Ever try to install extra 'custom' grommets onto 2" webbing?

[scubafanatic]

I've got a BC with the standard 2" webbing, and I'm needing to install some additional grommets in a few places. I very recently bought a 'grommet press' , and have been testing it out on some 2" webbing scraps, but it's not working out too well. The kit included a cutting die, which isn't working (the webbing is very tough).....and the brass grommets are tearing up as well. (the company I bought the kit from (Fabric, straps, canvas, grommets, vinyl, cordura, ripstop, mesh, netting - Specialized Textile Outfitters) only sells brass grommets....and now I suspect I really needed stainless steel grommets maybe?
Would SS grommets 'cure' the problem ? ...also, if it turns out I chicken out and end up paying someone else to do this for me, who would I approach to do this sort of custom grommet installation ?

Karl

 

[micklock]

I put some in my wing with a hammer and the tool that came with them. I had to use a knife to make the holes. I would try some 7/16th ss grommets.

 

[scubafanatic]

.....well, I spent a fair amount of $ on my new grommet 'kit' and it's annoying that's it's not working out......I found a different company on the WWW selling the #2 size (3/8" diameter) but they want $ 50 for a box of 144.....so do I throw another $50 at the problem, even assuming this new company's grommets are compatable with the grommet press I now already own ?

 

[The Kraken]

Go to your local hardware store and buy a piece of thin walled tubing which has the same outside diameter as the body of the grommet.

With a propane blow torch, one of those that you can buy at the same hardware store (or use the flame of one of your burners if you have a gas range) heat the piece of tubing to red hot.

Place it on the webbing where you desire your hole and let it melt through.

And there ya go. The heat seals the fabric and allows a nice fit between the webbing and grommet.

the K

 

[micklock]

I spent like $12 bucks at Jo Ann Fabrics but they are cheap ones. Next time I put some in I'm going to go to a local awning shop and see if I can get some better ones.

 

[mts0628]

Hey scubafanatic:

I have felt your pain. I would suggest either heat up your hole cutter and then trying to unplug the hole with heat and force, or cut out a rough hole as the above poster mentioned, and then clean up the hole with a soldering iron!

As far as your grommets, throw the brass ones out, or save them for something not water related. Go to McMaster Carr and get some stainless ones (again as the above poster said, 7/16" or size 3). The size of the grommet is a function of thickness of the material being set. I am not familiar with the company you got your kit from, but I have a CS Osborne Die set that makes small work out of grommet setting. Another good one is a Stimpson die set. But since you have a die set already, work with what you have- unless you have a 00 or 0 set.

Good luck.

Kind regards,
Thomas

 

[scubafanatic]

...thank you everyone who's responded so far......visited the Master McCarr site for ideas.....also good idea there about heating the hole-punch too...and yeah, I bought nickel-plated brass grommets thinking they'd resist seawater better than pure brass, but they're proving to be too soft and are tearing under the pressure of my press, so SS is certainly the way to go, assuming they're not too hard for my hand press to 'bend'........I'm still thinking of my 'next steps' though.

Karl

 

[Doubler]

Kraken IS telling you the best way to cut the hole. Have tried the grommet punch with the same results as you are having, used my torch and a 6 inch length of copper piping and have had real good results. Just remember the vice grips.

 

[NorthWoodsDiver]

I have set several dozen grommets in my custom dive gear projects including in the heavy weight belt webbing.

I went to Mcmaster Carr and got the rolled rim grommets with spiked washers in SS of course. they are a buck each or so. They require a special set of dies also sold at mcmaster carr. these grommets are sized differently also so make sure you get them matched right.

grommets come not only in different diameters but also for different thickness materials. I suspect this is the problem you are having as it was one of my problems. the material is to thin for the grommets your using.

the durability is worth the extra cost to go SS IMO.

also for melting the holes I keep a set of bolts 1,4", 5/16", 3/8" etc with just one of each size and a pair of vice grips. then I just pick the bolt 1/16 smaller than the grommet I am setting. use a propane torch to heat is up and presto.

the spiked grommets hold nicely and wont spin.

let me know personally if I can be of more help. T

 

[pittyyofool]

I have put a few brass grommets threw 2in webbing in the past. the best way i have found Is get the correct sized hammer punch for the grommet being used. take that hammer style punch and heat it up so the end of it is almost red hot. (use a torch or gas stove top) then melt your self a hole in to the webbing. Then insert the grommet and press or hammer as usual.

ps. if you us a gas stove to heat up the punch, do it when your wife will not be home for a few hours and open all the windows. I learned the hard way...