Choose an eyelet by more than the number in its name or its appearance. First define the clear opening required in the finished product and the material stack at the installation point. Then verify the exact eyelet version, washer and compatible tooling. Before a production run, test the complete set on a sample of the actual material.
This guide helps a product engineer, designer or buyer prepare an enquiry without confusing a catalogue designation with the finished opening diameter. It does not replace a drawing, the tool maker’s instructions or a trial on the specific assembly.
Define the function and required opening first
Describe what must pass through the opening or attach to the edge: a cord, strap, hook or another component. Specify the required clear opening after installation and the distance from the opening to the product edge. If the part must meet a load requirement, define it in the product specification and verify it separately: an eyelet name alone does not confirm a permitted force or application.
In a product record, distinguish at least three measurements: the catalogue designation, the outside diameter of the flange and the clear opening of the installed part. They can differ. For example, DELIM lists B 329 with a 3.5 mm designation and an 8.0 mm outside diameter; B 3068 is listed as 4.5 mm and 10.0 mm respectively. Do not infer the punch size or finished clear opening from those names. Check the drawing for the exact series.
For an initial comparison, browse the eyelet category, Type B, DIN type and special versions.
Describe the actual material stack
An eyelet is installed in a specific assembly, not in an abstract “fabric”. The hole area may include one or more layers, a folded edge, seam, interlining, coating or reinforcement. Record each material, the number of layers and the total thickness of the finished area. Fabric weight in gsm alone does not establish compatibility with a particular component.
Prepare a sample that reproduces the real construction: the same layers, material direction, distance from the edge and reinforcement method. A tarp, garment, footwear upper and banner can have different materials, edges and opening functions, so a result on one layer does not confirm suitability for the assembled product.
Check the series, washer and tooling
Before ordering, verify the full set designation. DELIM’s records for the specific Prym Fashion versions call for the matching washer and special dies: washer 329 for B 329, washer 3068 for B 3068, and washer DIN 8 for DIN 8. These are examples for the listed series, not a rule that all eyelets use the same parts.
Do not assume that washers or dies are interchangeable because their diameters look similar. Match the part references and the manufacturer’s assembly diagram. If the press model or existing tooling is unknown, include photos or markings in the enquiry. Check the PRYM range on DELIM and the manufacturer’s documentation for the exact version.
Examples from DELIM’s catalogue are not universal substitutes
- Type B eyelet 329, 3.5 mm is listed for footwear; the product record specifies brass, an 8.0 mm outside diameter, and a set with washer 329 and special dies. Prym Fashion model page.
- Type B eyelet 3068, 4.5 mm is listed for garments; the product record specifies brass, a 10.0 mm outside diameter, and the matching washer 3068 with special dies. Prym Fashion model page.
- Prym Fashion DIN 8 eyelet is listed for tarpaulins, tents and awnings; the product record specifies stainless steel and installation with a DIN 8 washer and special dies. Prym Fashion model page.
These product records show why application, material, designation and mounting set should be read separately. Do not transfer the material or compatibility of one model to another.
Trial the sample before production
Agree on a trial installation using a sample of the finished material stack. Follow the instructions for the exact eyelet and tooling; use press settings only from the equipment documentation. After installation, inspect both sides for misalignment, deformation, torn fibres or coating, washer seating and the required clear opening.
Check the assembly under its intended use and against agreed acceptance criteria. If the edge is damaged or the part shifts, do not compensate by arbitrarily increasing force or adding layers. Stop the trial and review the die, set, hole preparation and material-stack construction with the maker or manager.
Common selection mistakes
- treating the number in a product name as a guaranteed hole or punch diameter;
- choosing by appearance without checking the series and washer;
- testing on one layer instead of the finished material stack;
- treating “brass”, “stainless steel” or “DIN” as proof of any level of durability or load capacity without documentation for the exact version;
- reusing a die or trial result from another model because a similar eyelet looks close enough.
What to include in a selection enquiry
To help a manager check the relevant options, send:
- the product application and what must pass through or attach to the opening;
- the required clear opening, appearance and distance to the edge, if already specified;
- the layer composition and finished thickness at the mounting point, with a photo or sample;
- the eyelet, washer and die references, or the press model and tooling markings;
- the operating and care conditions, plus any material or finish requirements in the specification.
If you do not have an exact part number, send a drawing of the assembly and a sample. Contact a DELIM manager to check the version and set. To browse options, open the eyelet category.
Frequently asked questions
Does the number in the name equal the finished opening diameter?
Not necessarily. A catalogue designation and outside diameter can differ, as the B 329 and B 3068 product records show. Check the clear opening and hole preparation in the documentation for the exact model.
Can one washer or die be used for every eyelet of the same size?
Do not assume so. In the checked examples, washers are specified by series and installation uses special dies. Confirm compatibility against the exact part number and maker’s instructions.
Is fabric weight enough to make a selection?
No. You need the layer composition and finished thickness, edge construction, opening function and compatible mounting set. The most relevant check is a trial on material that matches the product.
A reliable selection starts with the opening drawing, material stack and complete mounting set, then ends with a verified sample. Discuss the requirement with DELIM and reference the relevant Type B eyelets or DIN eyelets.