and back piece that clamps together around the material. Eyelets, meanwhile, typically consist of a single piece that is flared on one side to hold it in place.
Grommets are often seen in public and commercial settings, such as on banners, flags, and heavy-duty industrial fabrics. Eyelets are more commonly found in personal items like shoes, clothing, and accessories, emphasizing their decorative as well as functional role.
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Comparison Chart
Material
Metal, heavy plastic
Light metal
Usage
Tarps, industrial fabrics, banners
Clothing, lightweight crafts
Installation
Requires special tools
Can often be set with basic tools
Construction
Usually two parts (front and back)
Typically one part, flared to secure
Size and Strength
Larger, designed for heavier load and larger holes
Smaller, suitable for delicate applications
Compare with Definitions
Grommet
A ring or edge strip inserted into a hole through thin material.
They used a grommet to prevent the cord from fraying at the edge.
Eyelet
A lightweight metal ring used to reinforce such a hole.
The tailor added an eyelet to each new buttonhole for durability.
Grommet
Used in surgical procedures to maintain an opening.
The doctor placed a grommet in the patient’s eardrum to aid drainage.
Eyelet
Used decoratively on clothing and other textiles.
The new line of jeans featured eyelets along the seams for a stylish look.
Grommet
A reinforcing eyelet, especially in sails or tarpaulins.
To secure the cover, he threaded rope through several grommets.
Eyelet
Smaller than a grommet, typically used in lighter applications.
The artist used tiny eyelets to create a detailed design on the fabric.
Grommet
Used in electrical engineering to protect cables.
The installation included placing grommets where cables passed through metal casings.
Eyelet
A small hole or perforation with a rim for passing a lace, cord, or the like.
She laced her dress tightly through the eyelets.
Grommet
A metal or plastic ring used to reinforce a hole.
The mechanic inserted a grommet to protect the wiring harness.
Eyelet
Often found in crafting and scrapbooking.
She decorated her scrapbook pages with colorful eyelets.
Grommet
A grommet is a ring or edge strip inserted into a hole through thin material, typically a sheet of textile fabric, sheet metal or composite of carbon fiber, wood or honeycomb. Grommets are generally flared or collared on each side to keep them in place, and are often made of metal, plastic, or rubber.
Eyelet
A small round hole in leather or cloth for threading a lace, string, or rope through.
Grommet
An eyelet placed in a hole to protect or insulate a rope or cable passed through it or to reinforce the hole.
Eyelet
A small hole or slit in a wall for looking through.
Grommet
A tube surgically implanted in the eardrum to drain fluid from the middle ear.
Eyelet
Make eyelets in (fabric)
Her dress is of the whitest fabric, all eyeleted, embroidered, sashed
Grommet
A young or inexperienced surfer or skateboarder
Mega moves that make gods out of grommets
Eyelet
A small hole or perforation, usually rimmed with metal, cord, fabric, or leather, used for fastening with a cord or hook.
Grommet
A reinforced eyelet, as in cloth or leather, through which a fastener may be passed.
Eyelet
A metal ring designed to reinforce such a hole; a grommet.
Grommet
A small metal or plastic ring used to reinforce such an eyelet.
Eyelet
A small hole edged with embroidered stitches as part of a design.
Grommet
(Nautical) A loop of rope or metal used for securing the edge of a sail to its stay.
Eyelet
A peephole.
Grommet
A reinforced eyelet, or a small metal or plastic ring used to reinforce an eyelet.
Eyelet
A small eye.
Grommet
(nautical) A ring formed of a single strand of rope, laid in three times round, fastening the upper edge of a sail to its stay.
Eyelet
An object that consists of a rim and small hole or perforation to receive a cord or fastener, as in garments, sails, etc. An eyelet may reinforce a hole.
Push the aglet of the shoelace through each of the eyelets, one at a time.
Grommet
(flags) An eyelet at the hoist end of a flag, used to fasten the flag to its halyard.
Eyelet
A shaped metal embellishment containing a hole, used in scrapbook. Eyelets are typically set by punching a hole in the page, placing the smooth side of the eyelet on a table, positioning the paper over protruding edge and curling the edge down using a hammer and eyelet setter.
Grommet
A young or inexperienced surfer, skateboarder, or snowboarder.
Eyelet
Cotton fabric with small holes.
Grommet
A boy serving on a ship.
Eyelet
The contact tip of the base of a light bulb.
Grommet
(transitive) To insert a grommet into.
Eyelet
A peephole.
Grommet
(transitive) To fasten using a grommet.
Eyelet
A little eye.
Grommet
(intransitive) To apply grommets.
Eyelet
(transitive) To make eyelets in.
Grommet
A ring formed by twisting on itself a single strand of an unlaid rope; also, a metallic eyelet in or for a sail or a mailbag. Sometimes written grummet.
Eyelet
A small hole or perforation to receive a cord or fastener, as in garments, sails, etc.
Grommet
A ring of rope used as a wad to hold a cannon ball in place.
Eyelet
A metal ring or grommet, or short metallic tube, the ends of which can be bent outward and over to fasten it in place; - used to line an eyelet hole.
Grommet
Fastener consisting of a metal ring for lining a small hole to permit the attachment of cords or lines
Eyelet
A small hole (usually round and finished around the edges) in cloth or leather for the passage of a cord
Eyelet
Fastener consisting of a metal ring for lining a small hole to permit the attachment of cords or lines
Common Curiosities
Are eyelets and grommets interchangeable?
While they can sometimes serve similar purposes, they are not generally interchangeable due to differences in size, material, and strength.
Can grommets be used in clothing?
Yes, grommets can be used in clothing, especially in heavy-duty or protective gear.
What tools are needed to install an eyelet?
Eyelets can often be installed using a simple eyelet setter tool, which is widely available in craft stores.
What materials are grommets made of?
Grommets are typically made from metals like brass or steel, and sometimes from durable plastics.
Are there decorative options available for grommets and eyelets?
Yes, both come in various finishes and colors to match or enhance the material they are used with.
How do I choose between a grommet and an eyelet for a project?
The choice depends on the material thickness and the load the hole will need to bear. Heavier materials and greater strain suggest a grommet is appropriate.
Can eyelets be used outdoors?
Eyelets can be used outdoors but may not be as durable as grommets in harsh conditions.
Are grommets only used in industrial settings?
No, grommets are also popular in domestic settings, especially in home decor and certain types of apparel.
Do eyelets have any specific roles in footwear?
In footwear, eyelets are critical for lace holes, ensuring they do not fray and hold the lace securely.
What is the typical diameter of an eyelet compared to a grommet?
Eyelets are generally less than 5 mm in diameter, while grommets can be much larger, depending on the application.
How are eyelets different in use compared to grommets?
Eyelets are generally used for lighter applications like textiles, while grommets are used for heavy-duty applications like tarps and industrial covers.
How do grommets contribute to durability?
Grommets distribute stress over a larger area of the material, thereby preventing tearing and wearing around the hole.
What is the historical origin of eyelets?
Eyelets date back to the 14th century and were initially used in armor and later in clothing for functional and decorative purposes.
Are there any environmental considerations with using grommets or eyelets?
The material choice (e.g., metal vs. plastic) can impact environmental considerations, especially concerning recyclability and durability.
Can I replace a broken grommet myself?
Yes, with the right tools, replacing a grommet can be a straightforward DIY task.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
