Eyebolt safety tips from an industry leader

Ken Forging is committed to customer safety, and wants to ensure that its customers are safely using the eyebolts it manufactures. With that in mind, the Jefferson, Ohio-based domestic manufacturer offers this advice:

Eyebolts must be inspected and installed by a competent person. This person must be knowledgeable about the application and installation of eyebolts.

Regularly inspect eyebolts for the best and safest results. Each eyebolt must be completely inspected before each use for possible defects such as distortion, bent shank/threads or incomplete/incorrectly formed threads.

Don’t paint or coat the eyebolts when using them in lifting applications. This is critical to remember, because coatings make it difficult to inspect the eyebolt for defects or wear indicators.

Properly store eyebolts when not in use. Eyebolts should not be left where they can incur mechanical damage or corrosion.

NEVER attempt to repair a stressed eyebolt. 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. Eyebolts should also be destroyed 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.

Ensure a safe distance from the load. Never work, stand or crawl around the load of the eyebolt.

Hand tightening is recommended. Don’t use wrenches, crowbars, etc., to tighten eyebolts.

Don’t shock load eyebolts. Gradually increase lifting of the load to minimize load-shock.

Don’t expose eyebolts to extreme environmental conditions. This may adversely affect the rated capacity.

Additional safety precautions when working with eyebolts include:

• 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.
• Don’t exceed the rated capacity.
• Don’t machine eyebolts on the shank or shoulder to achieve proper seating.

Ken Forging is an expert when it comes to eyebolts, as the company has been a leading domestic eyebolt manufacturer for 46 years and offers a large selection. For details on its complete portfolio, which includes custom forgings up to 250 pounds, contact Ken Forging.

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