I was a bit apprehensive about posting this because it will probably mean I will lose quite a bit of business doing wheel repairs. The most common repair needed for Venco wheels over 20 years old is replacing missing grommets. Getting the things in can be a real challenge that requires more swear words than your average sailor knows. The secret lays in a little gadget that was originally posted by Pie Bolton in Melbourne.

The one I make is a little different but I just love the name so I have stuck with it. All the parts are available from Bunnings for a few dollars. I have also used a couple of old socket ends that I found in rubbish throw out. I carry 2 sizes, one for each size of grommet but one would work for both.

This one consists of a 8mm stainless steel eye bolt, a brass 25mm water pipe fitting and a 25mm washer. The spring is optional, I just happened to have one laying around.

The one for the small grommets will also work for the large grommets but not vice versa. It’s a 6mm stainless steel eyebolt with a couple of old sockets. The top socket is about 20mm. You could probably use just the top socket and trim off some of the length of the eyebolt so you don’t have to do too much winding. You need about 25mm of length past the top of the socket to be able to get the grommets in.

I don’t have a wheel needing grommets handy so I have used the hole in the end of a spanner to simulate the hole on the side of your wheel where the grommets go. It is best to heat the grommets up a bit first especially if they are a little old, I find a container with boiling hot water in it is best. A heat gun on the lower setting will also do the trick but be careful as it is easy to melt them. Don’t be tempted to use a microwave ( thanks a lot John H) as you will end up with a meltdown.

You just put the eye end of the piebolt inside the wheel and the 25mm brass flange will fit neatly over the pressed hole. Put the grommet on the bolt with the flat side facing in and then put the washer then the wing nut (no, not Tony Abbot) on and start turning it in . The grommet should slide in easily. You can put a bit of vaseline or soap on it to help but I usually don’t need to. The same principle applies to the smaller grommets on the motor mounting mechanism inside the wheel.

Good luck.