Types of Eye Bolts
Description: These bolts have a rounded shoulder below the loop.
Use Case: They are designed for both straight and angular loads. The shoulder provides ex
tra
strength and stability for side-loading applications.
Applications: Often used in lifting, rigging, and industrial environments.
Non-Shoulder Eye Bolts (Plain Pattern):
Description: These bolts lack a shoulder, making them suitable for direct vertical loads only.
Use Case: Ideal for applications where there is no angular pulling or lifting.
Applications: Used in simpler, vertical load-lifting tasks.
Description: These bolts have a wood-screw thread rather than a machine screw.
Use Case: Designed for installation in wood or other softer materials.
Applications: Frequently used in timber construction and light-duty anchoring applications.
Description: These are heavy-duty bolts with a machined thread and typically used in equipment for
lifting.
Use Case: Often used in conjunction with hoists and cranes for machinery lifting.
Applications: Industrial applications like lifting large pieces of equipment.
Swivel Eye Bolts:
Description: These bolts have a pivoting ring that allows for rotational movement.
Use Case: They can rotate 360 degrees to accommodate various load directions.
Applications: Useful in environments where loads are frequently moving and rotating.
Dynamo Eye Bolts:
Description: Dynamo bolts are similar to shoulder eye bolts but are used in applications that
require higher loads and stringent safety features.
Use Case: Ideal for overhead lifting in power generation or dynamo equipment.
Applications: Heavy-duty, industrial settings, especially power plants.
Eye Bolt Specifications
When selecting an eye bolt, several specifications need to be considered:
Material:
Common materials include carbon steel, stainless steel, and galvanized steel. Stainless steel
provides corrosion resistance, ideal for outdoor or marine environments, while galvanized steel
offers good durability for general use.
Thread Size:
Eye bolts come in various thread sizes (diameter), commonly ranging from M6 to M48 (for metric) or
1/4 inch to 2 inches (for imperial). The thread size corresponds to the strength and load-bearing
capacity of the bolt.
Working Load Limit (WLL):
This is the maximum safe load the eye bolt can handle. It varies depending on the type of eye bolt,
thread size, and material. For example, a 1/2-inch shoulder eye bolt might have a WLL of 2,500
pounds for vertical lifts but less for angular pulls.
Shank Length:
The length of the shank (the threaded portion) affects the bolt’s ability to attach securely to
different surfaces. Standard shank lengths vary from a few inches to several inches, depending on
the bolt's application.
Tensile Strength:
The tensile strength defines the breaking strength of the eye bolt. Stainless steel eye bolts
typically have a high tensile strength, making them ideal for critical, heavy-duty
applications.
Eye Diameter:
The size of the eye opening (inside diameter) must be large enough to accommodate the load (e.g.,
chains or hooks) without overstressing the loop.
Applications of Eye Bolts
Construction: Eye bolts are frequently used to lift and position large equipment, beams, and other
structural elements.
Marine and Offshore: Stainless steel eye bolts are widely used in marine environments for attaching
ropes and rigging lines due to their corrosion resistance.
Industrial Lifting and Hoisting: Machinery eye bolts are essential in industrial plants for lifting
heavy machinery with the aid of cranes or hoists.
Utilities and Power Plants: Dynamo eye bolts are used for lifting and securing heavy equipment in
power generation facilities.
Permanent Fixtures: Lag eye bolts can be used to anchor objects like swing sets or suspended loads
in wood.