Tarpaulin eyelets: types, uses and tips for choosing the right ones

Tarpaulin eyelets: types, uses and tips for choosing the right ones
September 23, 2026
Tarpaulin eyelets: types, uses and tips for choosing the right ones
Eyelets for tarpaulins: a complete guide to choosing, installing and crimping your eyelets
Reference guide — Créadhésif

Tarpaulin eyelets: choosing, installing and crimping the right equipment.

Eyelet types, dimensions, presses, dies and installation tips: the essential guidelines from Créadhésif to achieve clean and suitable finishes for your tarpaulins and banners.

Introduction
A small accessory, but an essential element of the finishing touch.

Whether for a sporting event, a cultural event, a commercial operation, or company signage, advertising banners are particularly effective communication tools. For easy installation, they generally need to be equipped with suitable fixing points.

This is precisely the role of tarpaulin eyelets. These small accessories reinforce the fixing areas and facilitate the attachment of a tarpaulin using tensioners, ropes, hooks or other fixing systems.

In this article, discover the different types of eyelets available, the criteria to consider when choosing them, the presses used for their installation and the steps to follow to obtain a clean finish.

Key points: The right choice depends on the type of substrate, the eyelet diameter, its material, the tarpaulin thickness, and the production volume. The press and die must also be compatible with the eyelet being used. Go to the memo →

What are the eyelets for tarpaulins used for?

Eyelets are small rings typically installed at the edges or around the perimeter of a tarpaulin. They create a reinforced opening that allows the support to be attached without directly pulling on the material.

Without eyelets, a tarpaulin can be more difficult to hang and is more likely to tear at stress points. Therefore, installing eyelets improves ease of installation and contributes to the tarpaulin's durability when they are correctly positioned and secured.

The main uses

  • Attaching advertising banners to a grid or fence.
  • Installation of banners at sporting or cultural events.
  • Hanging communication materials outdoors.
  • Installation of temporary signage on a stand or point of sale.
  • Installation of tarpaulins on a metal structure or frame.
  • Creation of promotional materials that are easy to remove and move.

What are the different types of carnations?

There are several types of eyelets for tarpaulins. The choice depends in particular on the material used, the desired look, the frequency of installation, and the equipment available for installation.

The metal eyelets

eyelets for tarpaulins and banners are commonly used to create strong and durable attachment points. They can be made of steel or brass, depending on the model.

They are particularly suitable for advertising banners, event banners, and displays intended for regular installation. Their metallic appearance can also provide a professional finish to the final product.

Plastic eyelets

Plastic eyelets offer another solution for creating attachment points on certain surfaces. They can be useful for projects requiring a lightweight solution or for certain customization applications.

They can be installed using suitable equipment, such as a manual press kit. It is important to check the compatibility between the eyelet diameter, the substrate, and the tool used.

How to choose eyelets for tarpaulins?

Several criteria must be taken into account before choosing eyelets for a tarpaulin or banner.

Criteria To be checked
Material Metal or plastic depending on the application and the level of resistance required.
Diameter Inner and outer diameters adapted to the fastening system and the press.
Thickness of the substrate Compatibility between the thickness of the tarpaulin and the chosen eyelet.
Frequency of use Occasional use, small series or regular production.
Equipment available Press and die compatible with the eyelet model.

① The eyelet material

Metal and plastic eyelets do not necessarily meet the same needs. Metal eyelets are often preferred for supports subjected to frequent handling or significant fastening stresses. Plastic eyelets may be suitable for certain more specific applications.

② The diameter of the eyelet

The inner diameter must be adequately suited to the fastening system used. It is also necessary to check that the outer diameter and the shape of the eyelet correspond to the installation tool.

An unsuitable eyelet can lead to poor fastening or an uneven crimp. Before ordering, therefore, check the dimensions indicated on the product page.

③ The thickness of the support

A thin tarpaulin and a thicker tarpaulin do not necessarily require the same adjustment or the same type of eyelet. The material must be able to be punched cleanly and held securely during crimping.

④ Frequency of use

For occasional projects, a manual solution may suffice. However, regular customization or larger-scale production may require a more user-friendly and faster press.

What type of press should be used to set eyelets?

The eyelet press allows you to position and crimp the eyelet onto the backing. It helps to achieve a uniform finish and reduces the handling required when preparing a tarpaulin.

The choice of press depends mainly on the production volume, the frequency of use and the level of comfort desired.

Need Solution
Some one-off achievements Manual eyelet press
Short, regular series Manual press adapted to your production pace
Larger production Semi-automatic eyelet press
Production requiring more comfort Semi-automatic machine adapted to the volume

The manual eyelet press

The manual eyelet press is a suitable solution for occasional needs, small series and users who wish to equip themselves gradually.

It allows you to attach eyelets without investing in a semi-automatic machine. It is particularly suitable for associations, freelancers, creators of communication materials, and workshops producing custom orders.

The semi-automatic eyelet press

For more regular use, a semi-automatic eyelet press can offer greater working comfort and facilitate the repetition of operations.

This type of equipment can be of interest to signage professionals, personalization workshops and companies that frequently produce tarpaulins or banners.

Why use a suitable crimping die?

The crimping die is an important component of the setting system. It ensures the retention and crimping of the eyelet according to the press model and the type of eyelet used.

An incompatible die can lead to incorrect positioning, incomplete crimping, or deformation of the eyelet. It is therefore essential to check the compatibility of accessories before starting your work.

Important note: don't just choose your press. Always check the compatibility between the eyelet + the die + the press + the thickness of the substrate.

How to properly attach an eyelet to a tarpaulin?

The installation of an eyelet must be carried out carefully in order to preserve the integrity of the support and to obtain a clean fixing.

  1. Position the eyelet. Mark the desired location on the tarpaulin, taking into account the fixing constraints.
  2. Prepare the surface. Ensure the area is clean, flat, and sufficiently clear to perform the installation.
  3. Puncture the tarpaulin if necessary. Use a tool suitable for the diameter of the eyelet.
  4. Place the eyelet and washer. Position the components according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
  5. Perform the crimping. Use a compatible press to properly secure the eyelet.
  6. Check the finish. Verify that the eyelet is correctly positioned, properly crimped, and that the backing has no tears around the fixing point.

To obtain a consistent result, it is recommended to maintain a consistent spacing between the different eyelets and to take into account the final installation method of the tarpaulin.

Where should eyelets be placed on a tarpaulin?

The placement of the eyelets depends on how the tarpaulin will be installed. A tarpaulin intended to be attached to a fence will not necessarily be prepared in the same way as a tarpaulin installed on a metal structure.

Situation Points to consider
Advertising banner Regular distribution of fixing points around the support.
Event banner Position the eyelets according to the tensioners or hooks used.
Fence or gate Adapt the fixing points to the available locations on the structure.
Metal structure Plan the fixing points according to the frame and its dimensions.
Temporary installation Opt for a fixing that is easily accessible and removable.
Tip: Before attaching the eyelets, always consider how the tarpaulin will actually be installed. The final fastening system should guide their positioning.

The most common mistakes

  • Choosing an eyelet without checking its diameter: the fixing system must be adapted to the inner diameter.
  • Using an incompatible die: this can cause poor crimping or deform the eyelet.
  • Do not take into account the thickness of the tarpaulin: the support must be compatible with the eyelet and the tool used.
  • Space the eyelets randomly: the distribution must correspond to the method of installing the tarpaulin.
  • Positioning an eyelet too close to the edge: a sufficient margin around the fixing point helps to preserve the support.
  • Choosing a press based solely on price: production volume and frequency of use must also be taken into account.
  • Do not check the compatibility of accessories: press, die and eyelet must work together.
  • Neglecting the final check: each eyelet must be checked after crimping.

The Créadhésif method in 5 questions

  1. What type of material should I use? Tarpaulin, banner, advertising display, or other compatible material?
  2. How am I going to secure my tarpaulin? Bungees, rope, hooks, clamps or a specific structure?
  3. Which eyelet should you use? Check the material, diameter and compatibility with the support.
  4. Which press should you use? Manual or semi-automatic press depending on your production volume.
  5. Which die should I use? Always check the compatibility between the eyelet, the die and the press.

The eyelet guide for tarpaulins

Here are the main elements to check before starting your production.

Element To be checked
Support Tarpaulin type, material and thickness
Eyelet Material, diameter and dimensions
Fixing Rope, tensioner, hook, collar or other system
Press Manual or semi-automatic depending on the volume
Matrix Compatible with eyelets and presses
Positioning Distance from the edge and distribution of fixing points
Finishing Eyelet properly set and backing not torn

What materials do you need for your tarpaulin project?

Your need Solution to consider
Create attachment points on a banner Eyelets suitable for tarpaulins and banners
To produce a few tarpaulins occasionally Manual eyelet press
Regularly produce custom tarpaulins Semi-automatic eyelet press
Replacing a crimping accessory Matrix compatible with the press used
Customize an existing tarpaulin Special adhesive vinyl for tarpaulins, depending on the compatibility of the substrate
Create a complete custom tarpaulin Tarpaulins and tarpaulin accessories

To go further

Conclusion

Although often considered mere accessories, eyelets play an important role in the preparation and installation of an advertising banner. They facilitate the attachment of the banner and contribute to the quality of its finish.

To make the right choice, consider the type of tarpaulin, the material of the eyelet, its diameter, the thickness of the support and the frequency with which you will need to install it.

The most reliable method remains the same:

Measure → choose the eyelet → check compatibility → crimp → inspect

Whether you are a signage professional, printer, creator of event materials or occasional user, Créadhésif offers various solutions for preparing your tarpaulins and banners.

FAQ: Eyelets and tarpaulins

Why put eyelets on a tarpaulin?

The eyelets allow for the creation of reinforced attachment points to make it easier to hang a tarpaulin or banner.

What type of eyelet should I choose for an advertising banner?

The choice depends on the substrate, the intended use, the required level of resistance, and the available mounting system. Metal eyelets are particularly useful for many tarpaulin and banner projects.

Which press should I choose for a small production run?

A manual press may be suitable for occasional use or small production runs. For larger volumes, a semi-automatic press may be considered.

Are all eyelets compatible with all presses?

No. It is necessary to check the compatibility between the eyelet, the crimping die and the press used.

Can eyelets be fitted to all tarpaulins?

The possibility of installing eyelets depends in particular on the material, thickness, and structure of the support. It is advisable to check the compatibility of the materials before starting.

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