Setting SS grommets

[ScubaRon]

I am looking at adding a few stainless steel grommets (7/16" ID - 7/8" OD) on my BC. Does anybody have any suggestions about a tool to use for this. I really don't want to buy the $50 "professional" tool.

Or are there any companies that do this as a service?
:snorkel:ScubaRon

[DA Aquamaster]

If the material where you are placing the grommet can be layed out flat on a hard surface you can use a simple and cheap punch and die set designed to install the grommet.

Not as easy to set up as the larger plier type tools but a couple taps with a hammer and its done.

[Hallmac]

They usually have a cheap hand punch for 4 or 5 bucks that work well.

Hallmac

[pipedope]

Have tools for this.

Most use a hydraulic press for setting stainless grommets, but many of these are much bigger.

The number 3 (7/16" hole) grommet can probably be set fine with hand tools but you would want the have the real punch and die to make a nice clean job of it. You *can* set one with a tapered punch to start and a ball peen hammer to finish but it won't look as nice.

Canvass worker will also often have these tools and will some upolstery shops.