Eyeletters are industrial machines used to insert eyelets and grommets into materials such as fabric, leather, canvas, vinyl, and light sheet metal. An eyelet is a small metal ring or grommet used to reinforce a hole, and eyeletters apply these fasteners quickly and consistently across a wide range of production applications. Whether you’re outfitting a garment manufacturing operation, a shoe or boot factory, or a canvas goods facility, selecting the right eyeletting machine depends on your material type, production volume, and eyelet size requirements. This guide covers the key types of eyeletters, what to look for when purchasing, common applications, and important features to consider.
Popular Types of Eyeletters
Eyeletters come in several configurations, each suited to different production environments and material types.
Bench Eyeletters Bench eyeletters are compact, tabletop machines designed for lower-volume production or applications where space is limited. They are typically foot-pedal or palm-pedal operated and are well suited for inserting eyelets into soft materials like fabric, leather, and light canvas. Bench models are common in small shops, sample rooms, and facilities where operators need precise control over eyelet placement. Manufacturers like Chicago, Munro, and National produce widely used bench eyeletter models.
Floor-Standing Eyeletters Floor-standing eyeletters are heavier-duty machines mounted on a pedestal or base, offering greater stability and the capacity for higher-volume production. These machines are preferred in industrial settings where consistent throughput is required. They typically accommodate a wider range of eyelet sizes and can handle heavier or thicker materials than bench models.
Eyeletters with Capacity Feeders Some eyeletters are equipped with automatic or semi-automatic feeding systems that supply eyelets to the machine continuously, reducing the need for manual loading between cycles. Capacity feeders significantly increase production speed and are ideal for high-volume operations. The Stimpson Model 12 with capacity feeder is one well-known example of this configuration.
Eyelet Transfer Press Machines Eyelet transfer press machines are specialized presses used in higher-volume production environments where eyelets must be applied in precise patterns or multiple locations simultaneously. These machines use a transfer mechanism to position eyelets automatically, improving throughput and reducing labor. They are commonly found in footwear manufacturing and industrial webbing applications where consistent, repeatable placement is critical. Transfer press machines represent a step up in automation from standard eyeletters and are worth considering when production demands exceed what a single-station machine can handle efficiently.
Eyeletters vs. Eyelet Transfer Press Machines
Standard eyeletters and eyelet transfer press machines both insert eyelets, but they differ significantly in their level of automation, throughput, and application scope.
Standard eyeletters, whether bench or floor-standing, require the operator to position the workpiece and actuate the machine for each eyelet. They offer excellent control and flexibility, making them well suited for varied production runs or operations with multiple eyelet sizes and materials.
Eyelet transfer press machines automate the feeding and positioning process, allowing for faster cycle times and more consistent placement across high-volume runs. They are best suited for dedicated production lines where the same eyelet configuration is applied repeatedly at scale.
For most small to mid-sized shops, a standard eyeletter with a capacity feeder provides a practical balance of speed and flexibility. Larger facilities with dedicated product lines benefit most from transfer press machines.
What to Look for When Buying Eyeletters
Selecting the right eyeletter requires matching the machine’s capabilities to your specific materials, eyelet sizes, and production demands. Here are the key factors to evaluate:
Throat Depth: Throat depth determines how far from the edge of a material an eyelet can be inserted. A deeper throat allows for more placement flexibility, particularly for larger panels or centered applications. Common throat depths range from 6 to 14 inches, so confirm that the machine you’re considering can reach the areas of your workpiece where eyelets are needed.
Eyelet Size Range: Different machines are configured for specific eyelet sizes and may require tooling changes to accommodate different diameters. Verify that the machine supports the eyelet sizes you use most frequently and that replacement or interchangeable tooling is available.
Drive Type: Eyeletters are typically foot-pedal, palm-pedal, or motor-driven. Foot-pedal and palm-pedal machines give the operator direct control over each cycle, which is useful for varied or precision work. Motor-driven machines with automatic cycling are better suited for high-volume, repetitive production.
Power Requirements: Most bench and floor eyeletters operate on standard 110V power, which simplifies installation and reduces infrastructure requirements. Confirm power requirements before purchasing, especially for older used machines where electrical specs may vary.
Feeder Compatibility: If production volume is a priority, check whether the machine is compatible with or already equipped with an automatic or capacity feeder. Adding a feeder to an existing eyeletter can significantly improve throughput without requiring a full machine replacement.
Condition and Tooling: When purchasing used eyeletters, inspect the condition of the ram, die, and anvil tooling. Worn tooling leads to inconsistent eyelet setting and increased scrap rates. Confirm that replacement tooling is available for the machine’s make and model before committing to a purchase.
Applications for Eyeletters
Eyeletters are used across a broad range of industries wherever eyelets, grommets, or reinforced holes are required in materials.
Garment and Apparel Manufacturing: Eyeletters are a staple in apparel production for inserting eyelets into waistbands, belts, and decorative applications. Consistent, clean eyelet setting is important for both function and appearance in finished garments.
Footwear: In shoe and boot manufacturing, eyeletters are used to insert lace eyelets into uppers. High-volume footwear operations often use eyeletters with capacity feeders or transfer press machines to keep pace with production demands.
Canvas and Tarpaulin Goods: Manufacturers of tarps, awnings, tents, and covers rely on eyeletters to insert grommets along edges for tie-down and attachment points. Machines with larger throat depths and the ability to handle heavier materials are preferred in this segment.
Leather Goods: Saddle makers, bag manufacturers, and leather goods producers use eyeletters for both functional and decorative eyelet applications. Bench eyeletters are common in this category due to the craft-oriented nature of the work.
Industrial Webbing and Strapping: Eyeletters are used in the production of safety harnesses, cargo straps, and military webbing where reinforced fastener holes are required. These applications often demand consistent setting force and tight dimensional tolerances.
Signage and Display: Banner and signage manufacturers use eyeletters to insert grommets into vinyl and fabric banners for hanging and display mounting. High-volume sign shops often favor machines with feeders for efficient production.
Key Features of Eyeletters
Adjustable Setting Force: The ability to adjust the ram pressure or stroke ensures clean, consistent eyelet setting across different material thicknesses and eyelet sizes. Machines with adjustable force settings reduce material damage and improve finished quality.
Palm and Foot Pedal Controls: Dual control options give operators flexibility in how they actuate the machine, improving ergonomics and safety depending on how the workpiece is handled during insertion.
Finger Protectors and Safety Guards: Many eyeletter models include finger protectors or guards around the die area to reduce the risk of injury during operation. This is an important safety consideration, particularly in high-cycle production environments.
Rotary or Indexed Hoppers: Machines equipped with rotary hoppers or indexed feeding systems maintain a continuous supply of eyelets to the die, reducing manual loading time and improving consistency in high-volume runs.
Throat Clearance and Adjustability: Adjustable throat clearance allows the machine to accommodate different material thicknesses without requiring tooling changes, adding versatility for shops working with varied materials.
Accessories for Eyeletters
Replacement Tooling (Dies and Anvils): Dies and anvils wear over time and need periodic replacement to maintain consistent eyelet setting quality. Having spare tooling on hand for your specific eyelet sizes reduces downtime and keeps production running smoothly.
Capacity Feeders: A capacity feeder attaches to the eyeletter and automatically supplies eyelets to the die, dramatically reducing cycle time in high-volume applications. Many standard eyeletters can be retrofitted with feeder systems.
Bench Mounting Hardware: For bench-mounted eyeletters, proper mounting hardware ensures the machine is secure and stable during operation, reducing vibration and improving eyelet placement accuracy.
Material Guides and Jigs: Guides and positioning jigs help operators place eyelets consistently at the correct spacing and distance from the material edge. These are particularly useful in production environments where repeated, uniform eyelet patterns are required.
Eye Protection and PPE: Operators should wear safety glasses when running eyeletters, as metal fragments or misaligned eyelets can become projectiles. Proper personal protective equipment is essential in any production setting.
Tips for Finding Eyeletters on Surplus Record
Finding eyeletters on Surplus Record is straightforward. Use the search bar at the top of any page, type “eyeletters” and browse the available listings. You can also search for related categories like “eyelet transfer press” or search by manufacturer name to find specific makes and models. Use the location filter to narrow results to your region, and contact the seller directly for tooling details and machine condition information.
Top Manufacturers
Top eyeletter manufacturers available on Surplus Record include Chicago, Munro, National, Stimpson, and USM.
Looking to Buy an Eyeletter? Check Out Our Listings!
