I'm making a tonneau for my SC using orig materials. I intend to make a low (dropgate high) frame similar to the one for the canopy to take the transverse bows rather than drill the gates (!!). It will attach via the existing rings that attach the canopy. I have managed to get all the rectangular eyelets needed etc but the tradesmen all claim you need a tool to put the eyelets on. All my US contacts say they just use 2 different size ball pein hammers as the German tool for the job costs 3-400US$! Has anyone been down this path before?

[size=4]All I can tell You, is I have just made a large cover from waterproof shadecloth, and I used the normal "Round" Copper Grommets I bought from Big W and it came with the tools... I don't believe You could do the round ones successfully without the tools... all You would be doing is Crushing them together.... try crushing crimp on electrical terminals with a hammer and then pull out the wire... now if they are put in with the correct tool... I guarantee You can't pull them out... Similar to the grommets... but the grommets are actually made to be used with the tools.... as they lock together.... which I don't think they will -with hitting with a hammer.....they HAVE to crush in a certain way to lock together..[/size]

Why not take it to a trimmer, and get them to do it, I am sure that it would cost less than $20.00, and it would be done right!

I've always left this type of work to the experts but this exercise is making me take a closer look at "trimming".
1stly, they only have round wad cutters- solution: I am making one to cut out wads 26mmx8mm by welding 2 bits of 26x8mm stainless angle into a box shape & sharpening the ends on a bench grinder. Response:" I suppose that'll work!".
2ndly, the male bits do not need a crimper. Being rectangular, you can snip them in the corners & then they can be hammered down with a square drift. Response:"They won't hold!" My response:I'll spot weld them with the mig on extra low power. Their response: "well that's up to you."
It looks like I will use a trimmer to cut & stitch only & I'll be putting the grommets in myself.

Take the canvas and eyelet parts to your local camping/tent repair workshop (Jurkeweitz is good in Canberra), they'll have the tools and they'll probably do it for you on the spot for next-to-nothing.

[Edited on 13-3-2003 by Purple Martin]

Ahh! Thank you PM, I am a fan of lateral thinking!!