Good quality small grommets?

[gem]

I've been loyal to the heavy-duty tarp grommets sold at my hardware store for a while (even special-ordering a new setting kit this summer when I couldn't find my old set! Which, of course, turned up immediately thereafter. ).  But I've just done my first project with small, 3/16" grommets/eyelets, and I'm sold! Anything that makes the hole-making process easier on my hands, and I'm in. (I use an awl, and sometimes it takes *forever* to widen the threads enough to fit over the male grommet.)

I just grabbed whatever was available at Michael's, but if I'm converting, I'd like to do it properly. Can anyone recommend a quality smaller grommet/eyelet? Maybe from a corsetry supplier?

Gramercy!!

[Rani Zemirah]

Gem, this company has the size you (and I) are looking for, and it does say (on this page) that "HIKER stocks many more sizes, styles and finishes than are listed on this website, so please call if you have a need for something not found here.".  I have no idea how much a custom order would cost (because I want them in antiqued copper), or even what their minimum order IS... but I plan on finding out tomorrow!  I've been looking for this size in copper for quite some time, now... and tonight I finally ran across this site, because your inquiry spurred me to search again!   

If you are interested in any of this size in the copper finish, I might possibly be talked into sharing an order...    I will also be checking on the antiqued brass in this size, as well, if there is any difficulty in getting the copper finish... or just for a different finish. 

[DonaCatalina]

I have bought from these people three times.
http://www.corsetmaking.com/
Their grommet and washers sets are good quality. The hand setting tool they sell is easy to use- even though I let Milord do the pounding with the rawhide mallet.

[Butch]

Please also contact me before you make the order.  I would go in on it with you.  I used to use the small eyelets sold at Michaels.  I still do use them.  I used the tarp grommets from the hardware store for the first time on the latest bodice I made for someone.  I personally thought they were too large, but it's just me being critical of my own work.

So, I am very interested in getting a large supply of them.  I have had a lot of luck painting my eyelets before installing them onto garments; rather than leaving them in the metal finish.  So for me, antiqued copper would be fine!

[stonebiscuit]

Richard the Thread has great grommets, about $9/gross: http://www.richardthethread.com/index.php?submenu=CorsetEssentials&src=directory&view=shop_richard&srctype=detail&id=115&category=Corset%20Supplies

[Rani Zemirah]

So far not having any luck with the copper, Butch...  (sigh)  I am trying one other source, though, that I was referred to by Hiker... so we'll see what they say. 

[gem]

Thanks, everyone! Great leads.

I am having a hard time wrapping my brain around grommet sizing. Size 00 for corsets--got it. That's easy enough. But for any other size--like Milord might like on a doublet--it's hard for me to mentally convert millimeters into size numbers into inches... into a good visual image of what that actually is. I really need to see it in person (or on a sample garment) to gauge.  (shrug)

[Rani Zemirah]

Gem... the link I posted before had some decent info on that, that I wasn't really aware of before, and it has helped me to better visualize the sizes.  It talks about 3 different factors that affect size, and they are:

ID = Inside Diameter
OD = Outside Diameter
LUF = Length Under Flange (the Flange being the collar-like disc of metal that spans the space between the inner and outer edges, and the cylindrical length under that is the part that extends down and goes through the washer)


I believe most grommet/eyelet measurements are given as ID instead of OD, so you can determine whether they will have a large enough opening for your application.  When I am trying to mentally compare mms to inches I just look at my tape measure, and use my thumbnail to mark off the number of mms, and compare it to the inch measure on the opposite edge of the tape.  It does help if you don't have to turn the tape over, though!  lol 

Determining whether it's the right size grommet: 
Anything with an opening between 3 and 10mm (.5-1cm) is going to be fairly small, and suitable for garb (although anything under a 5mm opening is going to be used for very fine ribbon or cord)... and anything with an opening over 10mm (1cm) is going to be pretty good size, and likely more useful for larger projects (i.e; tents, tarps, wall hangings, etc... things that need a thicker cord to hold it). 

This image is vastly enlarged, but it gives an excellent visual of the ratio of difference between inches and millimeters, and if you can visualize an actual inch then you should be able to use this to mentally compare the two.  Just remember that you are picturing the OPENING of the grommet, and not the WHOLE grommet...



Oh!  It also helps to remember that smaller grommets will have a smaller flange, sa well... so the difference between the ID and the OD will not be as great as with the large grommets. 


I'm really hoping that you are not completely confused, now...