Whenever you are looking for custom yard sign providers online, you often come across the word “grommets.” What is a grommet, exactly? Why is it important for yard signs?

This quick reference guide shares everything you need to know about grommets for yard signs, from their physical characteristics to installation and maintenance. 

Whether you are a business owner, event organizer, or simply looking to create a durable yard sign, this guide equips you with the knowledge you need to effectively incorporate grommets into your signage.

What is a Grommet on a Yard Sign?

Grommets are small rings that are inserted into the holes on the edges of yard signs. By reinforcing the holes, the grommets provide a secure and durable point for attaching the yard signs to fences, poles, stakes, and other supporting structures. 

They also protect the edges from wear and tear. The additional durability from grommets makes yard signs more stable and resistant to rough handling and harsh weather conditions.

At Yard Sign Plus, you can create custom yard signs equipped with grommets. This reinforcement ensures your yard signs are not easily blown away by strong winds or knocked over by passersby.

Benefits of Grommets on Yard Signs

Not all yard sign providers include grommets in their yard signs. This is not necessarily a bad thing, especially when you don’t really need them. For example, if you plan to display on a solid surface using adhesives and nails, grommets may not be necessary.

However, grommets in custom signage make your display options more flexible. Here are the benefits of grommets in your signs.

Versatility

With grommets, you can display your signs anywhere you want. You can hang them on fences, mount them on poles, or stake them into the ground. At Yard Sign Plus, you can order wire stakes for your customized signs.

This versatility lets you choose display locations more effectively, maximizing signage impact and visibility.

Stability

By securing your signs through these small metal rings, you can maintain your sign’s position and ensure it is consistently visible to passersby. This is particularly crucial in windy conditions, where unsecured signs can be blown away, negatively affecting your advertising efforts.

Prevent your signs from tearing and dislodging by providing a stable attachment point via grommets.

Durability

Grommets reinforce the mounting holes of your banners, extending their lifespan. By distributing stress evenly, these small metal rings reduce the risk of damage. This incredible durability ensures your banners withstand harsh weather conditions, such as heavy rains and high winds.

At Yard Sign Plus, our yard signs are made from weather-resistant corrugated plastic, making your signs even more durable.

Professional Appearance

Because of their durability and stability, your signs look well-maintained. This reflects a positive brand, especially if you are advertising your business or campaigning for a political candidate.

At Yard Sign Plus, we have business ad sign templates and political campaign sign templates you can customize. You can also use them on their own because they already look professional.

Ease of Installation

There is a reason why you see small metal rings everywhere. You can see them on shower curtains so you can hang them on rods easily, on trampolines so you can secure them on the base firmly, and more.

Grommets make yard sign installation straightforward. You can use ropes, stakes, and zip ties to display your message within a few minutes. There is no need to use adhesives, nails, and screws that can ruin walls and other display surfaces.

How to Add Grommets to Yard Signs

At Yard Sign Plus, our yard signs are equipped with ⅜ inch grommets for a hassle-free advertising experience. You don’t need to add grommets on your own. Simply select the grommet placement while you are making an order. You can choose to have the grommets at the top center, top corners, or four corners, or have no grommets at all.

If your signs and banners don’t have grommets, here is a step-by-step guide for adding the small metal rings to your signage.

Step 1 - Find the Right Size

Properly sized grommets give the most benefits. If you use improperly sized grommets, you can reduce your sign’s durability, stability, and professional appearance. Choose the right grommet sizes to maximize the longevity and performance of your signs and banners.

1. Assess Sign Material Thickness: Thicker yard signs require larger grommets. For example, a corrugated plastic sign may require a ⅜-inch grommet, while a thinner vinyl banner may require a ¼-inch grommet.

2. Determine Hole Diameter: Measure the banner hole and match it with the inner diameter of your metal grommet. For instance, if your vinyl banner has a ¼-inch hole, use a metal grommet with a ¼-inch interior diameter for a perfect fit.

3. Consider Application and Load: Evaluate the weight and tension the signage will endure. For instance, if you are printing a large billboard, you may need ½-inch grommets.

4. Factor in Environmental Conditions: Use larger grommet sizes for harsh weather conditions. For example, if you are displaying a vinyl banner in a coastal area, try larger diameters to withstand high winds.

5. Think About the Visual Impact: Choose a size that is not too intrusive to your design. For example, if you are planning to display a sleek real estate sign, it may look best with small, ⅛ inch metal grommets.

6. Combine All the Factors: Balance all the factors above (material thickness, hole diameter, application and load, environmental condition, and visual impact) to find the perfect size for your metal grommets.

Step 2 - Plan Your Grommet Placements

Thoughtfully planning where to put grommets ensures that your signs remain firmly in place, even in adverse weather conditions. Consider the banner size, shape, and mounting method to ensure the overall effectiveness and longevity of your banners.

1. Determine the Number of Banner Grommets: For signs up to 2 feet, one grommet for each corner is enough. For signs up to 4 feet, add four more grommets along the edges for extra support. Large signs over 4 feet want grommets every 18 to 24 inches to distribute the weight evenly.

2. Calculate the Spacing Between the Metal Rings: The standard spacing is 18 to 24 inches. However, if you expect your banners to experience high winds, you can reduce the spacing to 12 to 18 inches for more stability.

3. Measure Edge Distance: To secure a strong hold, place the grommets about 1 inch from the edge of the banners.

4. Plan Based on Shape and Orientation: At Yard Sign Plus, you can choose different orientations and shapes for your banners, including square, rectangular, and circular. Place grommets in corners for more balance and support. For irregular shapes, place the banner grommets on the widest points along the edges.

5. Consider the Mounting Method: For hanging banners, make sure you have grommets on the top corners and along the top edges for proper weight distribution. For staked yard signs, place the metal rings along the sides where the stakes are to be inserted.

6. Double-check the Placement: Review whether the grommets properly distribute the weight of your signage. Based on the factors above, make changes.

Step 3 - Install the Grommets

Install grommets properly to ensure their durability and professional appearance. You need installation tools, accurate markings, and patience. You don’t need an industrial grommet machine for punching holes and securing metal grommets on your signs and banners. Hand tools such as hammers are sufficient. Just make sure to work on a sturdy surface.

1. Gather Your Tools and Materials: Prepare your appropriately sized grommets, hole punch, grommet press, ruler, and marker.

2. Mark the Grommet Locations: Use a ruler to determine the grommet locations and use a marker to mark them. Ensure the marks are aligned and evenly spaced for more professional-looking signage.

3. Punch the Holes: Align the hole punch with the marked spots and press down firmly. This punches a hole in your banner for a grommet.

4. Insert the Grommets: From the front of the banner, insert the eyelet of the grommet into the hole. From the back of the banner, insert the washer.

5. Secure the Metal Rings: Position your grommet press in the eyelet and washer and pull the lever to secure them together. Be careful not to damage the surrounding material.

6. Repeat for All Marked Locations: Continue the process for each marked spot on your banner. Always double-check placements to ensure consistency and durability.

Step 4 - Reach out to a Custom Yard Sign Provider

You can install grommets on your own, but it can be too time-consuming and tiring. Let your custom yard sign provider add the grommets for you. This won’t just save you time and effort. This can also lead to a more durable and professional-looking finish.

Here at Yard Sign Plus, we offer multiple options for grommets for all of our custom yard signs. Opt for single, double or four corner grommets during the design process with us. Check out our custom 18"x24" custom yard sign template to explore the range of customizable options available.