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Does anyone have any experience with using the metal grommet kits on canvas or similar material? I'm thinking of making a replacement Bimini for my Outrage, and the grommet kit is the only variable. I'm not sure if some kits have a better reputation than others, and have seen an off the shelf kit tried once with less than impressive results. Thanks in advance.

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I have made covers out of sunbrella fabric using a grommet kit. I also made a bimini for my sailboat. There is a big difference in the grommet kits and you should use spur grommets. This info comes from a great little book titled "Canvaswork & Sail Repair" by Don Casey and published by International Marine, Camden, Maine. In this book, Casey says "Durable grommet installation (spur grommets) requires a hole cutter and a good quality die set. Except for the lightest duty use avoid the cheap die sets sold in washer grommet kits at hardware stores and marine outlets; you want a die set appropriate for spur grommets."

The book also has a great chapter on making a bimini with details on how to make a bender that will work on stainless steel tubing. If you want I will email those pages to you as jpg attachments. Just provide me with an email address.

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Thanks for the information Henry, very much appreciated! I have the bimini frame already on my boat, the canvas has just seen better days. And judging by the radius of the corners on the old canvas, it was a home made job (so I figure I can do at least as good if not a bit better!). Do you remember the brand of the kit you used? I'll send you a PM with my EM to avoid SPAM.

Dave

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Here is a pic of the tool and the spur grommet. the tool is made by C.S. Osborne.

[IMG]http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa230/enriquedlp/grommettool003resized.jpg[/IMG]

The pic came out blurry again. My camera doesn't do close ups very well.

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Thanks Henry. So you purchased that tool separately from the grommets? BTW, is that a hole cutter too in the canvas or just the joining press? If it worked OK for you, I'll search it out and order one. Cheers,

Dave