Stainless Steel vs. Brass Grommets: Which Is More Durable for Outdoor Use?

Grommets are essential for strengthening heavier fabrics, especially those meant for outdoor use. Without grommets to reinforce holes, the strain on the fabric can cause it to tear and fray.

When choosing between stainless steel and nickel-plated brass grommets, you must consider how, where, and when you’ll use them. Use this easy guide to find out which type will work best for your needs.

Why Does Grommet Material Matter?

Choosing the right grommet material for your project is very important. For example, on top of protecting fabric, grommets are also used to keep wires and cables safe from destruction. Some common products that use grommets for extra strength and protection include:

• Tarps
• Tents
• Boat covers
• Car covers
• Duffel bags

No matter how big or small your project is, the right grommets can help it stand up to heavy-duty use and harsh weather conditions.

Stainless Steel vs. Brass Grommets: Which Is Better?

Both stainless steel and nickel-plated brass grommets have advantages in some applications and disadvantages in others.

For example, stainless steel grommets perform best in high-tension, load-bearing applications. They hold up better than brass grommets in terms of pure strength.

On the other hand, brass grommets offer more advantages in outdoor applications. They’re more resistant to rust and the patina effect. Nickel-plated brass grommets are a great choice if you need a more weatherproof option.

Rust

Stainless steel has a greater tendency to rust than nickel-plated brass. Rusting happens when the chromium oxide layer on stainless steel grommets is compromised due to weather exposure or scratches.

When exposed, the iron layer underneath the chromium oxide coating begins to interact with chemicals in the environment, causing rust to form. Saltwater and humidity can accelerate this process.

That’s where nickel-plated brass grommets come in handy. The nickel plating is less resistant to the scratches, chips, and moisture damage that lead to rust formation.

Patina

The patina effect happens when metal is exposed to certain chemicals in the environment. Unlike rust, a patina doesn’t compromise the structural integrity of the grommet. In fact, it is considered a protective layer.

Out of the two materials, stainless steel will develop a patina faster than nickel-plated brass. However, this won’t affect the performance of your grommets. It is solely an aesthetic concern, and some people even buy products specifically to create a patina because they like how it looks.

Durability and Strength

Stainless steel offers more strength than brass. For high-stress or load-bearing applications, stainless steel is the more durable choice.

Think of it this way: Nickel-plated brass has a stronger outer layer than stainless steel, making it resistant to rust and corrosion. However, stainless steel is stronger at its core than pure brass. It can withstand more mechanical stress than brass, even though it’s quicker to rust.

Aesthetics

This aspect comes down to personal preference. Nickel-plated brass grommets have a shiny finish that reflects light. Stainless steel is more matte and muted. Some stainless steel grommets come with a dull black oxide coating, which further protects the metal and doesn’t reflect any light at all.

Stainless steel can sometimes display surface rust. This is different from structural rust. Surface rust affects only the grommet’s aesthetics and can be buffed out using special cleaners.

Price

Nickel-plated brass is usually less expensive than stainless steel. For grommets, however, the price difference is generally minimal.

Since stainless steel can bear more weight and stress without breaking, it’s a more practical option for heavy-duty projects despite its slightly higher price point. Nickel-plated brass works well and is more cost-effective for most light-to-medium outdoor applications, especially when you factor in weather exposure.

Which Grommets Are Easier to Work With?

Brass grommets are more malleable (flexible) than stainless steel ones. This makes installing them with a handheld grommet tool much easier. However, this malleability can turn into a liability for high-load-bearing applications (which is where stainless steel has the advantage).

Nickel-plated brass grommets are more versatile. You can apply them to a variety of outdoor objects and expect good performance. Since they’re resistant to moisture, salt, and most severe weather conditions, they’re the more reliable choice for outdoor use.

Stainless steel grommets are a bit harder to apply to fabrics. They’re primarily designed to be fixed to heavy-duty objects and materials that carry lots of weight. With the lack of a lustrous finish, stainless steel isn’t the best choice for purely aesthetic projects like outdoor shades or curtains.

Real-Life Examples: Best Grommet Choices for Various Outdoor Applications

Still not sure which grommets to choose for your project? Here are some real-life applications, along with recommendations for grommet materials:

• Boat Covers: Nickel-plated brass
• Automobile Covers: Either material
• Outdoor Tarps and Tents: Nickel-plated brass
• High-Load-Bearing Items: Stainless steel
• Duffel Bags and Other Camping Gear: Either material
• Outdoor Cable Protection: Nickel-plated brass
• Wearable or Hangable Fabrics: Nickel-plated brass
• Items Used at Sea: Nickel-plated brass
• Items Used in Mild Weather: Either material
• Items Used in High Heat Conditions: Nickel-plated brass
• Items for Partial Indoor Use: Either material
• Outdoor Shoes: Nickel-plated brass
• Outdoor Curtains: Nickel-plated brass

Both materials are generally strong and durable, but nickel-plated brass offers more advantages when it comes to weatherproofing and rust resistance.

How Long Does Each Material Last?

You might get equivalent lifespans out of stainless steel and nickel-plated brass grommets.

Stainless steel is very durable but is more susceptible to rust in humid and corrosive conditions. Nickel-plated brass is weatherproof, but it’s not immune to rust and corrosion.

Eventually, the elements will take over, and you’ll have to replace the grommets. However, both materials can last for several years without breaking down or rusting. In mild climates or for objects that are stored indoors some of the time, grommets made with either material tend to last longer.

Explore Grommet Options and Tools From GoldStar Tool

Your outdoor projects will benefit from sturdy, durable grommets, whether you choose stainless steel or nickel-plated brass. At GoldStar Tool, we offer a variety of grommet materials, sizes, and tools to meet your project needs. Browse our selection today!