When working on a construction site or repairing a roof, it’s important to use strong safety equipment. One small tool that helps a lot is the eye bolt. Even though it’s small, it is mighty powerful and can be used to lift heavy items and keep structures secure.
In this blog, we’ll explain what eye bolts are, what they’re used for, and how to use them safely.
What Is an Eye Bolt?
An eye bolt is a strong metal bolt that has a loop or “eye” at one end. The other end is threaded so it can be securely attached to a chain, rope, or cable. This helps lift or hold heavy items safely in place.
Why is it Important to Use the Right Eye Bolts?
There are different kinds of eye bolts. If you don’t do your research and don’t select the right ones, they can get damaged or become bent, which can be a big safety issue.
The right eye bolt will:
- Be able to support the correct weight load.
- Be able to handle forces from all directions without taking a hit.
- Last for a long time, even if the weather is poor.
Always check the weight limit rating before using an eye bolt so you know it will be the right one for the job.
Lifting Heavy Equipment and Materials
Eye bolts are commonly used for lifting heavy machinery, beams made of metal, or concrete panels.
To lift something, you should screw the eye bolt into it and attach a chain to the eye before using a crane to raise the item. Use a standard eye bolt if you want to lift the item straight up, or a shoulder eye bolt if you want to move it at an angle.
Holding Structures in Place
Eye bolts can be used to secure parts of a building or structure, like scaffolding, on a permanent or temporary basis. They can also be used to tighten cables or braces, helping keep things straight and secure while you work.
Rigging and Lifting Systems
Eye bolts are a key part of rigging systems that are designed to safely move things. They’re used with:
- Pulleys: A wheel with a groove around it that is typically used to move ropes or cables. It helps lift heavy things by making it easier to raise.
- Winches: A machine that collects or releases a rope, cable, or chain. It usually has a drum (a round spool) that the rope winds around, and you can turn it by hand or with a motor.
- Shackles and turnbuckles: A small “U” or “D”-shaped piece of metal that can be used to connect chains or ropes to eye bolts or hooks.
These tools all work together with the eye bolt to lift or move loads smoothly and safely.
Use in Factories and Warehouses
In factories and warehouses, eye bolts help to keep operations organised, safe and running smoothly. These strong bolts are often attached to walls, ceilings, or steel beams, where they act as secure points to connect equipment for lifting machines and products off the floor. This helps in two big ways:
- It saves space – keeping large or heavy items off the ground makes it easier and safer for colleagues to move around the space, while also creating extra storage space for products.
- It prevents accidents – lifting and securing items properly reduces the chance of tripping, falling objects, or other workplace hazards.
Eye bolts can also help reduce the need to use forklifts or additional human labour. In some cases, eye bolts are installed as permanent lifting points on heavy machines or storage racks. This means workers can easily attach lifting gear whenever they need to move or adjust equipment, saving them time.
Use Outdoors and in Wet Areas
It’s especially important to use the right bolts that are saltwater or dirt-resistant when working on docks, roofs, or other outdoor job sites.
In these cases, it’s best to use:
- Galvanised eye bolts that feature a rust-resistant coating.
- Stainless steel eye bolts that are strong and won’t rust easily.
They are ideal for tying things down or holding structures upright in wet outdoor areas.
How to Use Eye Bolts Properly
- Check what load the bolt can handle – never lift more than the specified weight.
- Use washers and nuts – they help spread the weight evenly.
- Tighten bolts correctly – use the right tools to do it.
- Don’t pull machines or other heavy items sideways – unless using a shoulder eye bolt.
- Inspect them often for rust or damage – especially in dirty or wet places.
If an eye bolt is bent, rusty or loose, you shouldn’t use it, and you should get a replacement as soon as possible.
Eye bolts are very important tools for lifting, securing and anchoring in construction, warehouses and outdoor work. Always use the right sort of bolt and install it properly to minimise accidents and get the job done on time.
At Bricon Industries, we supply strong, reliable eye bolts for all kinds of projects. Whether you’re building, repairing, lifting or working near water, we have the right products to help you do it safely.
Need help picking the right eye bolt? Contact our team. We’ll be happy to help you choose the best one for your job.
