Instructions for the safe use of eye bolts

Please note that these instructions are not exhaustive, and they may not be appropriate for all pieces of equipment or applications. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for your specific equipment. if you are still unsure always consult an appropriately qualified individual.

When Using Eye Bolts Always:

• Store and handle eye bolts correctly.
• Inspect eye bolts before use and before placing into storage.
• Select the correct pattern eye bolt for the application.
• Ensure that the eye bolt and tapped hole threads are compatible and strong enough for the load.
• Correctly align the plane of the eye using shims where necessary.
• Ensure that the collar is fully seated when hand tight.

When Using Eye bolts Never:

• Use tommy bars, grips or wrenches to tighten eye bolts.
• Use dynamo eye bolts for angular loading.
• Use a single eye bolt to lift a load that is free to rotate.
• Reeve slings through the eyes, links or shackles fitted to pairs of eye bolts.
• Force hooks or other fittings into the eye; they must fit freely.
• Shock load eye bolts.
  • Type of eye bolt - eye bolt with link for all general purpose applications, collar eye bolt for most general duties, dynamo eye bolt only where a truly axial load is guaranteed. (A collar eye bolt fitted with a link through the eye must always be considered as a collar eye bolt and not as an eye bolt with link.)
  • Capacity - (rating eye bolts for angular loading) It is necessary to reduce the SWL by the following factors when using eye bolts with two leg slings:
  • Never return damaged eye bolts to storage. They should be dry, clean and protected from corrosion. Care must be taken to protect threads from damage whilst in store.
  • Where possible use removable plugs to exclude debris from tapped holes.
  • Do not attempt lifting operations unless you understand the use and limitations to use of the equipment, the slinging procedures and the mode factors to be applied.
  • Do not use defective eye bolts. Check the thread of both the eye bolt and hole, and ensure they are compatible, fully formed, of sufficient length, undamaged and clear of any debris which may prevent proper engagement.
  • Ensure the contact surface around the hole is flat, clean and perpendicular to the thread axis. Tighten the eye bolt down firmly by hand. The eye must be in the correct plane and the collar must sit evenly on the contact surface. Use shims but do not machine the collar or over-tighten to achieve this.
  • A hook may be engaged directly into the eye of a dynamo eye bolt or the link of an eye bolt with link. Collar eye bolts must be fitted with a shackle or link to accept hooks. The hooks must fit freely so do not wedge or force them into position.
  • Never reeve a sling through the eyes, links or shackles fitted to eye bolts used in pairs as this will impose a severe resultant load to the eye bolts.
  • Dynamo eye bolts must only be used for axial loading. When using eye bolts with multi-leg slings use eye bolts with links or collar eye bolts taking care to derate them correctly for angular loading conditions.
  • Where a single eye bolt is used, use a swivel or swivel hook to prevent the eye bolt from unscrewing.

Selecting the Correct Eye bolt

Eye bolts to BS 4278 are available in three standard types, eye bolt with link, collar eye bolt and dynamo eye bolt. Select the eye bolt to be used and plan the lift taking the following into account:

In-service Inspection and Maintenance

Maintenance requirements are minimal. Keep eye bolts clean, protect from corrosion and protect threads from damage. Do not attempt to straighten bent eye bolts or re-cut threads. Regularly inspect eye bolts and, in the event of the following defects, refer the eye bolt to a Competent Person for thorough examination: illegible markings; distortion; worn, or bent shanks and threads; incomplete or incorrectly formed threads; damaged eyes; nicks, gouges, cracks, corrosion or other defects.