I put PVC through metal studs all the time with no grommets or other type of protection. Though you'll get scratches on the PVC you'll be hard pressed to actually compromise the integrity of the piping. There are grommets for copper to be used when installing through metal studs. These grommets take a 1-3/8" hole if memory serves. I just use a stud punch for these so I may be off on that measurement.