20.10.2 Fitting the Eyebolt

  1. Eyebolts should only be fitted by a trained person.

  2. Inspect the eyebolt and tapped hole before fitting the eyebolt.

  3. Ensure that the contacting surface around the tapped hole is smooth, clean, flat, perpendicular to the thread axis and large enough to accept the eyebolt collar.

  4. Ensure that the tapped hole has a fully formed thread and a long enough threaded portion to engage with the full length of the eyebolt shank and that the material of the tapping is of adequate strength.

  5. Verify that the thread forms of the eyebolt and the tapped hole into which it is to be screwed are compatible.

  6. Ensure that the eyebolt is firmly screwed down without over tightening, that the collar sits evenly on the contacting surface and that the plane of the eye is correctly aligned. This is essential to avoid bending. Do not attempt to align the eyebolt by further tightening as this will impose excessive stress on the thread runout part of the shank.

  7. When screwing eyebolts into blind holes, it is essential that the hole and its threading are deep enough to allow the collar to seat fully. Ensure that the tapped hole is free from debris or other obstructions which might prevent the eyebolt seating fully.

  8. Eyebolts must not be re-machined or modified. For alignment purposes it is recommended that shims are used. When using collar eyebolts intended for non-axial loading, the load must be applied within ±5° of the plane of the eye. If, on screwing in the eyebolt this condition is not fulfilled, it can be achieved by the use of shims up to a maximum thickness of half the pitch of the thread. Alternatively, the hole may be spot faced down.

  9. Eyebolts used in clearance holes with back nuts should have a full nut of a grade comparable to the eyebolt. In addition, consideration should be given to preventing the nut unscrewing in service. Also ensure that taper washers are used when the hole is through a tapered flange. Particular attention should be paid to the adequacy of the material through which the eyebolt passes.