Eye Bolts

When undertaking any lifting, hoisting or pulling applications, it's critical for safety to select the right fastening to attach your cable or rope to. Eye bolts are designed to withstand rigorous use whilst holding impressive loads to ensure you get the job done. Here at Cromwell, we have a wide range of eye bolts in an array of sizes, from leading brand TTC Lifting.

What are eye bolts?

Eye bolts are a type of fastening that are characterised by a threaded rod finished with a circular head or "loop" on top. Most commonly manufactured from steel, eye bolts are normally designed to be finished and secured off with a nut for a bolstered hold. There are various types of eye bolts, the most common being Dynamo and Collared. Dynamo eye bolts possess slightly larger eyes, whereas Collared eye bolts have a smaller internal diameter, but often a greater capacity.

When are eye bolts used?

Primarily used in the industrial sector, eye bolts are used to secure cables or ropes that can then be used as part of a pulley or hoisting system to lift heavy objects. When used safely and correctly, eye bolts form an invaluable part of your rigging system whilst also boasting the advantage of being cost effective, robust and easy to use and install.

Considerations when choosing eye bolts

• Safe working load - Usually measured in tonnes (t), this number denotes the maximum weight that an eye bolt can hold. It's always worth bearing in mind that the number given is measured with straight - also called "in-line" or "vertical" - pull in mind. The safe working load is reduced by around 20% when the eye bolt is used at a 15° angle. For safe lifting, pulling and hoisting, you must accurately measure the weight of the objects you wish to be moved to make sure you purchase the correct eye bolt.

• Thread size - Eye bolts are normally metric threaded and stylised with an "M" at the beginning and a number afterwards which refers to the nominal size of the thread e.g. M12 = Metric 12mm Diameter. It's important to check which size is best for your application before purchasing.

• Thread length - As it sounds, this refers to the length of the threaded rod. This needs to be measured to ensure the eye bolt will have enough purchase into your desired wall or wherever you wish to insert your eye bolt.

Eye bolt jargon buster

We want to make it easy for you to shop our range of eye bolts, so here are some key terms that will help you understand our array of eye bolts and their applications a little better.

What does SWL mean?

SWL is an acronym that refers to the Safe Working Load of an eye bolt. This is normally measured in tonnes and denotes the maximum weight that the eye bolt can safely hold when pulling at a straight angle.

FAQs

Will eye bolts damage or kill trees if screwed into one?

When hanging a hammock or similar item to a tree, eye bolts will cause a small disruption to the bark of the tree, but overarchingly will not cause irreparable damage or cause the tree to die. An eye bolt will also reduce the likelihood of rope or cable from rubbing against the tree and causing further damage.

How much weight will eye bolts hold?

This number varies from eye bolt to eye bolt. The Safe Working Load (SWL) of an eye bolt is usually stamped onto the loop of the product and can also be found as an attribute on our website, ensuring you select the right product for your needs.