Steel Eyelets
Steel eyelets, also known as iron metal grommets or steel sheet eyelets, are metal hole-reinforcement components used in bags, shoes, leather goods, files, shoe boxes, labels, cardboard packaging, craft projects and textile applications. They support the edge of a prepared hole and create a cleaner passage for cords, laces, fixing components or ventilation openings.
The E-Buttons steel eyelets category is designed for footwear producers, bag makers, cardboard packaging suppliers, file and folder manufacturers, label producers, craft users and textile accessory buyers. Depending on the application, buyers can compare small garment eyelets, curved steel eyelets, long-barrel eyelets and larger file or shoe box eyelets.
What Are Steel Eyelets?
A steel eyelet is installed around a prepared hole in fabric, leather, cardboard, shoe upper, bag material, label material or textile surface. Depending on the model, it may be used with a plastic washer, metal washer or as a single-piece capsule structure.
Inner diameter determines the passage size. Outer diameter affects visible surface coverage. Barrel height affects compatibility with material thickness. Washer type and setting die compatibility affect how the eyelet sits on the surface after installation.
Types of Steel Eyelets
| Eyelet Type |
Typical Application |
Selection Tip |
| Curved Steel Eyelets |
Bags, shoes, garments, accessories and craft projects |
Useful when a rounded metal look is preferred. |
| Long-Barrel Steel Eyelets |
Leather goods, cardboard, thicker textiles, bags and multilayer surfaces |
Barrel height should be matched with material thickness. |
| File and Shoe Box Eyelets |
Files, folders, cardboard packaging, shoe boxes and ventilation holes |
Single-piece capsule structure and cardboard thickness should be checked together. |
| Standard Steel Sheet Eyelets |
Garments, shoes, bags, labels, leather goods, textiles and accessories |
Inner diameter, washer structure and setting die compatibility should be checked by product. |
How to Choose Steel Eyelet Size
Steel eyelet size should be selected according to the cord, lace, cardboard opening, ventilation requirement or fastening component that will pass through the hole. Small sizes are useful for labels, textiles, shoes, leather goods and accessories. Larger sizes can be evaluated for bags, thick surfaces, files, folders, shoe boxes and cardboard packaging.
| Size Group |
Approx. Inner Diameter |
Typical Application |
Selection Tip |
| No 17 |
3.5 mm / 0.14 in |
Labels, small accessories, fine cords, textiles and craft products |
Hole preparation and setting die compatibility are important on compact surfaces. |
| No 2 |
4.5 mm - 7.3 mm / 0.18 in - 0.29 in |
Bags, shoes, leather goods, labels, cardboard, garments and craft applications |
Standard and long-barrel models should be checked separately. |
| No 3 |
5 mm - 5.3 mm / 0.20 in - 0.21 in |
Textiles, bags, shoes, leather goods and accessory applications |
Extra-long models should be matched with material thickness. |
| No 4 - No 5 |
6 mm - 7 mm class / 0.24 in - 0.28 in class |
Bags, shoes, textiles, leather goods and craft projects |
Can be evaluated for small-to-medium cord and lace passages. |
| No 24 - No 31 |
9.3 mm - 17.3 mm / 0.37 in - 0.68 in |
Bags, thicker textiles, leather goods, technical surfaces and fastening points |
Large sizes require correct hole preparation and controlled pressing. |
| 20 mm - 23 mm File Eyelets |
20 mm - 23 mm / 0.79 in - 0.91 in |
Files, folders, cardboard packaging, shoe boxes, boxes and ventilation holes |
Single-piece capsule structure, cardboard thickness and hole size should be checked together. |
Application Areas
- Shoes, bags, leather goods, belts, labels and textile accessories
- Garments, shirts, blouses, workwear, craft projects and decorative textiles
- Files, folders, cardboard packaging, shoe boxes and box ventilation points
- Bag flaps, lace holes, cord passages and fastening points
- Practical textile and accessory applications requiring a metal eyelet finish
Steel Eyelets and Other Eyelet Materials
Steel eyelets can be selected for standard metal eyelet applications, cardboard products, files, shoe boxes, bags, shoes, labels and craft projects. Brass eyelet capsules can be selected for decorative finish and metal trim appearance. Stainless eyelet capsules can be selected for outdoor and technical textile applications. Aluminum and galvanized eyelets can be evaluated for tarpaulin, awning, banner and larger fastening-point applications.
Colour and Finish Options
Steel eyelets may be available in free nickel, black nickel, gold, antique brass and gun metal finishes depending on the product model. Free nickel can support a clean metal look. Black nickel and gun metal are useful for darker surfaces. Gold and antique brass can create a more decorative appearance on bags, accessories and special design products.
Washer, Hole Cutting and Setting Die Compatibility
Steel eyelet installation depends on the eyelet capsule, prepared hole, washer structure and compatible setting die. Some products may use plastic washers, some may use metal washers and some may be installed as single-piece capsules. Hole size, material thickness and barrel height should be evaluated together before production.
For compatible molds and dies, check the grommet dies and setting tools category. For hole preparation, grommet punching dies can be evaluated. For a broader product comparison, visit the eyelets and grommets category.
Related Eyelet Categories
For decorative garment and leather applications, brass eyelet capsules can be compared. For outdoor and technical textile projects, stainless eyelet capsules, aluminum eyelets and galvanized eyelets may also be evaluated according to project type.
Wholesale and Retail Steel Eyelets
E-Buttons offers steel eyelets for footwear producers, bag makers, file and folder manufacturers, cardboard packaging suppliers, label producers, craft users and textile accessory buyers. When buying wholesale steel eyelets, size consistency, finish continuity, washer compatibility, setting die availability and repeat supply should also be reviewed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are steel eyelets?
Steel eyelets are iron metal hole-reinforcement components installed around prepared holes in fabric, leather, cardboard, shoes, bags, labels, files and textile products.
Where are steel eyelets used?
They can be used in shoes, bags, leather goods, garments, labels, files, folders, shoe boxes, cardboard packaging, craft projects and textile applications.
Do steel eyelets require washers?
Washer use depends on the product model. Some steel eyelets may be used with plastic or metal washers, while some file and shoe box eyelets may be installed as single-piece capsules.
Do steel eyelets require setting dies?
Yes. Steel eyelets should be installed with a setting die that matches the eyelet size, barrel height, washer structure and application surface.
Where are 20 mm and 23 mm file eyelets used?
20 mm and 23 mm file eyelets can be used in files, folders, cardboard packaging, shoe boxes, boxes and ventilation-hole applications.
E-Buttons Steel Eyelets Category
In the E-Buttons steel eyelets category, buyers can compare small garment eyelets, bag eyelets, shoe eyelets, long-barrel eyelets, file eyelets and shoe box eyelets in different sizes, finishes and pack quantities. With the correct size, washer structure, hole preparation and compatible setting die, steel eyelets can create clean and practical fastening points.