Tips for safe eyebolt installation and maintenance

Ken Forging takes safety very seriously. The leading domestic manufacturer of drop-forged industrial hardware produces and then tests its eyebolts to the strictest standards (ASME B18.15 and ASTM A489) to ensure that its customers get a quality product that is both reliable and safe. However, these measures don’t mean anything if the customer doesn’t follow proper installation and maintenance procedures once the eyebolt arrives at their facility. To demonstrate its commitment to customer safety, Ken Forging outlines safety precautions on its website.

Installation safety

Eyebolts should always be installed by a competent person who is knowledgeable about the application and installation of eyebolts. When installing an eyebolt, the receiving hole should be counter-sunk and be free and clear of any debris to assure proper seating. It’s also important to note that loads should always be aligned to the plane of the eye, and not at an angle to the plane. A steel washer or spacer may be used with shoulder eyebolts to attain proper load alignment; however, the thickness of the steel washer or spacer must not exceed one thread pitch.

The company also advises that angular lifting should be avoided because it can significantly reduce rated capacities; however, if an angular lift is applied, it’s critical that the seating is checked since the lift may cause the bolt to back away from the load. If this occurs, the eyebolt should be unloaded and properly reseated.

Maintenance safety

Eyebolts should be thoroughly inspected before each use for possible defects, including distortion, bent shanks or threads, or incomplete/incorrectly formed threads. If signs of bend, elongation, wear or damage are visible, this indicates that the eyebolt has been stressed beyond rated capacity, and should be destroyed. Never attempt to repair a stressed eyebolt, Ken Forging advises. Likewise, the company says customers must also destroy eyebolts that show any signs of alteration, like gouging, undercutting, welding, etc. Another critical piece of advice: eyebolts should not be painted or coated when used for lifting because such coatings make it difficult to inspect for defects or wear indicators.

For additional safety tips and precautions, check out Ken Forging’s website. 

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