Why stainless steel eyelets over Copper

While some companies claim to use copper eyelets, many of the coloured or anodised versions are not actually copper. Genuine copper is both expensive and soft, making it less suitable for high-wear or outdoor use.

At Camping Mat Warehouse, we choose marine-grade stainless steel for all our eyelets because it offers superior weather resistance, strength, and durability—even in the harshest conditions.

1. Strength and Durability

• Stainless steel is much stronger than copper, making it more resistant to deformation, cracking, or wear—especially under tension or repeated stress.
• Copper is softer and more prone to bending or damage under heavy loads.

2. Corrosion Resistance

• Stainless steel has excellent corrosion resistance, especially in wet, salty, or outdoor environments, thanks to its chromium content that forms a protective oxide layer.
• Copper also resists corrosion, but it can oxidize over time (developing a green patina) and is less effective in some harsh or acidic environments.

3. Appearance Retention

• Stainless steel maintains a shiny, clean appearance over time with minimal maintenance.
• Copper tarnishes and changes colour unless regularly polished or coated.

4. Longevity

• Stainless steel eyelets generally last longer and are better suited to heavy-duty or long-term applications (like outdoor gear, tarps, or camping mats).

5. Compatibility with Modern Materials

• Stainless steel is often more compatible with synthetic or abrasive materials (like recycled poly mats), as it resists wear and doesn’t leave stains.