Grommets for leather goods are both decorative and functional. Known for their hole reinforcement capabilities, Stimpson’s brass and stainless steel grommets and washers allow leather craftsmen to easily add embellishments. From leather belts to stylish handbags, work aprons and equestrian tack including halters, grommets & washers enhance the form and function of many leather goods.

Plain Grommets & Washers

Known for their versatility, Stimpson’s plain grommets and washers for leather working provide reliable hole reinforcement with a decorative flair. With two base metal variants to choose from, brass or stainless steel, plain grommets and washers are one of the most common grommet and washer combinations used in leatherworking.

  • Hole Reinforcement Characteristics: Reliable & Versatile
  • Leatherworking Applications: Handbags, totes, pouches, belts, and equestrian tack, including halters and saddle bags.
  • Base Metals: Brass or Stainless Steel
  • Finishes: Solid brass, nickel, and dull black. (Brass variant only)
  • Brass Sizes: #00, #0, #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6
  • Stainless Steel Sizes: #00, #0, #1, #2, #3, #4

Plain Grommets & Teeth Washers

Stimpson’s plain grommets with teeth washers are another popular choice for weight-bearing finished leather products like motorcycle bags or continuous-use items such as tool and utility belts. The teeth on this washer prevent the grommet from spinning once set and provides an overall tighter grasp of the leather. To meet the demands of today’s leather goods designers, Stimpson’s plain grommets with teeth washers are available in solid brass, nickel plated brass, or brass with a dull black oxide finish in sizes #0 through #5.

  • Hole Reinforcement Characteristics: Excellent & Versatile
  • Leatherworking Applications: Tool bags, pouches, work belts, tool vests, heavy-duty suspenders, workshop aprons, and equestrian tack, including halters and saddle bags.
  • Finishes: Solid brass, nickel, and dull black oxide.
  • Plain Grommets & Teeth Washers
  • Sizes: #0, #1, #2, #3, #4, #5

Rolled Rim Grommets & Spur Washers

Renowned for their rugged and unyielding setting, rolled rim grommets with spur washers are ideal for most applications using leather. Leather goods designers and manufacturers incorporate the stylish smooth rolled edge of the grommet into their products while leveraging the spurs that line the inside rim of the washer to provide a secure setting. This multipurpose leather grommet and washer combination is found in the most demanding industrial applications such as heavy-duty leather suspenders and tool rigs.  Stimpson’s rolled rim grommets and spur washers are available in two base metals, brass and stainless steel.

  • Hole Reinforcement Characteristics: Superior & Versatile
  • Leatherworking Applications: Heavy-duty leather suspenders, work belts, tool vests, tool bags, pouches workshop aprons, and equestrian tack, including halters and saddle bags.
  • Finishes: Solid brass, nickel, and dull black oxide. (Brass Variant Only)
  • Brass Sizes: #0, 1, 2,  3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10
  • Stainless Steel Sizes:  #0, #0L, #1, #2, #3, #4

Self-Piercing Grommets & Washers

Stimpson’s self-piercing grommets and washers pierce the leather and set the grommet in one single action. Leather craftsmen often use self-piercing grommets and washers because of the time saved during the setting process. They are constructed to pinch the leather between the barrel of the grommet and the flat edge of the washer and then cut a hole in the leather, all in a single action. Self-piercing grommets and washers are available in both brass and stainless steel base metals, extra long versions for thicker leather, as well as a #2 self-piercing grommet and washer variety pack for leatherwork. Craftsmen utilize self-piercing grommets and washers in many different leather goods including work belts, tool bags, and more.

  • Hole Reinforcement Characteristics: Excellent & Versatile
  • Leatherworking Applications: Heavy-duty leather suspenders, work belts, tool vests, tool bags, pouches workshop aprons, and equestrian tack, including halters and saddle bags.
  • Finishes: Solid brass, nickel, and dull black oxide. (Brass Variant Only)
  • Brass: #0, #1, #2, #2XL, #3
  • Stainless Steel: #2, #2XL

Setting Grommets & Washers in Leather

The relationship between grommets and washers, setting tools and the finished leather product is an important one. Perfect grommet and washer settings improve the look and lifespan of the product because the chance for collapsed barrels or split coils is dramatically reduced.  When setting Stimpson grommets and washers, we recommend that you use Stimpson grommet presses and dies since tooling is not transferable from brand to brand.

Setting grommets and washers in leather is easy with either Stimpson’s 405 bench press or our hand drive tooling. Although both are manually operated, the setting quality is professional grade. Plain grommet and washer die sets are offered exclusively for setting plain grommets while self-piercing die sets are made exclusively for setting self-piercing grommet. It is important to use the appropriate brand, type, and size die to set grommets and washers. For example, customers who wish to set Stimpson #0 self-piercing grommets and washers are strongly advised to do so with a Stimpson #0 self-piercing grommet and washer die set to provide the best result.

In addition to grommets and washers, Stimpson manufactures and supplies brass eyelets for leather goods. Contact Stimpson’s leather goods fastening experts for additional information or visit our official webstore to learn more.