Although tarpaulins are, quite simply, sheets of canvas or plastic, there are other components to them. Without these, you would be unable to use them.
Tarpaulin eyelets or ‘grommets’
Eyelets and grommets are small devices, very similar to each other, that are used to strengthen a hole made in a fabric.
Tarpaulins can be tied down through use of eyelets/grommets positioned around the edge of the sheet.
They can be made from a variety of different metals, and sometimes even plastic.
Many tarpaulins will come with eyelets/grommets already attached, however they can be bought separately to replace broken ones or to allow users to add extra eyelets to their tarpaulin.
There is no universal standard as to how many eyelets/grommets will be on a tarpaulin or how far they will be spaced apart, although common spacings are around 50cm-1m
What do eyelets/grommets do?
When securing a tarpaulin in place, the fastenings (see below) are fed through the eyelets/grommets around the sides of the tarpaulin.
The eyelets/grommets strengthen the holes and help to prevent them from breaking.
Grommets
The grommet is usually the larger of the two, made up of two pieces, with a “washer” that secures it in place.
Grommets are generally used for more practical applications, such as on tarpaulins…
…whereas eyelets are used where appearance is a more important factor, such as on clothing.
Eyelets
Eyelets are smaller and usually come with a longer central column (or “shank”). They may come as a single piece rather than with a washer.
When eyelets are struck with a hammer, the shank splits open to secure the eyelet in place.
Spur grommets
There are also “spur grommets”, which have a series of teeth that grip onto the material, helping to prevent the grommet coming loose over time.
Reinforced eyelets or grommets
Some tarpaulins may come with “reinforced corner” eyelets/grommets.
This simply means that the corners of the tarpaulin have been given a plastic layer in order to make the eyelets/grommets there more robust.
It is important to note that although a tarpaulin may be marketed as being “heavy duty”, this may not apply to the eyelets, so care should be taken when using them.
Eyelet clips
In addition, it is possible to buy eyelet clips which simply clip onto the tarpaulin to act as fixing points and can be added or removed as needed.
Tarpaulin fastenings
Polypropylene rope
Polypropylene rope is frequently used to fasten tarps into place, due to the fact that, unlike ordinary rope, it has water-resistant properties.
In addition to rope, other fastenings can be used to tie down a tarpaulin.
Bungee cord
Bungee cord (also called “shock cord”), is also used to tie down tarpaulins and prevent them from moving.
Bungee cord will stretch however, and is not as rigid as rope.
Similar devices include rubber tarp straps (see left) and ratchet straps, which are used in the haulage industry.
Rubber tarp straps are slightly different to bungee cord in that they don’t have a covering which prevents overstretching.
Ratchet straps come in two pieces, one of which has the ratchet device attached.
However, they may cut into the item(s) they are holding down if pulled too tightly, as they are not elasticated.
Ball bungees
Ball bungees are elasticated loops with a ball attached to one end.
Once attached, ball bungees will secure the tarpaulin in place.
Anchor guys
There are also anchor guys, which, because they are elasticated, are able to fit through eyelets. They can then be used as fastening points.
Can tarpaulin eyelets become damaged?
It is possible for eyelets to break should the tarpaulin be placed under too much strain.
This may happen if the wind manages to lift up the tarpaulin from underneath.
Using every eyelet on the tarp and tying rope over the top helps to prevent this from happening.
Using bungee cord can also decrease the strain on eyelets.
The eyelets can also be placed under strain if suspending the tarpaulin. Under these circumstances, it is advised not to simply suspend the tarpaulin from the eyelets alone, but rather to use additional fasteners as well.
Are there different tarpaulin eyelet and fastener sizes?
It is important to note that eyelets and fasteners are available in different sizes and diameters, so it’s handy to know how big your eyelets are before buying fasteners.
You may wish to contact the manufacturer to ask which fasteners they recommend using on their tarpaulins.
Tarpaulin hems
When a tarpaulin is made, as with other fabric garments such as clothing, the edges of the tarpaulin are hemmed.
Hems need to be robust as this is the part where the eyelets and other fasteners such as clips will be placed.
Tarpaulin seams
When making something like a tarpaulin, the designers may be required to join multiple pieces of material together to make a larger finished product. The points at which these different pieces of material are joined are called seams.
Heat sealing a tarpaulin
Heat sealing the hem of a tarpaulin creates an incredibly strong seal, which may be reinforced with rope or cord to allow for extra strength. The heat sealing process also protects the hem from liquids.
Seams are often subjected to the same heat sealing process.
However, the process of heat sealing does not render the seams impervious to water and they may still break if enough water pressure is applied.
This can happen to eyelets as well.
As a result, it is advised that a tarpaulin is set up in such a way that prevents water from collecting in this manner.