Truck tarpaulin grommets No. 66 are large metal eyelets with an outer diameter of about 62–63 mm and an inner hole of about 38–40 mm, fitted with a separate washer – plain or toothed. The rope, elastic cord or hooks that secure the tarpaulin to the trailer frame pass through them. They are available round in brass or galvanised steel, and oval at 60 × 40 mm.
This article brings together all the articles of the KT series with their exact sizes, the difference between a plain washer and a toothed washer, and how to fit truck tarpaulin grommets correctly so that they do not tear out under wind and tension.
What No. 66 means
“No. 66” is a trade size number, not a diameter in millimetres. Different manufacturers use their own numbers, so when ordering always compare the actual dimensions: the outer flange diameter (D), the inner hole (d), the shank height (H) and the material thickness (MT). For No. 66 grommets, these values are the largest in our entire range of eyelets – they are designed for PVC tarpaulins, technical textiles and heavy curtains.
Truck tarpaulin grommets No. 66 – full table
All dimensions are in mm. For oval models, D is length × width.
| Code | Type | D | H | d | MT | Material |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KT-01 | brass eyelet | 62.2 | 9 | 39.6 | 0.35 | brass |
| KT-02 | brass eyelet | 62 | 11 | 39 | 0.35 | brass |
| KT-03 | washer (plain) | 63 | 2 | 42.15 | 0.35–0.40 | brass |
| KT-04 | toothed washer | 63 | 2 | 42.15 | 0.35–0.40 | brass |
| KT-05 | galvanised eyelet | 62.15 | 13 | 38.26 | – | galvanised steel |
| KT-06 | galvanised washer | 62.87 | 2 | 42 | – | galvanised steel |
| KT-07 | galvanised oval eyelet | 60 × 40 | 11 | – | – | galvanised steel |
| KT-08 | galvanised oval washer | 60 × 40 | 2 | – | – | galvanised steel |
Pay attention to the shank height: KT-01 has H 9 mm, KT-02 11 mm, and the galvanised KT-05 13 mm. The thicker the edge of the tarpaulin (double hem, inserted webbing, welded PVC), the higher the shank needs to be in order to roll over completely.
Plain washer or toothed washer
The washer is placed on the reverse side and the shank of the eyelet is rolled over onto it. The choice between the two types depends mainly on the material.
| Washer | Code | How it works | When to choose it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plain | KT-03, KT-06 | presses the material evenly over the whole area | dense textiles, curtains, tarpaulins with a textile base |
| Toothed | KT-04 | the teeth bite into the material and prevent the eyelet from rotating and slipping | smooth PVC tarpaulins, awnings, advertising banners, places under constant tension |
| Oval | KT-08 | follows the shape of the oval eyelet KT-07 | only in combination with KT-07 |
For PVC truck tarpaulins, the toothed washer is the safer solution: with vibration while driving, a plain washer can allow the eyelet to rotate and thus wear the material around the hole.
Round or oval grommets
The round grommets KT-01, KT-02 and KT-05 are the standard for ropes and elastic cords with a round cross-section. The oval eyelet KT-07 (60 × 40 mm) is suitable when a flat strap or tie-down webbing passes through the hole, or when the tarpaulin is hooked onto narrow metal hooks. The elongated hole distributes the load more evenly and the webbing does not fold.
Brass or galvanised steel
- Galvanised steel (KT-05 to KT-08) – strong and widely used for tarpaulins on trucks, trailers and temporary covers on land.
- Brass (KT-01 to KT-04) – does not rust, so it is preferred for products exposed to constant moisture: awnings, sunshades, boat covers. Read more about marine products in the article on eyelets for yachts and marine covers.
Do not combine a brass eyelet with a galvanised washer – different metals corrode faster at the point of contact in a damp environment.
How No. 66 grommets are fitted
- Reinforce the edge of the tarpaulin – a double hem or welded PVC strip in the grommet area.
- Punch the hole beforehand with a hole punch. The hole must not be larger than the shank – otherwise the eyelet will tear out under tension.
- Place the eyelet on the face side and the washer on the reverse – with KT-04 the teeth point towards the material.
- Roll over the shank with a die made specifically for No. 66 on a lever press or pneumatic press. Hand pliers are not suitable for this size.
- Check that the shank is rolled evenly around the whole circumference and that there are no cracks.
Common fitting problems
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The shank splits | too strong a blow, worn die | a lighter blow, a new die, a lower shank |
| The shank does not roll over completely | the edge is thicker than intended | KT-02 or KT-05 with a higher shank |
| The grommet tears out in the wind | the hole is too large, the edge is not reinforced | a smaller hole, a reinforcing hem, a toothed washer |
| The eyelet rotates in the PVC | plain washer on a slippery material | toothed washer KT-04 |
The full table of problems and solutions for all series is in the Common fitting problems section.
Grommets with logo
For selected sizes of the KT series, a logo or lettering can be embossed on the flange – a good way for hauliers and awning manufacturers to mark their products. See the options on the Branding page. Cords for tensioning are often ordered together with the grommets.
Tarpaulin grommets from Polkom
Polkom is a Bulgarian manufacturer based in Sofia with over 30 years of experience. We offer No. 66 grommets in brass and galvanised steel, round and oval, with a plain or toothed washer, made to order and with a logo, with delivery throughout Europe. Send an inquiry with the type of tarpaulin and the thickness of the edge – we will suggest the exact article and samples.














