Installing grommets

[Den41Buick]

How do I get a firewall grommet to fit into the hole? Is there a special method? They just don't want to fit. Any suggestions? I am looking to put in the cluth and brake grommet as well as several firewall ones for wires. Thanks

[51dyno]

Try dish soap.

[chris_58]

Den41Buick,

As 51dyno already mentioned, dish soap works well and can be washed off after the grommet is installed. Otherwise, Vaseline works ok as well.

Chris

[Curti]

Sometimes it is necessary to use a razor blade and cut a line from the center to the outer edge. This is a last resort.

[Bhigdog]

Silicone spray on the grommet and work it into the hole with a nylon glass tool...................Bob

[Restorer32]

Soap and a string wrapped around the grommet just like you install a windshield in a rubber gasket.

[Rusty_OToole]

I prefer shampoo as a rubber lubricant. Get some from the dollar store for a $1 buck. Don't use your wife's $45 stuff, you will get in trouble.

Push the grommet in place little by little using a blunt screwdriver or similar. If you don't have an old screwdriver you can grind down you can carve a piece of wood, just be sure it is blunt on the end or it will cut the rubber.

[JACK M]

The marine industry always recommended isopropl alcohol.

[Spinneyhill]

In general, do not use Vaseline on "rubber" parts. It will speed up its degradation.

The exceptions are for rubbers that are formulated for contact with petroleum products. Grommets are not necessarily formulated for this.

Silicone spray promotes longevity of the rubber by adding a coating that prevents evaporation of volatiles in the rubber. As those volatiles evaporate, the rubber hardens and becomes brittle, and may crack. So silicon is the ideal lubricant. It may mark the paint though.

Are you sure the grommet is the right size?

[Larry Schramm]

If you use silicone, be aware that it might cause you problems if you plan on painting in the area. Generally paint shops ban any silicone in the paint area as it will cause fish eyes on the paint job.

[Spinneyhill]

The marine industry always recommended isopropl alcohol.

Isopropyl alcohol is tricky to buy in NZ, because it is one of the ingredients of methamphetamine (which is known as "P" here). Having said that, it is an important cleaning chemical so it must be available to accredited people. We buy our small quantities from a pharmacy.

Another good lubricant for rubber is ... plain old WATER. If you want to cut rubber with a blade (a knife, for instance), wet the knife first. It will be much easier. Try rubber soled shoes on shiny ceramic tiles, or even clay tiles. Be prepared for a fall when doing this!

Wood turpentine attacks plastics and rubber. Mineral turpentine is harmful to natural rubber and to butyl rubber so don't use it unless you know the type of rubber you have.

Edited May 21, 2014 by Spinneyhill (see edit history)

[Gary_Ash]

Windex - slippery enough to slide the rubber in, doesn't leave anything bad when it dries.