Lifting Eye Bolts & Eye Nuts

Eye Bolt Types and Capacity Options

At LiftingSafety, we provide many types of eye bolts and lifting points. This way, we can meet our customers' needs.

Our stainless steel lifting eye bolts, for example, are ideal for environments where corrosion could be a concern.

In their standard form, they are based on the traditional BS 4278 or ISO 3266 collared eye bolt, but as technology has developed, they have become available as the increasingly popular EN 1677-1 swivel type. This type allows the eye of the lifting point to rotate automatically to turn in the direction of the lift or pull.

A swivelling stainless steel lifting point is stronger than a regular collared eyebolt. This is due to its special swivel feature. This applies to all EN 1677-1 type lifting points, not just stainless ones. In fact, you must rate standard eyebolts lower for lifts that are not straight up and down.

DIN 580 eye bolts, DIN 582 eye nuts, and BS3974 bow nuts are also among our offerings. They all have larger lifting eyes than a standard BS4278/ISO3266 eye bolt. However, BS 4278 and ISO 3266 eyebolts have lower safe working loads.

If you need an eye bolt with a bigger eye and more strength, check out our swivel lifting points. These are rated with much higher SWLs. In the worst-case scenario, like side loading, true vertical lifts usually have a higher capacity rating.

Specialist Eye Bolt Clamps

Additionally, we have specially manufactured bolt-on eye bolt plates for I-beams or H-beams that can be used for both permanent and temporary installations, allowing you to create a lifting point by clamping to an overhead beam.

Container Lifting Eyes

In this category, we also feature ISO container lifting eyes, also known as container lifting lugs, that aren't threaded but are designed specifically for the direct connection to the top, side, or bottom of ISO shipping containers, which are secured in place through rotation.

The Complete Guide to Eye Bolts: Types, Uses, and Sizes

What is an Eye Bolt?

An eye bolt is a type of fastener featuring a threaded shank with a looped head, known as the "eye." Eye bolts are widely used for lifting, rigging, anchoring, and securing loads. From construction and marine applications to industrial machinery, eye bolts are essential for safely managing heavy loads.

There are many types of eye bolts for lifting, including lifting eye bolts, threaded eye bolts, swivel eye bolts, and collared eye bolts. Choosing the right type depends on load capacity, angle of lift, and the working environment.

Types of Eye Bolts for Lifting

1. Standard Eye Bolts

• Standard metric thread sizes: M5, M6, M8, M10, M12, M16, M20, M24, M30, M36, M42, M48, M52, M56, M60, M64, M72, M80, M90, M100 & M150
• Less common with less eye types: M14, M18, M22, M27, M33 & M45
• Imperial thread sizes: 1/4", 5/16", 3/8", 1/2", 5/8", 3/4", 7/8", 1", 1-1/8", 1-1/4", 1-3/8", 1-1/2", 1-3/4", 2", 2-1/2", 2-3/4", 3", 3-1/4", 3-1/2", 3-3/4" & 4"

2. Lifting Eye Bolts

• Designed specifically as lifting eye bolts to handle heavy weights, all of our lifting eyes are delivered fully certified and ready to be put straight into service.
• Used in machinery, cranes, and industrial applications.

3. Swivel Eye Bolts

• Swivel eye bolts or rotating swivel lifting eye bolts allow full rotation, reducing stress during angled lifts.
• Suitable for dynamic loads and lifting in multiple directions.
• Common examples: RUD VLBG, All Codipro lifting points, Yoke 211 lifting point.

4. Collared Eye Bolts

• A collared eye bolt (or collar eye bolt) has a reinforced shoulder for improved strength.
• Commonly used in angled lifting.

5. Stainless Steel Eye Bolts

• Stainless steel eye bolts and stainless eye bolts resist rust and corrosion.
• Ideal for marine environments, outdoor construction, and long-term durability.

6. Specialised Eye Bolts

• Heavy-duty eye bolts that also swivel for maximum load capacity.
• Dynamo eye bolts for lifting electrical equipment.
• Bolt-on lifting eyes provide secure anchoring points.
• Long shank eye bolts and long eye bolts extend reach for specific applications.
• Big eye bolts and large eye bolts are designed for oversized lifting requirements.
• Small eye bolts for light-duty applications.
• Codipro and RUD are a premium lifting eye bolt brand known for high safety standards.

Common Sizes of Eye Bolts

In the UK, eye bolts are typically measured in metric thread sizes and below you can find examples of some of the more common sizes:

• M5, M6, M8 - Very small thread sizes that are also very uncommon.
• M10, M12, M16, M20 - popular in industrial lifting.
• M14, M18, M22, M27, M33 and M45 - slightly larger, less common, specialised lifting.
• M24, M30, M36, M42, M48 eye bolts - quite common, particularly in heavy-duty applications.
• Other sizes available increase all the way up to a staggering M150 (this is a 15cm or 150mm diameter bolt - This is one very big eye bolt!)
• All other conical thread forms are possible, through at least one of the eye bolt types that we offer, such as UNC, UNF, BSP, BSW, 8UN, metric fine, etc.

Example Applications

• Construction: Lifting steelwork, fitting to lifting beams, and anchoring equipment.

• Marine: Stainless steel eye bolts resist saltwater corrosion.

• Industrial: Heavy-duty eye bolts and swivel eye bolts are used in machinery and crane lifting.

Choosing the Right Eye Bolt

When selecting an eye bolt for lifting, consider:

1. Load capacity - Match the correct size (M8, M10, M12, M16, M20) to the weight.

2. Application - Use swivel eye bolts for angled lifting, collared eye bolts for heavy-duty lifts, and stainless eye bolts for corrosion resistance.

3. Safety - For critical applications, choose certified lifting eye bolts such as Codipro or RUD eye bolts.

In Summary

Eye bolts are essential lifting components available in many sizes, designs, and materials. Whether you need a stainless steel eye bolt for marine use, a swivel eye bolt/swivel lifting point for multi-directional lifting, or a heavy-duty eye bolt for industrial loads, choosing the right type ensures safety and efficiency. From M5 eye bolts to M150 heavy-duty lifting eye bolts, the right choice depends on your load requirements and application.

If you’re wondering "what is an eye bolt?" - it's a simple yet vital component that secures and is used to lift with safety, reliability, and strength.