There are in excess of 200 different types of eyebolts, most are for bolting to a specific surface, although some types are created for welding to the surface to create an anchor point for lifting and lashing devices; also falling into this grouping are eye nuts and bow nuts which screw onto a threaded bolt and so more easily removable; you can also get eyebolts that are fixed and some which swivel, some types include full rotation with an additional load ring pivoting point; there are numerous shaped eyebolts, like round, oval, and star shaped all which suit specific applications. Some eyebolts include relief lugs which offer two or four bolts, and so extra safety. Also obtainable are eyebolts which include a hook with safety catch for attaching rings and slings etc.
Deciding on the appropriate type of lifting/suspension point is often a task to be thought cautiously about, you should select an eye bolt to suit the type of sling you will be utilizing, or else better still, one which will go well with most styles of slings, regardless of whether it is a chain sling, web sling or rope sling. If you fail to choose a suitable variety you could end up adding additional fixings to make the sling fit, this isn't good practise and can be unstable. The safe working load capacity is also an important issue to contemplate as is the kind required, will you just require an eye bolt that is for in-line/straight lifts only for example the standard eye bolt, or else do you require one that can be loaded at all angles, such as the swivel eye bolt. Deciding on the best one to match your requirements will save time, money and also safety issues which might occur.
The dimension and shape as well as the weight of the load that is intended to be lifted should be looked at together with the amount of anchor/lashing points that will be required and the angle at which the sling will need to be used. Differing angles have an effect on the lifting capacities of slings. Sufficient anchor points should be available to facilitate a stable lift, with the total safe working load capacity in no way exceeded. The position of the eye bolts will call for cautious consideration as well and also ensure the position where they will be fixed can generate a secure thread hole for the bolt and can also take the weight of the load. They must also be placed to work well with the chosen slinging system.
The bulk of eye bolts are manufactured from high tensile, drop forged steel, which makes them particularly tough, the standard types may be finished in its self colour, electro-galvanised or hot dipped galvanised; you can find a number of eye bolts available which are created from stainless steel to provide appropriate anchor point s for areas that have high chlorine concentrations and sea water. At the top end of the vast choice of eye bolts are the types that have a special finish in which the original colour visibly alters when the temperature increases, permitting the working load limit to be reduced at certain temperatures, which is of vital importance.
Shock loading, twisting of the load and also hard vibrations can all cause the eye bolt to become loose, sometimes to the extent where it might turn out of its cavity completely; for this reason if eye bolts are going to be used where these situations do or may well occur then it's recommended to apply special fixative to the bolts on installation or maybe a crown nut with a key or counter nut, so as to prevent the eye bolt from becoming unsafe.
When using any sort of eye bolt you will find a number of necessary procedures that must always be followed, they must always be checked over before use to make sure that; all markings are legible; they are free from cracks, corrosion and gouges etc; the thread is undamaged; as well as making sure they are screwed in tightly, and seated correctly; eye bolts that rotate should do so smoothly. Always examine installation points are suitable. Single points should always be directly in line with the centre of gravity, multiple anchor points should be arranged evenly / symmetrically around the centre of gravity and each point needs to be in the same lifting plane. Furthermore it's essential that eye bolts are checked over and tested at frequent intervals, generally 6 monthly, this is since these products could possibly be effected by wear, mistreatment and overloading etc. This ought to be completed even more frequently if the eye bolts are used in severe operating environments.
In wrapping up then we all know that there will be numerous differing types of eye bolts obtainable, appropriate for various purposes; they offer safe, strong and secure suspension points if fitted properly, but must be checked frequently for safety’s sake.