Essential safety precautions when using eyebolts

Ken Forging is committed to satisfying its customers’ needs. Part of this goal is ensuring the safe use of its eyebolts — the company’s leading product. 

First and foremost, the Jefferson, Ohio-based manufacturer recommends eyebolts be inspected and installed by a competent person who is knowledgeable about the application and installation of eyebolts. But eyebolt inspection isn’t over after installation. Periodic inspection is highly recommended.

“Each eyebolt must be completely inspected before each use for possible defects such as distortion, bent shank/threads or incomplete/incorrectly formed threads,” the company says. 

Ken Forging also offers the following safety tips:

• Eyebolts should not be painted or otherwise coated when used for lifting, because coatings make it difficult to inspect for defects or wear indicators.
• Eyebolts should not be left where they can incur mechanical damage or corrosion.
• Destroy eyebolts when signs of bend, elongation, wear or damage are visible. Such signs indicate that the eyebolt has been stressed (overloaded) beyond rated capacity. Never attempt to repair a stressed eyebolt.
• Destroy eyebolts when they show any signs of alteration, such as gouging, undercutting and welding.
• Properly destroying an eyebolt involves crushing or cutting clear across the eye of the eyebolt.
• Don’t work, stand or crawl around the load of the eyebolt. Ensure a safe distance from the load.
• Don’t use wrenches, crowbars, etc., to tighten eyebolts. Hand tightening is recommended.
• Don’t use a single eyebolt to lift a load that can rotate. Safety swivel hoist rings are recommended for such loads.
• Don’t force hooks or any other fittings into the eye; they must fit freely.
• Don’t exceed the rated capacity.
• Don’t shock load eyebolts. Gradually increase lifting of the load to minimize load-shock.
• Don’t weld eyebolts or perform any weld-repair on eyebolts.
• Don’t machine eyebolts on the shank or shoulder to achieve proper seating. 
• Don’t expose eyebolts to extreme environmental conditions, as they may adversely affect the rated capacity.

Contact Ken Forging for details on its substantial inventory of eyebolts. The company offers custom forgings up to 250 pounds, and guarantees same-day or next-day shipping for all in-stock items.

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