How to Remove Grommets From Pants
- 1). Open the grommets to release the fabric. Pry open the metal around the outside edge of each grommet using needle-nosed pliers. To do this, insert one half of the tip of the pliers between the curled metal section and grip it. Bend it back, away from the fabric it's gripping. Move around the outside edge and open the entire grommet in this fashion.
- 2). Cut the grommets, if necessary. If the grommets you're working with are particularly stubborn, or if the pants are made of an unyielding material (such as tough leather) that doesn't allow any flex, remove the grommets by cutting them into two pieces. Use a wire-cutting tool for smaller grommets and tin snips for larger grommets and cut from the inside out on two sides.
- 3). Remove the grommets. The grommets (or pieces) should come away with a gentle pull. If not, you've left some part of the outer metal ridge still crimped around the fabric; look for this section and pry it open.
- 4). Secure the hole where the grommets have been removed. This is important in order to prevent fraying or running, especially if the hole is on a high-stress area; with pants, high-stress areas include the crotch, the outer hips or any area where the cloth is pulled tight against the body. Secure holes with a new grommet or a patch or hem the hole with tight stitching around the inside edge; this creates a stitched replacement for the grommet.
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