Eyelets and grommets both reinforce holes, but they serve different needs.

• Eyelets: Generally smaller (e.g., 3–6 mm or 1/4 inch), common in clothing, leather, shoes, and crafts. They add a neat finish for laces or cords.
• Grommets: Typically larger and heavier-duty (e.g., 3/8–1/2 inch), often paired with washers. They’re used on tarps, tents, canvas, vinyl, and banners where the hole sees more stress.

Choose based on the material thickness and what passes through the hole. If you’re working with lightweight fabric, eyelets may be sufficient; for load‑bearing or outdoor applications, grommets can offer more durability.

Installing eyelets is straightforward with a kit.

1. Pick an eyelet size that matches your cord or lace.
2. Mark the spot and punch a clean hole using the included tool.
3. Place the eyelet through the hole; add a washer if your kit includes one.
4. Use the hand press or pliers to crimp the parts together.
5. Check the fit and trim any frayed edges.

Helpful tips:

• Test on scrap material to dial in pressure.
• Match inside diameter to what will pass through.
• Wear eye protection and keep fingers clear while pressing.

Eyelet kits on our site often include pliers, punches, and assorted sizes to make DIY installs easier.

They do different jobs.

• Eyelet: Reinforces a hole so a lace, ring, or cord can pass through without tearing fabric or leather. Common in belts, shoes, and banners when you need an open hole.
• Rivet: Fastens layers together permanently with a solid metal post and cap. There’s no usable hole afterward—just a secure connection.

Choose an eyelet when the hole is part of the design or function. Choose a rivet when you need to join materials firmly without an opening. Many kits on our page focus on eyelets/grommets; if you need rivets, look for a dedicated rivet tool set.

Start with what’s going through the hole.

• Match inside diameter: The eyelet’s ID should be slightly larger than your cord, lace, or hook.
• Consider material thickness: Thicker leather or layered canvas may benefit from larger, heavy‑duty sizes (e.g., 3/8–1/2 inch) and washers.
• Use case: Small crafts and clothing often use 3–6 mm; belts and shoes frequently use around 1/4 inch (6 mm); tarps, tents, and banners often use 3/8–1/2 inch.
• Test first: Punch and set one on scrap material to confirm fit.

Product pages list sizes clearly. Multi‑size assortments can be handy if your projects vary.

Eyelet kits vary, but most include essentials for setting clean holes.

• Pliers or a hand press: To crimp eyelets and washers together.
• Hole punches and dies: To create clean, size‑matched openings.
• Assorted eyelets: Often multiple sizes (e.g., 4–6 mm, 1/4 inch, 3/8 inch) with washers.
• Storage case: Keeps pieces organized.

Some sets are multi‑size; others focus on a single size for repeat work. Check the item description to confirm included tools and compatible materials like leather, fabric, canvas, vinyl, or tarps. You can shop online and choose convenient pickup or delivery options where available.