Eyelets
We have the most extensive range of eyelets in South Africa.
We offer them for sale in quantities as low as 100 sets. Most of our customers buy them by the thousand. We have more than 1500 different eyelets on our system.
What are Eyelets?
Eyelets are metal rings, usually made of brass or steel, which serve as reinforcement for holes in various materials, including fabric, leather, canvas, paper, cardboard, and plastic, among others.
Eyelets are metal rings with a flange surrounding the hole. The flange extends into a barrel that is inserted through a hole in the material and set by hand or machine. The barrel either rolls or spreads out, grabbing the material and strengthening the hole..
Etymology of the word “Eyelet”
The etymology of the name is from the 14th-century Old French word “oillet”, meaning “little eye.”
What are other names for eyelets?
Eyelets are known by different names depending on the industry in which they are used. “Gommet” is probably the most widely used word apart from “eyelet”. Other words include “cringle” or “grummet” are commonly used in marine contexts.
Generally, for smaller, decorative, or lightweight applications, “eyelet” is preferred; for heavy-duty reinforcement, “grommet” is more commonly used.
When were eyelets invented?
For thousands of years, humanity has searched for ways to reinforce and secure fabric—and the humble eyelet emerged as the answer. Evidence of early eyelets can be traced back roughly 5,000 years to ancient Egypt, where hand-sewn buttonhole stitches served much the same purpose. The modern metal eyelet, however, didn’t appear until 1828, born from the innovations of the Industrial Revolution.
What are Eyelets used for?
The primary function of an eyelet is to strengthen a hole or protect something from the hole’s jagged edges.
An Eyelet can serve a functional “weight” bearing role or simply decorative or both. Please note that when anyone refers to an eyelet having the characteristic of “weight bearing” this not meant in terms of activities like mountain climbing.
What materials are eyelets made from?
Eyelets may be manufactured in Brass, Mild Steel, Aluminium or Stainless Steel and can come in several different finishes. While not as commonly used as the materials above, eyelets are sometimes made from plastic.
What materials can eyelets be used on?
Fabrics.
Leather.
Canvas.
Paper and cardboard.
Vinyl.
Demin.
Plastic.
Rubber.
The first mechanical eyelet machine.
First patent for this was filed in 1854 by Hymen L. Lipman.
While more widely known for his 1858 patent for the first pencil with an attached eraser, Hymen L. Lipman was also an inventor of other stationery and office equipment. Official records confirm that Lipman was granted a U.S. patent for an “Eyelet-Machine” on June 6, 1854.
His invention was designed to punch a hole and set an eyelet in paper and other materials, streamlining a previously manual and more laborious process. This machine was one of several innovations in office technology during the 19th century that aimed to improve efficiency in clerical work.
Historical sources and museum collections list the “Lipman Eyelet Machine, 1854” among early office equipment, solidifying his contribution to this area of technology, separate from his more famous invention that revolutionised the pencil.
The best selling eyelets are the No.22 - No.32 range
The prices on the website are for a single eyelet and a matching washer.
No20 eyelet has a primary dimension of 12mm
Mild Steel – 12mm x 6.5mm x 6mm
Brass – 12mm x 6.5mm x 5.5mm
No22 eyelet has a primary dimension of 15mm
Mild Steel – 15mm x 8.5mm x 6mm
Brass – 15mm x 8.5mm x 6mm
No24 eyelet has a primary dimension of 17mm
Mild Steel – 17mm x 10mm x 6mm
Brass – 17mm x 10mm x 6mm
No26 eyelet has a primary dimension of 20.5mm
Mild Steel – 20.5mm x 10.2mm x 7mm
Brass – 20.5mm x 10.2mm x 7mm
No28 eyelet has a primary dimension of 23mm
Mild Steel – 23mm x 13mm x 7.5mm
Brass – 23mm x 13mm x 7.5mm
No30 eyelet has a primary dimension of 28mm
Mild Steel – 23mm x 16.5mm x 8mm
Brass – 23mm x 16.5mm x 8mm
No32 eyelet has a primary dimension of 34mm
Mild Steel – 34mm x 20mm x 8mm
Brass – 34mm x 20mm x 8mm
Oval eyelets are mostly used to reinforce and fasten holes in various materials, especially when a wider or more durable opening is needed for threading tapes, ribbons, ropes, or fasteners. They have a wide range of applications, including:
– Shoes and textile products: Often used in shoes, shirts, blouses, caps, workwear, knitwear, and children’s clothing, where they help secure laces, Hook and Loop straps, or decorative elements.
– Bags, belts, and fashion accessories: Used both functionally and decoratively in the production of bags, belts, and other accessories
– Industrial and heavy-duty uses: Applied in truck tarps, trailers, banners, sails, and construction or automotive upholstery, where they facilitate the secure attachment of materials and offer durability against tearing and environmental stress.
– Curtains and home textiles: Commonly found in curtains and banners to reinforce holes for hanging or attachment
Their oval shape makes them particularly suitable for applications where a standard round eyelet would not fit as well, such as for threading flat tapes or ribbons, or where the reinforced hole must withstand linear tension.
