Waterproof tarpaulins are handy for several purposes, but sometimes they’re simply not useful since they need a bit of modification. Eyelets, sometimes referred to as grommets, are small metal or plastic rings that make very strong holes through the fabric. The holes let you tie the Tarpaulin down with ropes or bungee cords and not tear it. If your tarp does not have eyelets or the old ones are damaged, you can easily replace or install new eyelets yourself. It’s a lot easier than you might think, and all you need are a few tools.
Why Eyelets Matter
Eyelets make tarps more functional and durable. After all, if you don’t have eyelets, when you tie a rope through the material, it can possibly rip. Eyelets disperse the force across a wider area so that the tarps can remain strong. Eyelets also allow you to hang the tarp, keep it up, or fix it in place neatly.
Regardless of whether you are using tarpaulins in the garden, at a campsite, or to cover vehicles, eyelets are the solution to keep everything safe.
Tools and Materials You Need
Before you begin, get your tools together and the piece of equipment. You don’t need anything too elaborate, but certain items are important:
- A tarp (clean and dry)
- A grommet or eyelet kit (with eyelets, washers, and a specialized punch tool)
- A hammer
- A cutting tool (sharp scissors or a hole punch)
- A solid surface to cut on, like a wooden block
You can find eyelet kits easily at hardware stores, as they often come with instructions to follow.
Step 1: Mark the Spot
Lay the tarp flat on the ground or a table. Choose a location for the eyelets. Common places to put eyelets are along the edges and corners. Use a marker or chalk and make a small dot on the fabric of each hole location. It is preferable to evenly space the eyelets. For example, you could place them at 18 to 24 inches apart along the length of the tarp. Even the space between grommets looks tidy and will keep the Canvas Tarpaulin tighter in place when tied down.
2. Cut the Hole
Encircle the spots and cut holes that are just big enough to allow the eyelet to fit through the hole. If you cut a hole too big, the eyelet may slip out later. Some grommet kits provide a hole cutter, which makes this step much easier. If you do not have a hole cutter, you can use sharp scissors, but it is best to cut slowly so you do not ruin the tarp.
Step 3: Place the Eyelet
Now take one half of the eyelet (the washer that has a lip) and insert it through the hole from the top side of the tarp. Then place the washer upside down over the eyelet. You are now sandwiched between the two, but with the fabric now clamped together between them. They will hold tightly together once recompressed.
Step 4: Compress Together with a Hammer
Set the eyelet and washer on a standing surface like a piece of wood. Take the punch tool (from your kit) and put it over the eyelet. With a hammer, pound the punch tool down on top of the eyelet until both parts lock together.
Don’t pound it too hard, just one time. You want steady blows, and then keep hitting evenly so the eyelet continues to bend smoothly and holds tight. When you’re done, check to see that it is tight and not loose.
Step 5: Repeat Up and Down the Tarp Edge
Continue adding eyelets on the edge of the tarp until you finish off all of the marked places. Go slow and steady and double-check each segment as you go. When all of the eyelets are installed, your tarp will be prepped and ready for you to tie it down.
Tips for Best Results
- On a flat surface or table, you’re happy.
- Don’t cut holes too large; the grommet needs to fit snugly.
- If you’re going to use the tarp in the wind, you can put the eyelets closer together for extra strength.
- For very heavy tarps, use metal grommets, not plastic, for longer life. Read This
Final Thoughts
Adding eyelets to tarps is easy to do and inexpensive, but it makes your tarp so much more effective. With only a few tools, you can create a solid cover from a flat sheet of fabric and secure it properly. The task will take a little time, but it is worth it. When your tarp next requires eyelets, don’t take it to the shop, do it yourself! You will save money and gain a valuable skill.
