How to Use Eyelet Pliers

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Eyelet pliers are an easy way to put eyelets into materials. This article will show you how to use them.

Steps

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    1
    Cut a hole in your material where you want the eyelet to go. This hole needs to be just big enough to push your eyelet through. If it is too big the eyelet will fall out. [1]
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    2
    Use a pad under the cloth to make a clean cut. The pad may be: a piece of hard leather ( see next photo ), an acrylic block like the cutting boards used in kitchens, a plastic floor tile or even a sheet of paper folded many times. Make sure you keep everything in place while making the hole !
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    3
    To cut the hole always put the pad under the "bad side" of the cloth. Exert strong pressure with the pliers or use a hammer to drive a hole with the eyelet punch.
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    4
    Push the eyelet through the hole you have made. Do this from the right side of your material so the flat part of the eyelet is on the good side.
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    5
    Tuck any loose threads under the flat part of the eyelet so they are not visible.
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    6
    Align your eyelet pliers . [2] The flat (good) side of your eyelet should sit in the slightly curved side of the pliers, while the tube (bad) side of the eyelet should be aligned with the "pointed" side of the pliers. [3]
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    7
    Squeeze the pliers together. [4]
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    8
    Take the pliers away and check that the eyelet is set as you want it. If it can be rotated in the material you will need to repeat the previous step with a little more force until it holds the material tightly.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Can I use the eyelet pliers for grommets?
    Community Answer
    No, grommets have a larger diameter than eyelets. You would need the correct size die to correspond with the size of the grommets that you are using. If you are using multiple sizes of grommets, you would need multiple sets of dies.
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    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 10
  • Question
    Is it possible to make an eyelet hole in a canopy made from polyester fabric?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but you would want to reinforce the polyester before making the hole so that the cut threads do not unravel. Since the project is a canopy, the "eyelet" would actually be a grommet. Essentially, a grommet is the larger cousin to the eyelet. They have similar appearances, but their functions are different. An eyelet is smaller, comes in a variety of decorative colors, and has little strength. Eyelets are used for ribbons, light cords, laces, or decoration. Grommets are used for structural reinforcement to protect the fabric from tearing when exposed to stress. Grommets are used on tarps, shower curtains, canvas bags, canopies, tents, boat covers, etc.
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    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 20
  • Question
    What can I use if I don't have an eyelet pliers?
    Community Answer
    You can use needle nose pliers to peel the edges down and then use a hammer on a hard surface to flatten it.
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      Video

      Things You'll Need

      • Eyelet pliers
      • Eyelets
      • Material
      • Scissors

      Tips

      • Double-check that your eyelet matches the size of your pliers. If it doesn’t, the eyelet may not crimp to the fabric correctly.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.thecreativecurator.com/how-to-put-eyelets-in-fabric/#Making_A_Hole_For_The_Eyelet
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/MhqQQuuM9qs?t=30
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/OH6gTEAUE20?t=15
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQryNGYxSWk

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