Table of contents about this guide:

1. What are Eye Bolts?

2. Applications of Eye Bolts

3. Eye Bolt Types

4. Eye Bolt Materials

5. Eye Bolt Sizes

6. Eye Bolt Lifting Capacity Chart

What are Eye Bolts?

Eye bolts are a type of fastening hardware that consist of a threaded shaft with a loop or eye at one end. They are used for a variety of purposes, including as anchors for ropes or cables, as lifting points for hoisting equipment, and as tie-down points for securing loads. The loop or eye of an eye bolt allows it to be attached to a variety of objects, making it a versatile and essential tool in many industries.

Applications of Eye Bolts:

Eye bolts are widely used in various industries and can be found in many different applications, including:

Construction: Eye bolts are commonly used in construction to secure heavy loads or machinery during transportation, or as anchor points for ropes or cables during construction work. They can also be used to secure scaffolding and ladders, ensuring worker safety.

Marine and Shipping: Eye bolts are often used in the marine industry to secure boats and ships to mooring posts, or to anchor ropes and cables. They are also used to secure loads during transportation by sea.

Lifting and Hoisting: Eye bolts are essential for lifting and hoisting equipment, as they provide a secure point for attaching slings or chains to heavy loads. They are commonly used in construction, manufacturing, and mining industries for this purpose.

Agriculture: Eye bolts are used in agriculture for a variety of purposes, such as securing loads during transportation or as tie-down points for securing equipment during storage.

Entertainment: Eye bolts are also used in the entertainment industry for rigging and stage equipment, as well as for securing aerial performers during performances.

It is important to note that the specific applications of eye bolts may vary depending on local regulations, industry standards, and the specific requirements of each project. When selecting eye bolts for a particular application, it is always best to consult with a professional or reference industry standards to ensure that the eye bolts you choose are appropriate and meet the necessary safety and regulatory requirements.

Eye Bolt Types:

Eye bolts come in four main types and are available in a variety of sizes and finishes. Standard eye bolts are made with a drop-forged eye, while more economical options have a formed eye hole. For heavy-duty lifting applications, it's recommended to use eye bolts with a drop-forged eye. Additionally, you can choose eye bolts made of stainless steel or featuring anti-corrosive coatings, such as hot-dip galvanized steel.

Regular and shoulder eye bolts can be used to safely attach and lift loads, but it's important to stay within the working limits. Shoulder eye bolts are suitable for angled loading, while regular eye bolts should only be used for vertical loading. Loading regular eye bolts at an angle can result in bending and breaking.

1. Standard eye bolts: Standard eye bolts have a standard, unthreaded shank that allows for a nut to be threaded onto it to secure the bolt in place.

2. Shouldered eye bolts: Shouldered eye bolts have a narrow, unthreaded shank that is wider at the eye, providing additional strength and stability.

3. Screw eye bolts: Screw eye bolts have a threaded shank that can be screwed into wood or other materials.

4. Lifting eye bolts: Lifting eye bolts are specifically designed for lifting heavy loads and are typically made from stronger materials such as forged steel.

Eye Bolt Materials:

Eye bolts are available in a variety of materials to suit different applications, including:

Steel: The most common material used for eye bolts, steel is durable, strong, and affordable. It's suitable for indoor and outdoor use and can withstand heavy loads.

Stainless Steel: A more corrosion-resistant alternative to steel, stainless steel is ideal for use in marine and other environments where rust and corrosion are a concern.

Brass: Brass eye bolts are softer than steel and are typically used in applications where the bolt may need to be adjusted or bent.

Aluminum: Lightweight and corrosion-resistant, aluminum eye bolts are often used in lightweight applications and in corrosive environments.

Galvanized Steel: Galvanized steel eye bolts have a zinc coating that provides added corrosion protection, making them suitable for use in outdoor and marine environments.

Bronze: Bronze eye bolts are strong and corrosion-resistant, making them a good choice for marine applications.

The specific material used for an eye bolt should be chosen based on the application and the desired combination of strength, corrosion resistance, and cost.

Eye Bolt Sizes:

Eye bolts are available in a variety of sizes, with the most common sizes being 1/4", 5/16", 3/8", and 1/2". The size of the eye bolt you choose will depend on the weight of the load you need to lift and the type of material the eye bolt will be attached to.

Eye Bolt Lifting Capacity Chart:

The capacity of an eye bolt depends on several factors, including the size of the eye bolt, the material it is made from, and the angle at which it is loaded. A common rule of thumb is to use an eye bolt that is rated for at least 2 times the weight of the load you need to lift. However, it is always best to consult with a professional or reference a load chart to determine the appropriate size and capacity of eye bolt for your specific needs.