Why Plastic Grommets Are Ideal for Waterproof and Outdoor Applications

Grommets are an important tool in nearly every industry. Although you might not recognize them by name, they provide essential protection and reinforcement for holes, tubes, wires, and cables. Without grommets, textile products would be more susceptible to wear and tear.

To get the most out of your grommets, you’ll need to choose the right type. Everyone has different preferences, but plastic grommets are superior in some ways. Here’s why plastic grommets can be ideal for both waterproof and outdoor applications.

Understanding How to Use a Grommet: What They Are and How They’re Used

You can think of a grommet as a protective ring that lies inside a hole. Whether that hole is made by tubing, cutouts in wood, or fabric holes, grommets will protect the surrounding material. They also work to prevent damage to wires and tubing, which is particularly useful in electrical and construction applications.

Some everyday examples of grommet uses include:

• The holes you loop your shoelaces through
• Insulated bushings
• The holes in the corners of posters and banners
• Holes on products you can lace up, such as corsets

Grommets are also frequently paired with anything that needs a washer for installation.

These are just a few ways you may run into grommets in your daily life. When it comes to products that are made specifically for the outdoors or wet environments, you will often find that plastic grommets are used.

A Look at Other Grommet Materials Types for Outdoor Materials

Every type of grommet has its place in various applications and industries. When your product is exposed to the elements, plastic reigns supreme in many cases. Take a closer look at how other grommet types perform in similar environments to give you an idea of why.

Metal Grommet - Heavy Duty

People choose metal grommets for their durability. This comes with some drawbacks. While metal grommets hold up well under pressure and force, they generally don’t do so well in wet environments.

Metal is susceptible to rust and corrosion. Depending on the finish, a metal grommet may experience wear and tear pretty quickly when used on an outdoor product. Metal also conducts electricity, barring metal grommets from being used in electrical applications.

For more delicate materials like textiles, metal grommets typically don’t make much sense. They can easily tear through fabric or cause discomfort for the wearer. Metal grommets are also generally more expensive than plastic, making them a less economical option in textiles.

Rubber Grommet for Outdoor Use

Rubber grommets suit many products, but they may not be the best fit for outdoor and waterproof ones. They can be susceptible to wear and tear from friction, sun exposure, and general material breakdown. They also don’t hold up well under pressure or force.

Another thing to consider about rubber is that it responds to temperature changes by expanding and shrinking or by changing textures. Since Mother Nature is out of everyone’s control, you don’t want your products at the mercy of it.

Additionally, when it comes to certain products and industries, aesthetics matter, and the look of rubber may not be attractive to some consumers.

Diving Deeper Into the Use of a Plastic Grommet and Its Benefits for Outdoors

Perhaps the key reason plastic grommets work so well in these applications is that plastic can hold up better in outdoor environments and under moist conditions. Plastic isn’t susceptible to rust and corrosion like metal, and it isn’t as flexible as rubber.

Plastic grommets provide exactly what you need in these conditions: sturdiness and durability. Some other advantages when it comes to plastic versus other grommet materials include:

Affordability

Since the textile industry is so large and churns out so many products at once, you may need to take affordability into account. Plastic grommets are typically less expensive than metal ones. If maximizing profit and minimizing production costs are your goals, plastic can fit the bill.

Chemical Resistance

It’s not just water that you have to worry about with outdoor or waterproof products. Other chemicals are bound to make their way onto your product, which can cause major issues with both metal and rubber grommets.

Plastic has superior resistance to chemical exposure in many cases, which can include natural salts and other unexpected compounds. Using plastic grommets can protect your customers from the effects that products can suffer from in outdoor and wet environments.

Consistent Quality

Unlike other grommet materials, plastic performs fairly consistently in outdoor and waterproof applications, and different types of plastic are specially engineered for specific applications. This means you can buy the exact grommet that you need without worrying about degradation or poor functionality.

Lightweight Design

If your goal is to make your product more lightweight, consider plastic. Plastic is lightweight by nature, so it won’t add significant bulk or weigh your product down. This is important for textile products that are intended for wearing or hanging, like shirts and wall banners.

No Electrical Risk

Metal conducts electricity, but plastic doesn’t. If electrical concerns ever crop up for your product, particularly around water, plastic can be the way to go. The last thing you want is for your product to cause an accident and become a liability in the hands of consumers.

Reinforcing Your Sewing Project

Grommets connect to washers to reinforce and stabilize holes. You’ll want to pick out matching grommets and washers, especially if you’re creating attractive clothing or other fabric products. You might even be creating for yourself, but this principle still applies: having a cohesive grommet and washer combo will elevate your pieces.

There are so many colors, brands, and designs to choose from when you buy grommets. Consider the look you’re after, as well as the application of the piece you’re making. Will it be worn outside? Is it for a banner designed for outdoor hanging? These details will guide you to your perfect selections.

Find the Best Grommets for Your Projects at GoldStar Tool

At GoldStar Tool, we have a wide selection of dependable, attractive grommet sets to choose from. When planning your next waterproof project or product, we’re your best resource for grommets. Browse our wide selection today!