Self-Piercing Grommets: An Introduction

Stimpson is the original manufacturer & supplier of “no hole needed” self-piercing grommets & washers for signs & banners that pierce the material and set the grommet in one single action. Self-piercing grommets & washers provide reliable hole reinforcement in signs & banners wherever they are installed. Let’s explore why sign & banner professionals rely on Stimpson self-piercing grommets & washers for their fastening needs.

What are Self-Piercing Grommets & Washers?

Unlike traditional grommet fastening systems, self-piercing grommets & washers are specially engineered to pierce the sign & banner substrate and set the grommet in one action. The interaction between the grommet and washer during the setting process safely punches a hole in the material and coils the eyelet in one stroke. Self-piercing grommets & washers work in tandem with Stimpson’s iconic 405 bench press and Stimpson’s high-quality stainless steel self-piercing die sets to set the fasteners securely and confidently.

What Are They Made From?

Manufactured from a heavier gauge, high-quality brass than traditional sheet metal fastener combinations, Stimpson self-piercing grommets & washers will withstand commercial indoor and outdoor environments for years to come. Select self-piercing grommet & washer sizes are also available in stainless steel to meet your specific application requirements. Whether your application requires brass or stainless steel fasteners, both base metals retain their attractive modern appearance after installation and instantly enhance the aesthetic of any sign or banner.

What Sizes are Self-Piercing Grommets & Washers Available In?

Stimpson manufactures and inventories standard trade size brass and stainless steel self-piercing grommets & washers, including #0, #1, #2, 2XL and #3. Use the tabs in the below size chart to reference dimensions for both brass and stainless steel grommets.

BRASS SELF-PIERCING GROMMET DIMENSIONS

GROMMETHOLE SIZEFLG. DIA.L.U.F.MT
#02PG1/4″.550.165.015
#1SPG5/16″.630.200.015
#1XLSPG5/16″.630.200.015
#2SPG3/8″.750.200.015
#E2XLSPG3/8″.750.500.012
#3SPG7/16″.970.185.015
WASHERGROMMETI.D.O.D.MT
#0SPW#0SPG.337.575.011
#1SPW#1SPG.400.655.011
#1SPW#1XLSPG.400.655.011
#2SPW#2SPG.437.770.011
#E2SPW#E2XLSPG.437.770.010
#3SPW#3SPG.546.970.011

E-SERIES 304 STAINLESS STEEL SELF-PIERCING GROMMET DIMENSIONS

GROMMETHOLE SIZEFLG. DIA. L.U.F. MT
E2SPG3/8″.750.200.010
E2XLSPG3/8″.750.200.012

Are Different Finishes Available?

Stimpson offers sign & banner companies the latest in decorative finish options for self-piercing grommets. Now more than ever, end-use customers prefer to customize the grommet & washer finish, and Stimpson has you covered. Brass self-piercing grommets & washers are offered in plain brass as well as nickel and dull black oxide finishes.

Brass grommets and washers set in orange canvas

Brass self-piercing grommets & washers enhance any sign or banner with their bright, lustrous golden hue finish. Since brass does not rust, brass fasteners are appropriate for both indoor & outdoor applications.

Nickel plated grommets and washers set in orange canvas

Another popular finish for signs & banners is nickel plating. This finish is known among professionals to provide a lustrous appearance and protect the fastener’s base metal. This finish provides excellent corrosion and wear resistance for both indoor & outdoor applications.

Dull black grommets and washers set in orange canvas

Stimpson offers a non-reflective dull black matte finish for specialty sign & banner applications. Self-piercing grommets & washers featuring a dull black finish have additional corrosion and abrasion protection making them suitable for indoor and outdoor applications.

How to Install Stimpson Self-Piercing Grommets & Washers

Unlike traditional grommets & washers, Stimpson’s self-piercing grommets & washers do not require a pre-punched hole in the substrate. When using the Stimpson 405 bench press with the appropriate self-piercing die, once the lever is depressed, the substrate is pinched between the grommet’s barrel and the washer’s sharp flat edge, cutting a hole and setting the fastener in one single action instantly improving productivity. Watch the video below to learn more about this press and to see how easy it is to set self-piercing grommets & washers with the 405 bench press.

See this video with more 405 Bench Press how-tos: Stimpson 405 Bench Press Overview

Watch the full self-piercing setup: Setting Self-Piercing Grommets on the Stimpson 405 Bench Press

Discover the Stimpson Difference

  • ISO 9001:2015 Certified QMS: Stimpson’s fasteners are manufactured under an ISO 9001:2015 certified quality management system for consistency and traceability from one production run to the next.
  • Customer Service: Dedicated Stimpson account managers handle all of your account needs.
  • Technical Services: Your local Stimpson Sales Rep can help you narrow grommet, washer, and tooling options for your sign & banner application.
  • In-Stock Inventory: Stimpson’s self-piercing grommets & washers are in stock and ready to ship when you need them.
  • Competitive pricing: Since Stimpson is the manufacturer & supplier, our fastener pricing is highly competitive for bulk and packaged inventory.
  • On-Time Delivery: Stimpson’s 280,000 square foot manufacturing and distribution center in Pompano Beach, FL, supports industry-leading on-time delivery to domestic, LATAM, Asian-Pacific, European, and African markets.

Learn More

In addition to self-piercing grommets & washers, Stimpson’s high-performance sign & banner fastener line includes: plain grommets with plain, teeth, or neck washers, rolled rim grommets & spur washers, and snap sets. Discover for yourself why since 1852, sign & banner customers continue to rely on Stimpson for all of their fastening needs.

Contact your local Stimpson Sales Rep to discuss your specific requirements. If you are ready to place an order, visit the official Stimpson webstore. Order Monday through Friday and enjoy same-day shipping on all orders placed by 3:00 PM E.T. You can also call Stimpson at (877) 765-0748 to place an order by phone.