Lifting Hardware
How do I choose a lifting point?
Start with the direction of pull, because that eliminates most of the catalogue immediately. A plain pattern eye bolt is rated for vertical, in-line lifting only and can fail at angles as shallow as five degrees, so it is the wrong fitting the moment a sling goes off axis. A shoulder pattern eye bolt handles angular loading, but only if the shoulder seats completely flush and the capacity is derated, with 45 degrees the maximum and capacity dropping to roughly a quarter of the vertical rating there. A swivel hoist ring is the fitting that solves the problem properly: it swivels 360 degrees, pivots 180, and holds its full working load limit at any angle. If the pull direction varies or cannot be controlled, that is what you want.
Lifting and rigging points
- Eye bolts, in plain and shoulder pattern, with and without nut, for threaded or through-hole mounting
- Eye nuts, in Style A, B, and D, threading onto an existing stud or bolt
- Swivel hoist rings, holding full rated capacity at any angle of pull
- Pad eyes, welded permanently to a structure rather than threaded
Tensioning and connecting
- Turnbuckles, in eye, jaw, and stub end combinations plus bodies alone
- Rod ends, threaded shanks with a rigid eye for fixed connections
- D-rings and clips, tie-down anchor points for cargo securement
Workholding and setup
- T-slot nuts, dropping into machine table slots to take clamping studs
- Set-up wedges, tapered steel for levelling, aligning, and positioning work
- Clamps, for holding and securing during fabrication and setup
For lifting points on a load, most jobs start with shoulder pattern eye bolts or swivel hoist rings where the pull is angular. For tensioning cable and rod, see our turnbuckles. For coastal and marine service, our marine grade lifting hardware covers corrosion resistant options.
Related Categories
Lifting Hardware FAQs
What is the difference between a plain and shoulder pattern eye bolt?
The shoulder. A plain pattern eye bolt has none and is rated for vertical, in-line lifting only, failing at even slight angles. A shoulder pattern has a machined collar that seats flush against the mounting surface and takes angular load, provided it is seated completely and derated for the angle.
Can I use an eye bolt at an angle?
Only a shoulder pattern, only with the shoulder fully seated, and only with the capacity derated. 45 degrees is the maximum, and at that angle capacity drops to around 25 percent of the vertical rating. Never angle load a plain pattern eye bolt.
When should I use a hoist ring instead of an eye bolt?
Whenever the direction of pull is angular, variable, or cannot be controlled. A swivel hoist ring holds its full working load limit at any angle, which no eye bolt does. It costs more and is worth it wherever a sling will not stay vertical.
How much thread engagement does an eye bolt or eye nut need?
At least one bolt diameter into steel, and more in softer material. Seat the fitting squarely against a flat surface or hardened washer, and make sure the eye is oriented in the plane of the pull before loading.
Are D-rings rated for lifting?
No. D-rings and tie-down clips are cargo securement hardware, not lifting equipment, despite sitting in this category. Overhead lifting requires fittings rated and marked for that purpose with published working load limits.
Should lifting hardware be inspected?
Before every lift, and periodically as part of a documented programme. Look for deformation, elongation of the eye, thread damage, cracks, and wear at contact points. Any fitting showing damage should be removed from service rather than repaired.
Which material should I choose?
Carbon and alloy steel for general and heavy duty lifting, since they carry the highest ratings. Hot dipped galvanized for outdoor and industrial exposure. 316 stainless for marine, coastal, and washdown service, accepting a lower rating in exchange for corrosion resistance.