Eyelets for tarpaulins are heavy-duty reinforcing rings pressed into the edges or body of a tarpaulin to provide secure anchor points for ropes, bungee cords, straps, and hooks. Unlike curtain eyelets, which prioritise aesthetics and smooth rod passage, tarpaulin eyelets must withstand high tensile forces, outdoor weathering, UV radiation, and repeated use. Choosing the wrong type can result in a torn tarpaulin, failed securing point, or damaged cargo.
What eyelets for tarpaulins do
Every time a rope or cord is threaded through a tarpaulin eyelet and pulled tight, the force is distributed across the eyelet flange rather than concentrated on a small hole in the fabric. Without an eyelet, the tarpaulin would tear from the anchor point outwards within a very short time, particularly in windy conditions. The eyelet both reinforces the hole and protects the tarpaulin material from abrasion by the cord or hook.
Common applications
- Truck and lorry covers: Heavy-duty tarpaulins covering open trucks require eyelets at 15–25 cm intervals along all four edges, rated for the wind load generated at motorway speeds.
- Agricultural tarpaulins: Silage covers, hay bale tarps, and grain covers need corrosion-resistant eyelets that can withstand damp, fertiliser, and soil contact.
- Event and market tents: Gazebo side panels and event canopies use eyelets to attach to frame poles and tie-down points.
- Nautical covers: Boat covers, sail bags, and dock shelters require stainless steel eyelets that will not corrode in salt-air environments.
- Advertising banners and PVC mesh: Printed banners use eyelets at regular intervals around the perimeter to attach to frameworks or building facades.
Eyelets vs grommets: what is the difference?
The terms are often used interchangeably, but there is a practical distinction. Eyelets (also called small eyelets or press-fit eyelets) are lighter-duty, typically with an interior diameter below 12 mm, and are fitted by crimping with hand tools. Grommets (or large eyelets) are heavier, with interior diameters from 12 mm upwards to 40 mm or more, and usually require a mechanical press for correct installation. For most tarpaulin work, grommets in the 10–20 mm range are the standard choice.
Recommended materials
Brass
Brass is the benchmark material for outdoor tarpaulin eyelets. It is naturally corrosion-resistant (no surface treatment required), highly malleable for a reliable crimp, and resistant to the UV degradation that affects plastic alternatives. Brass eyelets last many years even in exposed conditions and are the preferred choice for premium awning, marine, and professional tarpaulin applications.
Stainless steel
Stainless steel eyelets offer the maximum level of corrosion resistance and mechanical strength. They are the correct specification for marine environments, food-industry covers, and any application where salt water, strong cleaning chemicals, or very high tensile loads are involved. The trade-off is higher cost and greater hardness, which requires a well-calibrated press tool to achieve a clean crimp.
Treated steel
Zinc-plated or galvanised steel eyelets provide good mechanical strength at a lower cost than brass or stainless. They are appropriate for temporary or semi-permanent tarpaulin use where the surface treatment remains intact. Avoid using treated steel in coastal or very humid environments where the surface coating may be compromised, as underlying steel will rust rapidly once exposed.
Aluminium
Aluminium eyelets are lightweight, economical, and suitable for lighter applications such as advertising banners and PVC mesh panels. They are not recommended for heavy tarpaulins or high-tension applications as aluminium is softer than brass or steel and can deform under load.
Recommended sizes for tarpaulins
| Eyelet interior diameter | Recommended application |
|---|---|
| 8 mm | Light tarps, dust covers, thin PVC banners |
| 10 mm | General purpose tarpaulins, garden covers, event tents |
| 12 mm | Agricultural tarps, construction site covers, medium truck covers |
| 14–16 mm | Heavy truck tarpaulins, industrial covers, awnings |
| 20–40 mm | Industrial tents, large awnings, heavy maritime covers |
Step-by-step fitting guide
- Reinforce the edge: Fold the tarpaulin edge over by at least 3 cm and sew or heat-weld it before fitting eyelets. This doubles the material thickness at the most vulnerable point.
- Mark positions: Mark eyelet positions at regular intervals (see spacing recommendations in our awnings and tarpaulins guide). Use a ruler and chalk for accuracy.
- Punch the hole: Use a punch tool appropriate for the eyelet size. The hole should be slightly smaller than the eyelet tube outer diameter so the fabric is gripped firmly.
- Insert the eyelet: Place the eyelet front face-down into the die, position the tarpaulin over it, then place the washer on top, concave side facing the eyelet tube.
- Press or hammer to crimp: Use a mechanical press for clean, consistent results on large quantities. A hand tool and hammer can be used for occasional fitting, but ensure the crimp is fully closed with no gaps.
- Check each eyelet: Pull each fitted eyelet firmly by hand to verify it does not rotate or pull through. Any loose eyelets should be removed and replaced before the tarpaulin is put into service.
For large orders of tarpaulin eyelets or grommets in brass, stainless steel, or aluminium, contact Industria Acosta Pramon S.A. for a competitive bulk quote. We manufacture to consistent dimensional tolerances and can supply with or without matching press tools.