A Complete Guide to Eye Bolts

Previously, eye bolts securely attached to the load were left in place, effectively becoming part of the load. However, it is now quite common for the detachable lifting points to be used as accessories. Legislation in different countries stipulates the need for eye bolts to be reliable and of good quality. It is necessary to carry out regular inspections to ensure that standards are met. Additionally, it is generally recommended that you detach the eye bolts, fill the holes, and store in suitable conditions until they are needed.

You must have an understanding of the uses and limitations of equipment in preparation for lifting. You will also be expected to follow appropriate slinging procedures and apply suitable mode factors. The eye bolts should be in good working order, with the thread and hole fully compatible. You must also ensure appropriate standards of cleanliness and assure protection against corrosion and damage.

It is expected that you will angle loading procedures as set out in the manufacturer’s guidelines. The eye bolts should also be selected based on the expected impact of environmental conditions. It will be necessary to replace them on the identification of worn threads or other major issues. You should also avoid the use of a shackle which has a greater lifting capacity than the eye bolt due to the associated risk of overloading.

Eye Bolts for Wood

Eye bolts designed for wood attachment are otherwise known as vine eyes, screw eye bolts, eye screws, and turned or burned eye lags. They feature a wood or screw lag thread for the security of wood, masonry, or lag anchors. These eye bolts can be combined with plastic wall plugs for masonry mounting. Other common uses include plant training and fixing of wire trellis.

Eye Bolts for Concrete

There is a variety of eye bolts designed for secure attachment to brick and concrete. These eye bolts have exceptional levels of grip and can accommodate oversized holes resulting from power drilling weak materials such as brickwork.

Eye Bolts for Swings

There is a variety of eye bolts which are purpose-made for swings, using high-tensile stainless steel. They feature either a metric or imperial eye at the top of the bolt and are well-suited to heavy-duty applications including the movement of panels and gates.

Long Shank Eye Bolts

Long shank eye bolts are available in a range of sizes, with an anti-corrosive coating typically being added. Commonly made from stainless steel, these eye bolts have good levels of durability. They are suited to a range of practical applications.

Collar Eye Bolts

These eye bolts feature a large collar which is positioned between the eye and the screw thread. They are ideally suited to axial-loading applications, where there is a need for two or more lifting points. The secure attachment of the collar to a machined face enables support for the eye and prevention of screw thread bending. The minimal eye size also means that there is a small amount of leverage. These eye bolts can be used for a range of applications including wire tensioning and the secure attachment of differently weighted loads.

Marine Eye Bolts

There is a great variety of stainless steel machine-threaded eye bolts and ring bolts purpose-made for marine and commercial applications. Available in either stainless steel or galvanised steel varieties, these eye bolts ensure optimum levels of corrosion resistance.

Long Eye Bolts

These eye bolts feature a particularly lengthy shank. They are suitable for a broad range of applications, including the attachment of support wires to wooden fence posts to prop up soft fruit and grapevines.

Lag Eye Bolts

There is a wide variety of lag eye bolts made from heavy-duty materials such as zinc-plated steel. Wall plugs may be used for the secure attachment of these eye bolts to timber or masonry. However, you must check the dimensions to ensure suitability for such applications.

Large Screw Eye Bolts

These strong and durable eye bolts may be made from materials such as stainless steel and zinc-plated steel. They come in a range of lengths and are suitable for attachment to timber and masonry.

Eye Bolt Materials

Eye bolts are available in a variety of materials and finishes. Plastic and rubber eye bolts are suitable for some applications.

You can choose from the following types of metallic eye bolts:

• Aluminium

• Brass

• Bronze

• Steel

• Hardened steel

• Stainless steel

• Titanium

• Proprietary alloys

It is quite common for anodized, galvanised, and plated (gold, zinc, or tin) finishes to be applied to eye bolts. A phosphate coating may also be added for improved corrosion resistance and the application of primers and paints.

Eye Bolt Sizes

Eye bolt measurements should be taken from directly underneath the eye. There is considerable variation in the lengths of eye bolt types, such as the dynamo and long shank.

Eye Bolt Lifting Capacity Chart

It is important not to exceed the working load limit of the eye bolt. An adjustment of the working load may be necessary for angular lifting with nut eye bolts. You will also need to ensure that nuts are tightened securely against the corresponding loads and applied in the plane of the eye.