Engineering Bulletin – EB 99006

Proper Use of Eye Bolts and Hoist Rings

Background
Hydril Company has observed occasional misuse
of lifting devices in various products resulting in
potentially dangerous working conditions. In an
effort to prevent personal injury and damage to
equipment, these guidelines should be followed
when lifting Hydril equipment.
Shoulder eye bolts retain higher lift capacities
when lifting at an angle (Figure 2). All loads
should be applied in the plane of the eye.
Shoulder eye bolts must be properly seated to
safely function. The shoulder should bear firmly
against the mating part. A thin steel washer or
spacer may be used to properly seat the eye bolt
if the mating surface is not even or to align the
orientation so the load is in the plane of the eye.

Discussion All eye bolts must fit reasonably tight in the hole
Standard eye bolts, shoulder eye bolts, and hoist into which it is screwed to prevent unscrewing
rings are three main types of lifting fasteners due to twist of cable. Tightness and seating
used on Hydril equipment. The proper use of must be checked after initial load. The load
other lifting devices is beyond the scope of this applied should never exceed the safe working
document. Consult Hydril engineering if load. Apply forces gradually. Do not apply
assistance is required. shock loads. Periodic visual inspection is
required.
Standard (plain) eye bolts are intended for
straight lifts. Angle lifts should be avoided. If
angle lifts must be used, ensure the lift angle is a
maximum of 30° from vertical and the load is
applied in the plane of the eye (Figure 1). In
addition, the eye bolt should be derated to 25%
of the safe working load (SWL) when working at
these maximum angles. To attain the rated
capacity, full thread engagement is required.

FIGURE 1: LIFTING FASTENERS

CORRECT
30°
WRONG
MAX

STANDARD ALL ALL HOIST

EYE BOLTS EYE BOLTS EYE BOLTS RINGS

HYDRIL® is a registered trademark and service mark of Hydril Company.

© 1999 Hydril Company.

All Rights Reserved.

Mike Berckenhoff
2 September, 1999 Page 1 of 2 Senior Engineer, PC Engineering

LATEST REVISION Printed on : Mon Sep 30 01:47:41 EDT 2013

 Engineering Bulletin – EB 99006
Hoist rings are preferred when a lift angle is
required. A 0° lift angle will still provide the
highest lift capacity. However, the safe working
load is based on a 90° lift angle (worst case
scenario). Drill and tap the workpiece so the
hoist ring bolt is installed perpendicular to the
surface of the workpiece. Countersink the
tapped hole to prevent “swelling” of the top
thread when the hoist ring bolt is torqued. The
workpiece surface must be flat, providing
complete contact for the hoist ring bushing. Do
not use spacers between the hoist ring bushing
and the workpiece surface. Always tighten the
bolt to the proper torque value provided by the
manufacturer. Never use an oversized hook or
other lifting device which will pry or tend to open
the “U” shaped bar. After installation, check the
hoist ring to be sure it swivels and pivots freely in
all directions. The side of the ring must not
contact anything during the lift. Apply forces
gradually. Do not apply shock loads. Periodic
inspection is required as the bolt may loosen
during use.

FIGURE 2: SWL VS LIFT ANGLE

SHOULDER EYE BOLTS

100

80
NOT SAFE
60

40
SAFE
20

0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
ANGLE (DEG) FROM VERTICAL

HYDRIL® is a registered trademark and service mark of Hydril Company.

© 1999 Hydril Company.

All Rights Reserved.

Mike Berckenhoff
2 September, 1999 Page 2 of 2 Senior Engineer, PC Engineering

LATEST REVISION Printed on : Mon Sep 30 01:47:41 EDT 2013