From lifting to tensioning, eye bolts serve as one of the most commonly used hardware pieces for material handling applications. As a simplistic seeming component with a threaded shank and an eye at one end, eye bolts can create a more efficient workplace through their robust capabilities.
As eye bolts can prevent an unsafe work environment for the benefit of individuals and the workplace, understanding how eye bolts function, their various types, and what materials are often used is crucial for making a knowledgeable decision on a best fit.
For the installation of an eye bolt for lifting, the component is typically threaded to a steel or wooden post, and it may be assisted with nuts and bolts for more load bearing. As eye bolts are used for the lifting of materials and heavy objects, a rope or cable is typically passed through the eye of the bolt.
Depending on the type of eye bolt that is used for an application, the ring or eye may be formed through bending materials or using drop forging to create a single, closed piece. If you have a bent eye bolt that you wish to use for lifting, such component types are only capable of accommodating lighter loads, and they should never be used for an
bearing angular lift.
In general, eye bolts come in two main forms, those being rated and unrated types. With a rated eye bolt, the component is certified by an independent laboratory for its ability to maintain high performance and mechanical properties. Such rated bolts also often follow governing standards for their abilities, typically being compliant against ASME and ASTM standards. With an unrated bolt, the component is not tested as rigorously as rated bolt types, and thus they are recommended for more lighter load applications. Additionally, unrated bolts are typically lower in price.
For industrial applications, nut eye bolts, machinery eye bolts, screw eye bolts, and eye bolt bearing components may be present for various uses. To accommodate individual requirements and needs, eye bolts may come in various sizes and finishes as well. When desiring an angular load for lifting, a shoulder nut eye bolt is most beneficial. By having the shoulder against the seat of the component, the shank has less stress exerted to it for safety.
Nevertheless, rated capacities are always highly reduced when operating a load at an angle. For more common vertical lifting, plain pattern and shoulder pattern-lifting eyes are most often used, serving diverse applications well. Last but not least, the eye bolt bearing is one of the more interesting
types of bearing components, allowing for stationary shaft installation with a bearing surface.
Depending on the needs and environment of the application in question, a variety of materials may be used for the construction of
eye bolts. The most common materials used include carbon, stainless steel, and alloy steel, as each provide robust characteristics that can benefit various conditions. For instance, stainless steel is highly resistant to rust, making it very suitable for marine applications.
Coupled with its ability to avoid peeling or flaking, stainless steel eye bolts are also often used for industries such as food processing. With an alloy steel eye bolt, cold weather operations can be conducted with ease, as such alloys do not lose structural integrity or performance when operating in temperatures that are below freezing.
Whether you are in need of a stainless steel eye bolt for
marine applications or a trusty eye bolt bearing, let the experts at ASAP Sourcing Solutions help you secure everything that you need with ease. As a leading online parts distributor, we can help customers secure nuts, bolts, screws, and other hardware components with competitive pricing and rapid lead-times. Get started today with a personalized quote on the parts that you are interested in in 15 minutes or less when you fill out and submit an Instant RFQ form as provided through our website.