Grommet Materials Matter: Exploring Waterproof Options for Marine and Outdoor Use

Grommets are designed to reinforce intentional holes in garments. They come in a variety of sizes and depths depending on the material and how the grommet will be used.

While some grommets are more for aesthetics than functionality, some grommets do a great deal of “heavy lifting.” Grommets are often used as a significant part of the item's purpose for items like awnings, outdoor upholstery, and canvas covers for boats and vehicles. Additionally, when grommets are used outdoors, they are subjected to a greater level of wear and tear.

What Can Happen to Grommets Used Outdoors?

The grommets attached to heavy-duty, weight-bearing items are already strained on a regular basis. Once you add the elements to the mix, your grommets are at an even higher risk of coming apart.

Corrosion

If your grommets are made of materials that are sensitive to corrosion, you may find that they become corroded over time, depending on the environment.

For example, those who live or work in marine settings might notice much faster corrosion on their brass and aluminum grommets than those in dryer areas. The saltwater present in these environments can cause your grommets to corrode and eventually weaken or break. This corrosive process will also affect the appearance of your grommets.

Breakage

Environmental factors can cause your grommets to simply break apart. This could happen in areas surrounded by salt water, but it could also happen when grommets are exposed to too much direct sunlight for hours every day.

The rapid heating and cooling of sun exposure followed by nightfall could cause your grommets to break from the pressure. This can happen to most grommet types, including aluminum, rubber, brass, and stainless steel.

How to Install Grommets for Outdoor Use

Grommets are an essential part of creating useful, long-lasting outdoor equipment. In order to make your grommets last as long as possible, follow these helpful tips before installing grommets on your next sewing project.

Choose a Non-Corrosive Material

Even the most durable grommet materials can degrade over time, especially when they’re heavily used or exposed to the elements regularly. However, starting with a material that naturally doesn’t corrode is a helpful first step.

Stainless steel grommets may rust if they get wet too often, but they won’t corrode from exposure to elements like salt, which can affect those in marine environments.

Explore Different Grommet Types

The standard grommet and washer can work great for some projects, but if your grommet experiences lots of wear or harsh environments, you should invest in washers with greater holding power to attach to your grommets.

Two great examples are toothlock washers and spur washers, which are both designed with rows of “teeth” along the edge to connect more firmly to the grommets and withstand heavy use.

Invest in a Heavy-Duty Grommet Machine

Just like there are several types of grommets and washers, there is also a variety of grommet application tools that allow you to easily and efficiently add grommets to your sewing projects.

Intermediate sewists usually start with a lightweight handheld grommet tool, which is best suited for thin materials and small, shallow grommets. However, if you’re working with thick, heavy materials and longer grommets, investing in a larger grommet tool that has more application power and requires less physical strength might be worth it.

Monitor Your Grommets for Replacement

Once you’ve applied grommets and your project is now in use, make sure to keep your eye on the grommets so that you can look out for signs of corrosion, rust, or possible breakage. It’s better to replace your grommets before you need to than to wait until they break and cause damage.

Store Your Items When Possible

Grommets are at the highest risk of degradation when they’re always left outdoors. Bring your items with grommets inside when you can to protect them from damage and help them to last longer.

Find the Materials and Tools You Need for Your Projects at Gold Star Tool

Take your sewing abilities to the next level with grommets, grommet tools, and more. You’ll find everything you need and more online at Gold Star Tool.