We made a small gaff sail for our Grumman canoe out of a drop cloth, to test out the concept and get measurements for spars and rigging. As part of the construction we installed spur grommets, they have small teeth to grab the fabric better.
Tools used.
First step was to mark a hole for the grommet installation.
Then we made the hole a bit larger so the smaller diameter barrel grommet half will fit through it. Don't cut the hole to the outer washer size or you will be replacing sail panels.
Work the shoulder of the smaller diameter grommet through the fabric. The tighter the fit, the better the grommet will hold.
Put the barrel part (male) of the grommet on the anvil part of the die set and press the fabric down over it.
Place the washer part (female) over the barrel part.
Place the hammer part of the die set into the grommet.
Tip: Try to not crush the grommet, it might cut the fabric and that section will have to be repaired.
Hit the spur die set with a dead blow mallet, we love the 3 pound Barry King nylon mallet, it does the job in 1-2 blows and there is very little vibration.
Try to not crush the grommet, it might cut the fabric and that section will have to be repaired.
Store extra grommets in a Jelly Belly can.
Go sailing!
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