removing grommets

[myront]

Anyone have a tool or trick to removing grommets? I mean a lot of 'em.

 

[shoresigns]

Cut the hem off and re-hem? You'll lose a couple inches.

 

[Z SIGNS]

Make a new banner. It will be cheaper. At least in my world.

 

[kcollinsdesign]

At less than $1 sq.ft. for digitally printed 13oz. reinforced vinyl with hems and grommets I would just make a new banner.

 

[balstestrat]

Like said, round punch on the outer edge of the grommet.

 

[WYLDGFI]

Good wire cutters will get thru them.

 

[myront]

Funny how everyone assumed I was referring to a banner. lol
25 double-sided 18"h x 24"w .040 alum with 2 grommets at the top and 2 at the bottom. Customer approved the proof which clearly indicated brass colored grommets. Now wants them black.
I saw a tool possibly available at JoAnn's. It's pliers for installing and removing grommets but not too confident.
Tried drilling, using a "ball" shaped grinding bit, a drill bit tool that's meant for boring out holes, various other type pliers, sheers, dikes etc. Another problem is that the alum is covered with a decal on both sides so too much heat causes issues too.

 

[FireSprint.com]

We use a good pair of wire cutters as Wyld mentioned:
https://www.amazon.com/Apex-Tool-Gr...0733f&pd_rd_wg=arXcI&pd_rd_i=B000TDDP6E&psc=1

 

[Stacey K]

Paint them! I use Rustoleum High Performance Enamel spray paint. Make a paint mask using vinyl.

 

[myront]

Yes, painting them is what I suggested.
This customer has been nothing but a pia (realtor) from the get go. Originally had these signs outsourced for print. Didn't like the color. You mean the vector logo you gave us! So we agreed to just cover over them with decals after extensive colors swatch tests to get the perfect formula! Grommets or no grommets? No grommets, Ok. Days later "changed my mind, I want grommets" Ok, here, you got grommets. Oh, I want black grommets.

 

[Gino]

You wanna take out 100 grommets and replace them with new ones, because of the color.......

I'd make 200 vinyl templates, which would take maybe 10 minutes to cut and $5. worth of vinyl. Put them down over top of all of them both sides.. Now, either carefully spray them or dab them with a sponge brush. Whole thing shouldn't take more than 1.5 hours not counting dry time. Charge them dearly for their mistake.​

 

[signage]

Did they approve the work as done (color on proof)?

If so then before I would go anyfurthurer I would makesue they know it will cost XX, and have them sign off on it and get the payment! Realestate cleints are usually the worst!

 

[Chriswagner92]

Yeah, if they changed their minds after signing off on it, then it is 100% on them, especially if you had them physically sign off on it. Always cover your butt.

 

[d fleming]

Next they'll want you to airbrush the crows feet eye wrinkles from their glamour shot on the sign.

 

[Stacey K]

Yes, painting them is what I suggested.
This customer has been nothing but a pia (realtor) from the get go. Originally had these signs outsourced for print. Didn't like the color. You mean the vector logo you gave us! So we agreed to just cover over them with decals after extensive colors swatch tests to get the perfect formula! Grommets or no grommets? No grommets, Ok. Days later "changed my mind, I want grommets" Ok, here, you got grommets. Oh, I want black grommets.

UGH. Sounds like a PITA customer to me also! I do find Realtors to be hard to work with and cheap!

 

[c.march]

Anyone have a tool or trick to removing grommets? I mean a lot of 'em.

I once used a small flat head to split the tabs off. It took a little bit but I was able to salvage the banner. Luckily for me it was one grommet.

 

[Notarealsignguy]

Realtor? Give them 25% off to keep the brass and watch how fast they warm up to it.

 

[Andy D]

I have used a regular metal drill bill that's slightly larger than the OD of the grommet's barrel.
A couple of tips:
- Use a drill press if available
- Wear safety glassed
- Get a tube of drilling wax, cut it in half & stick the drill bit into the wax before each grommet
- Wear gloves, and clamp or hold tight, the bit will want to catch & spinning metal will cut the F out of you quick.

 

[Andy D]

 

[Andy D]

Or.... This is probably a dumb idea that wouldn't work... or would it?
What if you got the next size down sized grommet in the correct color & presses
that grommet over top of the existing grommets?