Eyelets, rivets, and grommets are often confused or conflated because of their similar applications in fastening or reinforcing material.
All three, eyelets, grommets, and rivets, are used to fasten or reinforce materials, but they differ in their design, application, and functionality. Here’s a breakdown:
Eyelets:
- Definition: A single piece of metal with a hollow tube and a flange (widened top) on one end.
- Installation: Pushed through a pre-made hole in the material from either side. The flange sits on top of the material for a finished look.
- Application:
- Creating holes for lacing, threading, or stringing (e.g., shoelaces, corsets, banners)
- Adding a decorative touch to clothing, shoes, or bags
- Reinforcing light materials like fabric or thin sheets
Grommets:
- Definition: Two-piece system consisting of a top piece (ring with a centre hole) and a washer (flange) that goes on the backside of the material.
- Installation: Typically installed with a tool from the inside of the material for better reinforcement. The washer provides stability and prevents tearing.
- Application:
- Reinforcing holes for cables, ropes, or wires that will experience pulling or strain (e.g., tents, awnings, tarpaulins)
- Protecting materials from wear and tear around the hole
- Used in heavier materials like canvas, leather, or thick plastic
Rivets:
- Definition: Permanent fastener consisting of a cylindrical shaft with a head on one end (factory head) and a tail on the other.
- Installation: A hole is punched through the materials to be joined. The rivet is inserted, and the tail is flattened or compressed using a riveting tool, creating a new head and permanently clamping the materials together.
- Application:
- Joining multiple pieces of material permanently (e.g., metal sheets in construction, leather in belts)
- Creating a strong connection that can withstand high forces (tension, shear)
- Used in various materials like metal, plastic, and leather
Here’s a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | Eyelets | Grommets | Rivets |
| Pieces | Single | Two (top and washer) | Single |
| Installation | From either side | From inside | Requires access to both sides |
| Size and Durability | Smaller, lighter | Larger, more durable | Varies based on use |
| Applications | Lacing, decoration, light materials | Reinforcement, cables, heavy materials | Permanent joining, high-force applications |
| Permanence | Not permanent | Not permanent | Permanent |
Conclusion
Understanding the differences between eyelets, grommets, and rivets is essential when choosing the right fastening solution for your material or project. While they may appear similar, their structural differences determine how they perform under pressure and over time.
For industrial-grade fastening and electrical parts, Sweetone Industries is a trusted source. As a leading manufacturer of Custom Electrical & Metal Parts in India, they offer premium-quality eyelets, grommets, rivets, terminals, and more—ideal for commercial, textile, electrical, and automotive applications.