An eye bolt is one of the most commonly used tools in the material handling toolbox.

They are simple pieces of hardware. They consist of a ring with a threaded shank. The lifting eyebolt is designed for lifting wooden or steel components. They are screwed into the load. Frequently a nut is attached to the bottom for additional safety. A rope or cable is then fitted through the eye so that the structure can be lifted.

Types of Eye Bolts

There are two types of lifting eye bolt. A bent version where the wire is bent into a loop with drop forged rings which are completely closed. Forged rings are safer than bent rings. Only drop forged rings should be used for heavy moving or lifts at an angle.

When angled lifts are made, the rated capacity is significantly lower than in a vertical lift. In these circumstances, the lifting eye bolt should include a shoulder to prevent the shank from bending. Where angled lifts cannot be avoided you should discuss the correct load capacity with the supplier. The steeper the angle the lower the load capacity. At 45⁰ the actual capacity 30% of its weighted working load.