Truck Tarpaulin Grommets No. 66 – Sizes, Washers and Fitting

Polkom
Truck Tarpaulin Grommets No. 66 – Sizes, Washers and Fitting

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.

CodeTypeDHdMTMaterial
KT-01brass eyelet62.2939.60.35brass
KT-02brass eyelet6211390.35brass
KT-03washer (plain)63242.150.35–0.40brass
KT-04toothed washer63242.150.35–0.40brass
KT-05galvanised eyelet62.151338.26–galvanised steel
KT-06galvanised washer62.87242–galvanised steel
KT-07galvanised oval eyelet60 × 4011––galvanised steel
KT-08galvanised oval washer60 × 402––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.

WasherCodeHow it worksWhen to choose it
PlainKT-03, KT-06presses the material evenly over the whole areadense textiles, curtains, tarpaulins with a textile base
ToothedKT-04the teeth bite into the material and prevent the eyelet from rotating and slippingsmooth PVC tarpaulins, awnings, advertising banners, places under constant tension
OvalKT-08follows the shape of the oval eyelet KT-07only 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

  1. Reinforce the edge of the tarpaulin – a double hem or welded PVC strip in the grommet area.
  2. 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.
  3. Place the eyelet on the face side and the washer on the reverse – with KT-04 the teeth point towards the material.
  4. 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.
  5. Check that the shank is rolled evenly around the whole circumference and that there are no cracks.

Common fitting problems

ProblemCauseSolution
The shank splitstoo strong a blow, worn diea lighter blow, a new die, a lower shank
The shank does not roll over completelythe edge is thicker than intendedKT-02 or KT-05 with a higher shank
The grommet tears out in the windthe hole is too large, the edge is not reinforceda smaller hole, a reinforcing hem, a toothed washer
The eyelet rotates in the PVCplain washer on a slippery materialtoothed 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.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a grommet and an eyelet?
Essentially there is no difference – both mean a metal ring with a washer that reinforces a hole in the material. “Grommet” usually refers to the large eyelets for tarpaulins, awnings and curtains, and “eyelet” to the smaller ones for clothing, footwear and bags. The No. 66 grommets of the KT series are the largest size in our catalogue.
What are No. 66 grommets fitted with?
With a lever press or pneumatic press and a die made specifically for No. 66 and the matching washer. The hole in the tarpaulin is punched beforehand with a hole punch. Hand eyelet pliers are not suitable for this size, because they cannot roll over a shank with a diameter of about 40 mm evenly.
Why do grommets rotate in a PVC tarpaulin?
The most common cause is a plain washer on a slippery PVC material. With vibration while driving, the eyelet rotates and wears the fabric around the hole. The solution is a toothed washer, such as KT-04, which grips the material, together with a reinforced edge and a hole that is not larger than the shank.
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