How to Use Load Rated Lifting Eye Bolts

Load rated lifting eye bolts have a threaded shank that ends at a shoulder located below the eye or at the base of a long shoulder. Either type can be used for connecting lifting straps to a load, but they must be used properly to ensure that the lifting eye does not break during the lift. Proper use of load rated eye bolts includes orientation of the eye bolt to the lifting device, not exceeding the eye bolt's recommended load rating and appropriate thickness of the metal in relation to the diameter of the eye bolt.

Things You'll Need

• Eye bolt load rating chart
• Tape measure
• Drift pin
• Hex nuts
• Flat washers
• Socket set
• Ratchet
• Lifting slings

Instructions

1. Measure the diameter of the threaded section of the eye bolt using the tape measure.

2. Compare the diameter of the eye bolt to the load rating chart to determine the maximum weight that the eye bolt can hold.

3. Determine the angle at which the lifting slings will attach to the eye bolts. If the lifting sling is not to be attached to lift vertically straight from the eye bolt, refer to the eye bolt load rating chart to determine the percent of load rating that will be lost from the angled sling attachment.

4. Install the load rated eye bolt to the load per the manufacturer's instructions.

5. Tighten a machinery eye bolt by inserting the drift pin into the eye of the eye bolt, and turn the drift pin clockwise to secure the eye bolt. Alternatively, use the drift pin to hold an eye bolt in position while you tighten the nut with the properly sized socket attached to a ratchet.

6. Adjust the direction of the eye bolts after they are hooked to the lifting slings to ensure that you do not lift from the side of the eye bolt, which can result in the eye bolt bending and breaking, causing a dangerous and possibly life-threatening situation.

References

• All-Lifts
• "Construction Equipment"; Safe Rigging Begins with Eye Bolts; Andrew Baltazar; July 2009
• The Crosby Group