Eyelets have many applications. Over the years Fulford has manufactured product to fit many of these uses. Although we cater to various industries, most recently we have focused primarily on the automotive industry. Hence a significant percentage of our eyelets are used for flow restrictors of one type or another in the mechanics of vehicles.  

• Cup plugs are used to block holes cast or machined into housings during manufacturing. 

• Freeze plugs, a type of cup plug, are used as a safety valve in the event that  liquids in the block or housings are allowed to freeze.

• Orifice plugs are generally used to restrict or calibrate flow. They may also be used as the main component of a check-ball valve assembly.

 To be effective, the eyelets need to be dimensionally consistent and easy to install.  They can be made of any metallic material such as steel, brass or aluminum.  They are cost effective at pennies per piece, (based on size and volume).

They are simple in design, but precise in nature since they are slightly larger than the hole into which they fit.  They are pressed into the mating part and must stay in place during the life of the application.  We are accustomed to making these plugs and holding precise tolerances (± .001 inches or ± 0.025 mm).  We ship approximately one million of them per week!

Parts can be case hardened to increase holding power for a press fit. Some customers have us apply a flash color plate so distinguishing similar parts is made much easier on their production floors.