An eye bolt is a ridiculously simple piece of kit – a threaded rod with a loop on top. And that is precisely the point. These fasteners provide a lifting point that did not previously exist. This is particularly important when it comes to industrial applications, whether that be lifting equipment in a factory refit, hanging ventilation systems from a ceiling, or securing goods for transportation.
The question is not whether or not an eye bolt is required, as, let’s be honest, it is a necessity when moving anything. The question is whether or not you are utilising the correct fasteners for your purposes, installed correctly. Failure to do so is a gamble with expensive equipment, not to mention the safety of workers.
Where You’ll Actually Use Them
Industrial settings require a lot of eye bolts. This is particularly true in a manufacturing setting, where production lines need to be constantly adapted to meet shifting demands, or when providing access to machinery that requires maintenance.
In a construction setting, different considerations need to be adhered to. Here, the temporary uses of an eye bolt are more common, whether that be lifting steel beams into place, providing a lifting point for materials to be carried to higher floors, or providing an anchor point for safety gear.
The need for adaptability is particularly important in a construction setting, where equipment is constantly shifting to meet different demands.
Working load limit is where most people begin, and quite rightly, as it is an important piece of information. It tells you what the absolute limit of the bolt is, under normal circumstances. However, here is the rub, and it is one that catches most people out: it is based on a perfect installation, and vertical loading only.
The Installation Trap
Its in this kind of scenario where most operations can go wrong. Eye bolts are simple enough that most people assume that installation is not really necessary. Just screw it in tight and you’re done! Not so fast! The eye has to be facing in the right direction. Even a shoulder eye bolt has its own angle of operation. Most failures are not due to a faulty eye bolt but because of improper installation.
How deep should you screw in that eye bolt? Only screwing in an eye bolt halfway will guarantee that you will have a lever that will bend or even break under stress. The common rule of thumb is full thread engagement at a minimum, but preferably more if you’re working under shock loading conditions.
Making the Right Call
Purchasing eye bolts is not a complex process but does require some thinking ahead. Think about what you’re really lifting and add a safety factor on top of that. Think about what’s really going on in that environment. That cheap box of unbranded eye bolts may look like a great deal until one of them fails and your £50,000 piece of machinery crashes down.
But here’s the best part: eye bolts are extremely reliable if installed correctly. Eye bolts are simple technology that works if you use them correctly. Sometimes the simplest piece of technology requires the most attention.