Types of Eye Bolts for Lifting Tasks

There are numerous types of eye bolts for lifting tasks to choose from and include standard dynamo eye bolts for straight, inline lifts only and the more popular collared eye bolts for angled loading. You will also find eye nuts and bow nuts as well as long shank options in this category. Each variety comes in a wide range of sizes to cope with different load capacities. They also come in different thread types to suit the thread in in the hole in which they are to be fitted. Typical thread types include British standard Whitworth (BSW), metric and UNC (USA).

£1.94£31.70
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
£1.47£245.90
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

What is a Collared Eye Bolt?

Collared eye bolts are probably the most popular type and are sometimes referred to as shouldered eyebolts, they are utilized in lifting applications for load connection. They differ from a standard dynamo bolt in that they have a shoulder/collar where the eye meets the shank, but a dynamo type does not have this.

The collar or shoulder is designed to reduce the bending stress on the shank, thus they can be utilised for straight or angled lifting applications. To clarify, eyebolts without this collar are for in-line straight lifts only.

Using a Collared Eye Bolt Safely

The collar of these eyebolts must always be totally flush with its mounting for optimum safety. This is particularly so when it comes to angled loading. If the eyebolt is not fitted correctly the forces implied during lifting will impact the wrong place. This could cause the shank to bend.

eye bolt use

Although shouldered eye bolts can be used for straight lifts they are often chosen for lifts where angles are formed between the eye bolt, sling and hoists load hook. If done correctly this is totally acceptable and perfectly safe. HOWEVER depending on the angles created by the lift set up the stated WLL (working load limit) will need to be reduced.

It is also extremely important that the eye bolt, and subsequently the sling are positioned in the right orientation so that the axis of pull is correct. See image.

There are multiple angles to pay attention to. The one at the top where two slings meet in the load hook of a hoist. Also the angles made by the sling in association with the horizontal load.

You should always pay close attention to manufacturers instructions and never exceed the loading angles permitted, most importantly the stated working load capacity for each angle.

You can find out more in the specification download above.

Dynamo Eye Bolt Basics

A dynamo eye bolt does not have the collar or shoulder between the eye and the shank and are therefore more prone to bending stress. For this reason they should only be utilised for inline loading. This type of lifting eye is available in BSW and matric thread types in a range of capacities up to 3.5 tonnes.

About Eye Nuts & Bow Nuts

Eye nuts and bow nuts offer a different type of lifting eye or a simple connection point. They have no threaded shank, just a threaded hole which enables it to fit onto an existing screw with the same thread type and size.

Long Shank Eye Bolt Features

When you need a lifting eye that will fit into a longer/deeper hole to give a more secure, stronger grip then a long shank eye bolt could be for you. We can supply longshank eye bolts with various shank length up to 178mm and in either collared or dynamo versions. You will also find models with additional egg links which are reevable for easier angled loading.

Eye Bolt Sizes

Our collection of collared eye bolts come in two types. This is according to their thread type. Metric, UNC (north USA standard) or BSW Whitworth (British standard) are the most common thread types found in the UK. The screw thread you choose will depend on the hole it will be fitted into. It must be the same thread or the fit will not be safe.

Metric thread bolts come in safe working loads from0.1 tonne up to 12.5 tonne. UNC threaded bolts go from 0.1 to 12 tonne, in addition BSW Whitworth bolts start at 0.25 tonne and go up to 6.5 tonnes.

When choosing your eyebolt please study the specifications, because each capacity is a different size. You can find the dimensions for the thread, base diameter, inside and outside eye measurements, as well as collar thickness, height, thread length and weight. Ensure the measurements will suit your lifting task and fit correctly with your other equipment.

Other Lifting Points

We have a collection of other types of lifting points available for online purchase at the Lifting Gear Store. Our swivel eye bolts and swivel hoist rings offer a more variable approach to lifting applications. These swivel bolts will rotate to suit the angle of pull automatically.

Get in touch if you can't find what you are looking for, we can nearly always help.

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