Grommet Kit
-Patrick S Lasswell
Things Your Team Needs: Equipment Modification Tools
What is it? Grommet Kit
What does it do? Adds a reinforced hole.
Why do we need it? Grommets let the team rapidly customize standard items for optimum use. Grommets on drying towels allow them to be hooked and clipped for ready use. Grommets added to tarps help hold over gear exactly to better keep weather out. Repairs torn-out and worn out grommets. Grommets added to laminated sheets allow documents to be securely held in place.
Where can we get it? W.C. Winks Hardware http://www.winkshardware.com/
What kind should we get? C. S. Osborne Grommet Kit No. 235 Size 2 (3/8”) Nickel Grommets for non-tactical use. Kit comes with brass grommets for non-field use. Tactical (blackened brass) grommets are available, will update when found.
GSA Contract, Part or Stock Numbers? No. 235 Size 2
How much does it cost? $30
Why is this better than what is issued? Ordering entire kit and correct sized additional grommets from professional hardware clerks at open source more certain to deliver needed product than finding same thing in stock system. For occasional use, a simple kit is more useful than the massive purchase oriented stock system. It is easier and more efficient to fill out one open purchase than seven 1250's.
What stupid things will be done with it? Unauthorized uniform accessorizing. Operating the kit incorrectly. Placing shiny nickel grommets on tactical gear.
Additional supplies needed? Mallet. Replacement (nickel) grommets.
Patrick S Lasswell is a member of the Inactive Ready Reserve and would be happy to help your unit get the best equipment for its mission. Contact him at pslblog (at) gmail (dot) com. He will be happy to accept your gratitude in the form of unpaid drill credits. Persons willing to donate money will not be turned away.
Comments
Got a kit like this much cheaper ($3.99) @ Harbor Freight. If you don't live near one:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=30037
Posted by: skullkrax | August 22, 2008 04:16 AM
I like the more expensive kit. It has a much better hole punch and is more heavily constructed. It also is available in a variety of sizes and both brass and nickel coated grommets. The Harbor Freight model is cheap and that would work if you needed one personally for a few grommets.
Since anything purchased through supply has added cost to the service of over $100 in time spent seeking approval, the difference between a $4 and a $30 kit is actually quite small. The most expensive part is not having the tools you need to do the job when you are in the field.
By the way, I live far too close to the nearest Harbor Freight for my wife's peace of mind...
Posted by: Patrick S Lasswell | August 22, 2008 09:08 AM