Eyelet Washer

Definition and Overview

An eyelet washer is a ring-shaped accessory attached to prevent the edge of a hole from fraying or tearing. In addition to threading a cord through a hole, it is used for ventilation holes in clothing and bags, and as a decorative detail. It may also be called an eyelet, grommet, or eyelet washer.

In a narrow sense, it refers to the part with a cylindrical body visible on the front side that is crimped onto the textile. On the other hand, grommet may refer to a piece combined with a reinforcing washer, but the distinction in naming varies by trading partner and catalog.

Materials and Structure

For metal types, brass and other materials are used, and many are plated on the surface. Depending on lightweight needs, appearance, and the usage environment, resin types may also be selected. Not only appearance but also resistance to washing, friction, sweat, and rain must be checked.

The typical structure consists of the eyelet washer body with a head and cylindrical section visible on the front side, and, when needed, a washer that holds the textile in place on the back side. By expanding the cylindrical section during setting and crimping it, the textile is sandwiched in place.

• Body only: Used for relatively thin textiles or specifications where the appearance on the back side should be minimized.
• Body and washer: In sections subject to tensile force or in thick fabrics, it helps distribute the load on the textile.
• Resin type: Considered for uses where metal must be avoided, or for specifications requiring consideration for needle detection.

Size Representation and Selection

Eyelet washer size is mainly checked by inner diameter, outer diameter, and neck length. The inner diameter relates to the size of the cord, cord, or fitting to be threaded through, and the outer diameter relates to the appearance and the area that presses on the textile. Do not judge the specification by the nominal size alone; verify each dimension against the drawing or actual product.

Select the neck length and whether to use a washer according to the textile thickness, weave, stretchability, and whether interfacing or reinforcing cloth is present. If the neck is too short, it may not be crimped sufficiently, and if it is too long, the back side may flatten poorly or wobble.

• For cord threading, confirm an inner diameter that allows the cord to pass through without difficulty.
• For knits or loosely woven textiles, use anti-stretch material or reinforcing cloth together to prevent deformation around the hole.
• For thin textiles, also pay attention to sagging and fading caused by the weight and hardness of the eyelet washer.

How to Attach and Main Applications

Installation is basically done by making a pilot hole with a hole-punch ponte, then crimping with a tool matched to the part, using a hand press or a press machine. If the pilot hole is too large, it may come loose easily; if too small, it may damage the textile or prevent even crimping.

Use a setting tool that matches the shape and dimensions of the eyelet washer. Before mass production, perform test settings with the actual textile, interfacing, and reinforcing specifications layered together, and check the flattening on the front and back, pull-out strength, and tearing around the hole.

Main applications include cord threading for hoods and waists, shoe-lace-style lace-up, ventilation holes for ventilation, bag cord threading, and decorative holes. For applications where tensile force is repeatedly applied, design including the washer and reinforcing cloth.

Quality Points to Note

If the part is not appropriate for the textile thickness and strength, the eyelet washer may come loose, the area around the hole may tear, or deformation may occur. In particular, for thin fabrics, stretch materials, fuzzy materials, and waterproof coated fabrics, examine the reinforcement method and test conditions in advance.

For metal types, rust, discoloration, and plating deterioration may occur due to moisture, sweat, washing, or contact with chemicals. For products that are washed, post-processed, or used in contact with seawater or rain, it is important to confirm performance under actual use conditions.

Products using metal parts are subject to the metal detection process. For uses that require consideration for metal allergies, even if the specification is nickel-free, confirm the applicable scope and management conditions from the supplier's materials, and judge it as a product specification.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an eyelet washer and an eyelet hole?

An eyelet washer refers to a metal or resin part that reinforces the area around a hole. An eyelet hole generally refers to the shape or sewing specification of a hole with a rounded, reinforced end like a buttonhole. The names are similar, but the part and the construction of the hole are treated separately.

Is a washer always necessary for an eyelet washer?

A washer is not always required, but it is effective in areas where a cord is pulled, in thick fabrics, or in specifications where load is applied around the hole. It helps hold the textile from the back side and distribute the load. Judge by test setting based on the textile thickness, reinforcing cloth, appearance, and required strength.

How can I prevent mistakes when attaching eyelet washers?

It is important to use a setting tool matched to the part and confirm the pilot hole diameter, press pressure, and neck length on the actual textile. Perform test settings under the same conditions of textile layering, interfacing, and reinforcing cloth as in mass production, and check the finish on the front and back, wobbling, and any loosening or tearing.