How To Remove Metal Eyelets From Curtains?

Don't know how to remove metal eyelets from your curtains? You've come to the right post! We've researched and gathered all the methods that can help you with your problem.

You can remove your curtain's metal eyelets with the following methods:

• Method 1: Using a dead blow hammer, flat screwdriver, and wood plank.
• Method 2: Using a drill.
• Method 3: Using a flat screwdriver only.

In this article, we will elaborate on each method of removing metal eyelets. We'll also share how to attach these eyelets back to your curtain, considerations for choosing eyelets, and more. So keep on reading.

Eyelets: A Fabric Reinforcer 

An eyelet is a ring with flanges that are used to reinforce or strengthen holes punched in thin fabrics. It is a smaller version of the larger grommet, which is used for heavier-duty materials and has a bigger size.

Eyelets are used to reinforce holes or shield objects from the sharp edges of holes. These devices frequently use fabrics, sheet metal, and other thin fibrous materials. Without eyelets, thinner textiles are more prone to breaking, but an eyelet helps prevent abrasion and other damage.

What Materials Used To Make Eyelets?

Aluminum, steel, and brass are just a few of the metals used to make eyelets, which are each described below.

1. Aluminum

When basic raw aluminum is pressed and rolled into a panel shape under intense pressure, aluminum sheets are created, which are then used to make aluminum eyelets.

Because it is so lightweight, thin sheet aluminum is a good material to use for eyelets.

2. Steel

In contrast to other forms of iron, steel is an iron alloy with a small amount of carbon added to increase strength and fracture resistance.

For corrosion and oxidation-resistant stainless steel, an additional 11% chromium is frequently added. Eyelets are frequently made of carbon steel and stainless steel, the latter of which is preferred.

3. Brass

Brass is a copper alloy that is frequently used as sheet metal. It is a better material for making eyelets than copper because it is corrosion-resistant, strong, and formable. It also has a shiny decorative appearance.

How To Remove Metal Eyelets From Curtains?

Metal eyelets frequently last a very long time, making removal challenging. However, you can disassemble and remove metal eyelets from your curtain with the aid of a few tools and a good dose of perseverance.

Here are specific methods or tools to quickly remove them from your curtain when it is necessary.

Method 1: Using A Dead Blow Hammer, Flat Screwdriver, & Wood Plank

You will require a few necessary tools for this method to remove the metal eyelets such as a wooden plank, a dead blow hammer, and a flathead screwdriver.

Check out this dead blow hammer on Amazon.

You can begin removing the eyelet once you have gathered all of these items. It is important to note that this method can be used to get rid of eyelets that are larger in size such as one on your curtain. The steps are:

1. Set the wooden plank down on the workbench or another sturdy surface.
2. Locate the washer side. Around the inner hole will be the beveled edge of the grommet rim. With this side up, place the grommet on the wood plank. 
3. Position the screwdriver so that it catches the groove created by the beveled edge with the flat head extending toward the center of the hole. 
4. Using the dead blow hammer, hit the beveled edge until it bends back into the grommet hole. 
5. Repeat around the edge of the bevel until most of the metal is bent back. 
6. Carefully pull the washer off of the material. 
7. Remove the underside of the eyelet.

For a visual demonstration of the process, a video on YouTube is shown below. The video may mention grommets but they don't have any differences in dismantling with eyelets as they are just almost the same. Same throughout the videos that will be shown to you below. 

Method 2: Using A Drill

This technique makes use of a drill bit and other electronic tools. This process is simple to carry out using the drill bit that is usually used for the fastener attachment.

Check out this drill on Amazon.

There is a limitation that needs to be considered. This method cannot be used to remove the eyelet, which is merely attached to the fabric. The drill bit will cause the eyelet to begin rotating. The following are the steps:

1. Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from any metal shavings.
2. Place the drill bit inside the rim.
3. Turn on the drill  with your hand
4. Start drilling or cutting around the inside rim.
5. While drilling, when you already see a little fabric of the curtain, move to the next spot around the rim and once you achieve 90%-100% of it, the eyelet will just pop off. 
6. Don't grab it with your hands because it's hot due to drilling. Instead, use pliers, a screwdriver or anything similar to remove it. 

A video tutorial is shown on YouTube below.

Method 3: Using A Flat Screwdriver Only

This is an additional approach to removing eyelets. There are eyelets that can easily be removed by a flat screwdriver alone through simple steps:

1. Place the eyelet on a flat surface.
2. Start prying open using the flat screwdriver around the sides of the eyelets.

Check out this flat screwdriver on Amazon.

To help you visualize the process, a video on Youtube is shown below.

How To Attach Metal Eyelets On Your Curtains?

When attaching the metal eyelets to your curtain, make sure you have a curtain eyelet punch tool to execute the steps successfully: 

1. Secure the setting-die in a wooden plank.
2. If your curtain doesn't have holes yet, then cut holes enough to fit the eyelets. If there are already holes, proceed to step 3. 
3. Place the shank of the eyelet on the setting die.
4. Insert the hole of the curtain's front side or face down into the shank of your eyelet. Stretch the curtains (usually more than one layer of fabric) until it sticks to the flange part.
5. Put the washer over the fabric layers. Make sure the washer portion of the eyelet is positioned correctly. To do this, put the part of the washer that has little knobs that stick facing down into the fabric.
6. Inset the hole punch on the eyelet placed on the setting die.
7. Slowly punch or hammer the hole punch enough to press the two die pieces together and crush the eyelet's shaft over the washer component. 
8. To finish, do the same to the remaining holes of your curtain. 

For the actual demonstration, a video is shown on YouTube below.

What Considerations For Choosing Eyelets?

When choosing an eyelet, there are several important factors to take into account. The most important thing to think about is how big the hole is. The eyelet must, of course, have the required diameter to pass through the hole.

However, it also needs to have the appropriate flange diameter to provide enough strength for your particular applications. The thickness of the material should also be considered to make sure that the barrel of the eyelet extends sufficiently through it.

Additionally important is choosing an eyelet material that is appropriate for your applications. The materials that can be used to create eyelets include steel, brass, and aluminum. Your choice of material will depend on whether your uses are industrial or decorative.

What Are The Differences Between Eyelets And Grommets?

Most people don't really give the distinction between an eyelet and a grommet much thought unless they are sewing or doing some other kind of manufacturing. 

Both serve the same purpose of strengthening a hole. But an eyelet is typically used when the material is smaller and lighter, especially when it is being used as decoration. While a grommet is advised if the material is heavier or is anticipated to be more robust or durable.

When tying or attaching a piece of fabric to an eyelet, cords, ribbons, or other fabrics are typically drawn through the perforation to strengthen the tie. They are frequently used in dresses, hats, belts, and shoes, as well as to pass ribbons through them for decoration purposes.

Grommets are frequently used in the clothing industry for bootlaces and corsets as well as heavier fabrics like sails, tents, tarps, or flags. Grommets can also be found on heavier fabrics, such as drapes and curtains, where they are used to hold rings that pass through metal rods.

Conclusion

Remove eyelets using a dead blow hammer, drill, or flat screwdriver. When none of these methods works for you, it's time to take your curtain to a seamstress who specializes in this type of work.

The seamstress will be able to remove the metal eyelets without causing any further harm to your curtain. Even though you may have to pay a little out of pocket for this, it won't be as expensive as having to buy a replacement for the item.