Complete Guide to Eye Bolts
Types, load ratings, installation requirements, and safety standards for lifting and rigging applications
Downloadable Reference Guides
Quick access to all eye bolt specification charts and guides
What Are Eye Bolts?
Eye bolts are threaded fasteners with a circular loop (eye) at the head, designed for lifting, rigging, securing, and tie-down applications. They provide a reliable attachment point for cables, ropes, chains, and hooks in industrial, construction, marine, and overhead mounting applications.
Eye bolts come in various configurations optimized for different load types and directions. Proper selection based on load ratings, installation requirements, and application conditions is critical for safe operation.
⚠ Critical Safety Note
Never exceed working load limits. Eye bolts must be installed according to manufacturer specifications with proper thread engagement and orientation. Misuse can result in catastrophic failure causing injury or death. Always consult load rating charts and follow OSHA guidelines for overhead lifting applications.
Eye Bolt Types and Configurations
Different eye bolt designs serve specific applications. Understanding the differences is critical for safe selection.
Shoulder Eye Bolts
Features: Shoulder sits flush against mounting surface
- Handles vertical and angular loads (up to 45°)
- Higher working load limits
- Shoulder provides bearing surface
- Required for side or angular pulls
- Most common in lifting applications
Best For: Overhead lifting, rigging, angular loads
Shop Shoulder Eye Bolts →Screw Eye Bolts (Plain Pattern)
Features: No shoulder, continuous threads
- Vertical loads ONLY (no angular loading)
- Lower working load limits
- Easier installation in tight spaces
- Common in light-duty applications
- Lower cost alternative
Best For: Light-duty vertical loads, tie-downs
Forged Eye Bolts
Features: Single piece of steel, forging process
- Highest strength ratings
- Superior fatigue resistance
- Required for overhead lifting
- Meets rigorous safety standards
- Continuous grain flow structure
Best For: Critical lifts, overhead rigging, industrial
Shop Forged Eye Bolts →Welded Eye Bolts
Features: Eye welded to threaded shank
- NOT rated for overhead lifting
- Light-duty tie-down applications only
- Lower cost option
- Limited load capacity
- Weld point is potential weakness
Best For: Non-critical tie-downs, light securing
Machinery Eye Bolts
Features: Compact design, fine threads
- Fine thread patterns (UNF)
- Smaller diameters (#10 to 1/2")
- Equipment and machinery mounting
- Available with or without shoulder
- Metric options available
Best For: Equipment lifting points, machinery
Swivel Eye Bolts (Hoist Rings)
Features: 360° rotating eye
- Auto-aligning to load direction
- Eliminates angular loading concerns
- Higher working load limits
- Rotating eyelet on pivot point
- Premium option for critical lifts
Best For: Critical lifts, frequent repositioning
Shop Swivel Hoist Rings →Download Eye Bolt Types Guide
Comprehensive comparison of eye bolt configurations and selection criteria
Eye Bolt Types & Selection Guide (PDF)Material and Finish Options
Steel Eye Bolts
Carbon steel provides excellent strength and is the most economical option for indoor or protected environments.
- Plain Steel: Indoor use only, protect from moisture
- Zinc Plated: Basic corrosion resistance
- Hot-Dip Galvanized: Superior outdoor protection
- Powder Coated: Color-coded with corrosion resistance
Stainless Steel Eye Bolts
Ideal for corrosive environments, marine applications, food processing, and chemical exposure.
- 304 Stainless: Good corrosion resistance, most common
- 316 Stainless: Superior resistance, marine grade
- Non-magnetic properties in certain grades
- Food, pharmaceutical, medical equipment
Strength Ratings by Material
Important: Stainless steel eye bolts typically have lower working load limits compared to carbon steel of the same size. Always verify load ratings specific to the material and grade being used. A 316 stainless eye bolt may have 40-50% lower capacity than a carbon steel equivalent.
Need Help Selecting the Right Eye Bolt?
Our fastener experts can help you choose the correct eye bolt type, size, and rating for your specific application.
Call (866) 573-0445 Browse All Eye BoltsLoad Ratings and Working Load Limits
Understanding load ratings is critical for safe eye bolt use. Working Load Limit (WLL) is the maximum load that should be applied under normal conditions, incorporating a safety factor (typically 5:1).
⚠ Critical Safety Information
Working Load Limit (WLL) is NOT the breaking strength. It includes a 5:1 safety factor. Never exceed WLL values.
Angular loading reduces capacity: Even shoulder eye bolts lose 70% capacity at 45° angles. Screw eye bolts must NEVER be loaded at an angle.
Dynamic loads: Shock loading, swinging loads, or sudden stops can multiply forces exponentially. Reduce WLL by 50% or more for dynamic applications.
Shoulder Eye Bolt Working Load Limits
| Thread Size | Eye ID | WLL Vertical (lbs) | WLL 45° (lbs) | Min Thread Engagement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4"-20 | 0.44" | 400 | 120 | 0.38" |
| 5/16"-18 | 0.56" | 650 | 195 | 0.47" |
| 3/8"-16 | 0.69" | 1,000 | 300 | 0.56" |
| 1/2"-13 | 0.88" | 1,750 | 525 | 0.75" |
| 5/8"-11 | 1.06" | 3,000 | 900 | 0.94" |
| 3/4"-10 | 1.31" | 4,500 | 1,350 | 1.13" |
| 7/8"-9 | 1.50" | 6,000 | 1,800 | 1.31" |
| 1"-8 | 1.75" | 8,000 | 2,400 | 1.50" |
| 1-1/4"-7 | 2.19" | 13,000 | 3,900 | 1.88" |
| 1-1/2"-6 | 2.62" | 18,000 | 5,400 | 2.25" |
Values are typical for forged carbon steel shoulder eye bolts. Actual ratings vary by manufacturer. Always use manufacturer-specific load charts.
Load Angle Derating Factors
Angular loading dramatically reduces eye bolt capacity. Use these factors for shoulder eye bolts:
Shoulder Eye Bolts
- 0° (Vertical): 100% of rated WLL
- 15° from vertical: 80% of rated WLL
- 30° from vertical: 50% of rated WLL
- 45° from vertical: 30% of rated WLL
- Beyond 45°: NOT PERMITTED
Screw Eye Bolts (Plain)
- 0° (Vertical): 100% of rated WLL
- ANY angle: NOT PERMITTED
- Never use for angular loads
- No shoulder = no load distribution
- Side loads cause bending failure
Download Load Rating Chart
Complete working load limits for various sizes and materials with angle derating factors
Eye Bolt Load Rating Chart (PDF)Installation Guidelines
Proper installation is essential for achieving rated load capacity. Insufficient thread engagement is a leading cause of eye bolt failure.
Thread Engagement Requirements
Minimum Thread Engagement by Material
Steel into Steel: Minimum 1.5× bolt diameter (1.5D)
Steel into Cast Iron: Minimum 2× bolt diameter (2D)
Steel into Aluminum: Minimum 2.5× bolt diameter (2.5D)
Example: A 1/2" eye bolt requires minimum 0.75" engagement in steel, 1.0" in cast iron, or 1.25" in aluminum.
Installation Steps
Preparation
- Tap or drill proper sized hole
- Ensure depth for required engagement + 2-3 threads
- Clean threads thoroughly - remove chips/debris
- Apply thread lubricant if specified
Installation
- Insert bar through eye to tighten - never strike with hammer
- Seat shoulder completely against surface
- Orient eye in plane of anticipated load
- Verify full engagement and secure seating
⚠ Common Installation Errors to Avoid
- Insufficient thread engagement: Drastically reduces capacity, can cause pull-out failure
- Not seating shoulder: Gap under shoulder eliminates angle load capacity
- Using washers under shoulder: Negates shoulder's load distribution function
- Over-tightening: Can deform threads and reduce capacity
- Incorrect hole size: Oversized holes reduce thread engagement
- Cross-threading: Start threads carefully by hand to avoid damage
Special Installation Considerations
Concrete/Masonry
- Use rated concrete anchors
- Eye bolt alone NOT adequate
- Wedge or adhesive anchors recommended
- Must be rated for overhead lifting
Wood Applications
- Pre-drill pilot hole 90% of shank
- Use lag eye bolts for structural loads
- Avoid end grain installations
- Consider through-bolting for heavy loads
Sheet Metal
- Backing plate required
- Through-bolt with nut preferred
- Calculate pull-through loads
- Reinforce thin materials
Download Installation Guide
Step-by-step installation procedures and thread engagement requirements
Eye Bolt Installation Guide (PDF)Safety Standards and Inspection
Eye bolts used in overhead lifting applications must comply with various safety standards and require regular inspection.
Regulatory Standards
- ASME B30.26: Rigging hardware for below-the-hook lifting devices
- OSHA 1910.184: Slings and rigging hardware regulations
- ASME B18.15: Forged eyebolts dimensional and strength standards
- Federal Spec FF-B-575E: Bolt, hook, and forged eyebolt specifications
Inspection Requirements
Before Each Use - Check For:
- Cracks, deformation, or visible damage
- Bent eye or shank
- Proper installation and thread engagement
- Shoulder fully seated (no gap)
- Corrosion or wear
- Load direction alignment
⚠ Remove from Service If:
- Any visible cracks (especially eye-to-shank)
- Bent or deformed eye opening
- Damaged or stripped threads
- Wear exceeds 10% of original dimension
- Evidence of shock loading or overloading
- Corrosion causing pitting or material loss
- Missing identification markings
Never repair damaged eye bolts. Replace them.
Required Identification Markings
Rated eye bolts for lifting should include:
- Manufacturer identification - mark or logo
- Working Load Limit (WLL) - stamped on eye or shank
- Material grade - marking if applicable
- Traceability code - for quality certification
If an eye bolt lacks proper identification markings, it should NOT be used for overhead lifting.
Download Safety & Inspection Guide
OSHA compliance requirements, inspection procedures, and removal criteria
Safety & Inspection Guide (PDF)Common Applications
Overhead Lifting
- Must use forged shoulder eye bolts
- Requires load rating certification
- Regular inspection mandatory
- OSHA compliance required
Marine & Boating
- 316 stainless steel required
- Through-bolt preferred
- Regular corrosion inspection
- Deck hardware, rigging, anchors
Suspension Systems
- Calculate total dynamic load
- Account for swinging/vibration
- Use appropriate safety factor
- Lighting, signs, equipment
Tie-Down & Securing
- Consider dynamic transport loads
- Multiple attachment points
- Protect eye from sharp edges
- Cargo, truck beds, trailers
Fall Arrest Systems
- Must meet ANSI Z359 standards
- 5,000 lb minimum capacity required
- Requires engineered certification
- Annual inspection mandatory
Gym & Exercise Equipment
- Account for dynamic loading
- Secure mounting critical
- Regular wear inspection
- Consider swivel options
Ready to Order Eye Bolts?
Browse our complete selection of forged, stainless, and specialty eye bolts with same-day shipping on in-stock items.
Shop All Eye Bolts Call for Bulk PricingShop Eye Bolts by Type
Find exactly what you need from our complete eye bolt selection