Grommet Eyelets & Turn Buttons: Fixing Options Explained
This guide explains the difference between grommet eyelets and turn buttons, how each fixing works, and how to choose the right option for your screens, tarpaulins, or outdoor covers.
Grommet eyelets
Grommet eyelets are reinforced metal rings fitted into the edges of screens, tarps, and outdoor covers. They provide strong, durable fixing points for ropes, bungee cords, or ball loops, helping to secure the cover and reduce the risk of tearing under tension or wind.
Standard specification
- Internal diameter: 12mm
- External diameter: 23mm
- Available finishes: Brass or silver nickel-plated
Eyelets are a robust, versatile fixing option suitable for a wide range of installations.
Grommet eyelet placement
Eyelets are typically set centrally into an approx 40mm reinforced hem around the edge of a tarpaulin, screen or cover. Given the outer diameter is 23mm, you should expect approximately 8.5mm of hem fabric either side of the eyelet.
Compatible products
Compatible products include our ball loop bungee cords. Although we don’t supply these ourselves, eyelets will also accept any standard rope or bungee cord up to 12mm in diameter.
Grommet eyelet video guide
Take a look at the short video below which provides a little more information about our eyelets.
Turn buttons
Turn buttons are a neat, low-profile alternative to eyelets. They allow screens and tarps to be quickly secured or released using a simple twist-lock mechanism, without the need for ropes or bungee cords.
How they work
Each turn button system consists of two parts:
- A base section with a rotating button, which is screwed into the supporting structure
- A specially shaped oval eyelet fitted into the fabric hem
Once fitted, the fabric can be locked in place or released in seconds by rotating the button.
Standard specification
- Internal diameter: 14mm x 9mm
- External diameter: 26mm x 21mm
- Available finishes: Silver nickel-plated
Height options
- Single height: 7mm to twist lock
- Double height: 10mm to twist lock, allows for two turn buttons to be stacked while still enabling smooth rotation
Screws
We recommend using M3.5 × 12 mm (No. 6 × ½″) screws for fixing turn button base plates. Screws are not supplied as standard, as the correct type will depend on the material being fixed into (typically steel or wood).
Turn button placement
Turn buttons are typically set lengthways centrally into an approx 40mm reinforced hem around the edge of a tarpaulin, screen or cover. Given the outer width of the narrow side is 21mm, you should expect approximately 9.5mm of hem fabric either side of the turn button eyelet.
Compatibility notice
Turn buttons are not compatible with standard circular eyelets. If you choose turn buttons, they must be selected at the time of ordering, as they cannot be retrofitted later.
Turn button video guide
Take a look at the short video below which provides a little more information about our turn buttons.
Standard fixing spacing
As standard, both eyelets and turn buttons are fitted at 50 cm intervals. This spacing can be adjusted during the product customisation process if required.
Downloads
You can download PDF and JPG information sheets about our grommet eyelets and turn buttons via the links below: