How to remove SS grommets?

[alexey 6]

How to remove SS grommets...
Fast and safe for the hands

Lexa

[marinho 0]

Hi,
Which size?

Gus Marinho

[alexey 6]

O size

Lexa

[marinho 0]

I normally use a special plier that I made. Have you seen one of those? If not, let me know and I'll take a picture of it.
I have 2 sizes of pliers, one for #0 and one for the other sizes.
Depending of which tool was used to install the grommet, I also use just a flat screw driver and a hammer, taking good attention to not damage the stiffener
Let me know,

Gus Marinho

[alexey 6]

No, i didnt seen your plier.

From what i see - the grommet was installed by some kind of press (brand-name h\c) and was set very good.

Lexa

[marinho 0]

Quote

No, i didnt seen your plier.

From what i see - the grommet was installed by some kind of press (brand-name h\c) and was set very good.

I've attached 2 pictures. Note that on the 1st one it shows the following:
One small plier for #0 and a bigger one for #2 and up. Also a screw driver to cut open grommets.
The second picture show a more detailed view of the plier. They're just cutting pliers that I worked to make that shape.
There are 2 types of grommets inserting tools, one for nickel and brass and one for ss grommets. I have Stimpson of New York and they are very good for #0, 2 and 4. They are also a good tool for ss rolled rim grommet, long shank used for risers. They pretty much roll the spur top not leaving a sharp edge.
I hope it helps

Gus Marinho

[riggerrob 643]

There are two popular methods for removing grommets: pliers and screwdriver.

1 - pliers: start with a sharp, high quality (i.e. Klein) set of side-cutters. Start from the washer side. Insert one jaw as deep as it will go. Squeeze pliers until you have a firm grip, then rotate the entire rig until you can lean all your weight on the handles. Cut washer and rolled rim on one side.
While pliers are still tight, start levering up washer. Repeat levering up washer and rolled rim until you can remove grommet.
The pliers method works best on smaller grommets (i.e. #0 to #4) and stainless steel grommets.

Hint 1: grind down one jaw (half way). This allows you to insert the other jaw deeper, improving your leverage and reducing the amount of grip strength required to cut grommets. Trust me, the grip strength required to cut stainless steel #0 grommets is on the limits of most skydivers.

Hint 2: develop massive grip strength in your hands.

2 - screwdriver: is detailed in Altico and Fliteline Service Bulletins circa 2000. This method also requires a jessly big hammer and a cutting block. Again start from the washer side. Using the screwdriver like a chisel, cut the rolled rim and barrel of the grommet, then start levering up the washer.
A major point is keeping the cutting edge of the screwdriver inboard (i.e. towards the hole) of the fabric.
The screwdriver method works best on brass grommets and bigger grommets (i.e. the #8 brass grommets installed in sliders).

[floormonkey 0]

I use Felco type cutters (as sold by Paragear and seen in PPM). I bought a set from Lowe's or Home Depot for $30. I make several cuts around the grommet, then get to prying/squeezing with needle-nose.

The best way to remove them is to hand it to your apprentice/rigging candidate and sit back and watch.

[mark 107]

Electric drill works well for #0 grommets.

Use slip-jaw pliers on the stud side to keep it from turning. Use low rpm (less heat generated) with countersink bit on the washer side. Takes about 15-30 seconds of actual work to get a grommet out -- you'll spend more time than that looking for your tools.

Mark