Aluminum Eyelets vs Plastic Eyelets: Which Should You Choose?

Introduction

When it comes to tarpaulin construction, we’ve discussed how big-ticket items like fabric weight and material define a tarp’s primary function. However, the smaller components, like the eyelets (also known as grommets), play an equally critical role in the tarp’s performance and usability. These are the reinforced holes you use to tie down the tarp, and the material they are made from can make a significant difference.

The two most common materials used for eyelets are aluminum and high-strength plastic. While both are designed to provide a secure anchor point, they have distinct advantages and disadvantages. Let’s break down the differences to help you choose the tarp that’s best suited for your job.

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The Case for Aluminum Eyelets

Aluminum has been a traditional choice for tarpaulin eyelets for many years. It is known for its rigidity and strength, making it a reliable option for many applications.

Pros:

High Rigidity: Aluminum is very stiff, which provides a strong, unyielding anchor point that resists deformation under high tension.

Traditional Strength: It has a long-standing reputation for being a strong and durable material for this purpose.

Cons:

Can Corrode: While more rust-resistant than brass or steel, aluminum can still oxidize (corrode) over time, especially in saltwater or highly humid environments, which can stain the tarp fabric.

Can Scratch Surfaces: Being a metal, aluminum eyelets can scratch delicate surfaces like the paint on a car, a boat’s gel coat, or other finished materials.

Conducts Electricity: As a metal, aluminum is conductive, which can pose a potential risk in certain environments.

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The Case for Plastic Eyelets

Pros:

100% Rust-Proof: Plastic does not rust or corrode, period. This makes it the superior choice for use in wet, humid, or saltwater environments, ensuring a longer, cleaner lifespan.

Non-Scratching: Plastic eyelets are much gentler on surfaces. They will not scratch vehicle paint, gel coats, or other sensitive materials the tarp might be covering.

Strong and Durable: Modern polymers are incredibly strong and are engineered to withstand high tension and resist cracking or breaking under normal use.

Non-Conductive: Plastic does not conduct electricity, which can be an important safety feature when working near potential electrical hazards.

Cons:

Perception: Some traditional users may perceive plastic as being less strong than metal, although modern high-density polymers are exceptionally durable.

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Conclusion: The Prime Tarp Approach

So, which should you choose? The best choice depends entirely on the application.

At Prime Tarp, we have made a conscious engineering choice to use high-strength plastic eyelets on many of our core PE tarpaulin lines, including our Heavy-Duty and Super Heavy-Duty series. We believe the benefits—being 100% rust-proof, non-scratching, and exceptionally durable—offer our customers the best combination of performance and longevity, especially for versatile applications like construction and covering vehicles. For certain specialty tarps, other materials may be used if the application demands it.

Our philosophy is to select every component, down to the smallest eyelet, based on what will provide the best real-world performance for our partners.

Have questions about which tarp construction is right for your needs? Contact our experts today. We’ll help you understand the details and ensure you get a product that is perfectly suited for your environment.

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FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Aluminum vs. Plastic Eyelets