You always see them as the holes on your shower curtains and even on your rubber shoes. They are usually called eyelets but they are also known by another name: grommets.
Grommets have a lot of important uses. And there can be no denying the fact that they serve a lot of important purposes. In construction, manufacturing or production and other related industries, grommets are usually used to cover the rough and sharp edges of a hole in metal. This is done to protect another material as it is passed through this hole. For this particular type of application or process, a rubber grommet is usually used. When a wire must go through a hole in metal, a two-piece plastic grommet can be used. This type of grommet effectively and safely grips the wire and it is a very important accessory if you need to avoid pulling a power cord or wire at all cost.
Rubber grommets are also important parts in automotive applications. They are used to protect lines, wires and cables from chafing or grazing on rough surfaces. They can also effectively reduce vibration and are used to seal different important under-the-hood and body applications.
In general, rubber grommets are more commonly used to protect or cover holes and to protect cables or wires from sharp corners or edges. There are also many advantages of choosing to use rubber grommet over the other types of grommets. Below are some of them:
- Rubber grommets are more weather-resistant.
- They are also less affected by the negative effects of UV light and ozone.
- They have high heat resistance.
- This type of grommet is also more durable and tear-resistant.
- It does not dry up, crack and come lose easily.
- Rubber grommets are more resistant to phosphoric, hydrochloric, sulfuric and Saltpeter acid.
- It can also handle bigger temperature spans than other types of grommets.
- Rubber grommets are quicker and easier to install since they can be placed on one side only. It is not necessary to reach the opposite side of the installation to attach a lock nut.
- It is the ideal grommet to use when space is restricted since it does not protrude and eat up a lot of space.
- It is ergonomically better since you don’t have to manually screw them into place.
- Rubber grommets are more economical and practical solutions.
- When it is installed, the opening remains sealed until the membrane is pushed out. As such, there is no need to pay for and install any additional plug.