Grommet attachment

[ProfessorM]

Here is a couple chart's that should help you all at one time or another.
http://internetwoodworking.com/w5/equivs.html
http://www.newmantools.com/decinch.htm
MM conversion chart too. Simple formula is the mm is multiplied by .03937, which is constant. Thus 8mm x .03937 = .31496, pretty close to 5/16.
I use a letter "I " drill for the .273 grommets and I use an 11/32 for the larger grommets. They fit snug. I sometimes have to take an exacto knife to clean out the paint and sealer as the hole once and a while will be too snug but not a real problem and easy to fix. The only problem is the they are not forstner bits which most like to use, but my drilling set up is probably different than most. Might not be what people are looking for, but the charts are worth knowing.

[NIB]

Snap ring pliers or any pliers that open out are correct..
Can't do pics..
If I had to decribe em I would say when I am done grinding they look like a T on top of a triangle.I< kinda like that from the side..If u get the angle right it holds the grommet down as u apply pressure then when u squeeze the pliers they punch the inside wall of the grommet out an it makes 2 little holes. The metal that puhes out goes into the wood an holds the grommet..of course this in conjunction with a tight hole is a good thing..

[Woodbuster]

Originally Posted by NIB

Snap ring pliers or any pliers that open out are correct..

I have a pair that converts for both interior and exterior snap rings but they dont look like they would exert enough pressure to make a divot in the grommet collar.

[Diamond Tackle]

Not to argue or disagree with any of the above posts,but IMO I would NOT suggets piercing wood that has been sealed, primed & painted, etc ESP around the grommet holes. This is just an invitaion for water intrusion.You would not put pin holes in the body of the plug after sealing would you ?
Simply epoxy them in place, if they are recessed just a dab of epoxy is all it takes on the flat spot, or under the rolled flange, this is not rocket science. You also dont need a very tight fit cause the epoxy needs a place to go.
just my .02

[Woodbuster]

Originally Posted by Tinman

Not to argue or disagree with any of the above posts,but IMO I would NOT suggets piercing wood that has been sealed, primed & painted, etc ESP around the grommet holes. This is just an invitaion for water intrusion.You would not put pin holes in the body of the plug after sealing would you ?

Tinman,
I agree that piercing the wood is not a good thing but if I understand correctly the described procedure does not pierce the sealer or the primer. I think it just dimples the collar of the grommet into the wood and makes kind of a mechanical connection similar to crimping a wire connector without solder.

[thefishingfreak]

try to get the gromets out of an old CCBC just like Nib said.

[NIB]

recessing em is a nice look.it's also another step.The problem is when u epoxy em they are only sticking to the paint.If u use a water base paint an set the grommet prior to the finish epoxy coat They can let go.I feel better with some kinda mechanical bond even if it does make a small hole for water to get in.. OMG....