Matt Florjancic

Eyebolts come in different design configurations based on the application and their intended use.

To always ensure the eyebolt you select meets or exceeds the working load limit (WLL) for the task at hand and is comparable to the working load limit of the slings and other rigging hardware being used, you must know the WLL.

Is the working load limit required to be durably marked on an eyebolt for it to be compliant with the ASME B30.26 Rigging Hardware standard?

In this piece, we will examine the following:

  • What needs to be marked on an eyebolt
  • Rigging best practices
  • Inspections of eyebolts
  • Removal from service criteria for eyebolts

What Needs to be Marked on an Eyebolt?


According to ASME B30.26 Rigging Hardware, eyebolts, like turnbuckles and eye nuts, are required to be “durably marked by the manufacturer to show” the following:

(a)  Name or trademark of manufacturer

(b)  Size or rated load

(c)  Grade for alloy eyebolts

Under the subsection ASME B30.26-2.5.3 Maintenance of Identification, “turnbuckle, eyebolt, eye nut, and swivel hoist ring identification should be maintained by the user so as to be legible throughout the life of the hardware.”

According to the standard, “Rated load” is defined as: “the maximum allowable working load established by the rigging hardware manufacturer. The terms ‘rated capacity’ and ‘working load limit’ are commonly used to describe rated load.” Also, a “rated load shall be in accordance with the recommendation of the hardware manufacturer.”

Factors to Consider When Using Eyebolts


Does ASME Require Eyebolts to Have a Stamped Working Load Limit: Types

In order to prevent undue damage to the markings or the eyebolts themselves, there are many steps to consider before using rigging hardware for overhead lifts.

As an end-user, you want to pay attention to the effects of the environment in which your rigging gear is used, including the following:

  • Temperature
  • Chemically Active Environments
  • Training
  • Storage and Work Environments

Temperature

(a) When adjustable hardware, excluding swivel hoist rings and carbon steel eyebolts, is to be used at temperatures above 400°F (204°C) or below -40°F (-40°C), the hardware manufacturer or a qualified person should be consulted.

(b)  When carbon steel eyebolts are to be used at temperatures above 275°F (135°C) or below 30°F (-1°C), the hardware manufacturer or a qualified person should be consulted.

Chemically Active Environments

The strength of adjustable hardware can be affected by chemically active environments such as caustic or acidic substances or fumes. The adjustable hardware manufacturer or a qualified person should be consulted before use in chemically active environments.

Training

Adjustable hardware users shall be trained in the selection, inspection, cautions to personnel, effects of environment, and rigging practices as covered by Chapter B30.26-2.

Storage and Work Environments

(a) Adjustable hardware should be stored in an area where it will not be subjected to damage, corrosive action, or extreme heat.

(b) If extreme temperatures or chemically active environments are involved, the guidance provided in para. 26-2.6.1 or 26-2.6.2 shall be followed.


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Best Practices for Using Eyebolts


Does ASME Require Eyebolts to Have a Stamped Working Load Limit: Best Practices

In Chapter 2.9.4.2, the ASME B30 Committee outlines the following nine points of emphasis for rigging best practices with eyebolts:

(a) Eyebolts should be tightened or otherwise secured against rotation during lifting or load handling activities.

(b) When used in a tapped blind hole, the effective thread length shall be at least 1½ times the diameter of the bolt for engagement in steel (see Fig. 26-2.1.1-2). For other thread engagements or engagement in other materials, contact the eyebolt manufacturer or a qualified person.

(c) When used in a tapped through-hole of less than one diameter thickness, a nut shall be used under the load and fully engaged and tightened securely against the load (see Fig. 26-2.1.1-2).

(d) When used in an untapped through-hole, the nut under the load shall be fully engaged. If the eyebolt is not shouldered to the load, a second nut on top of the load should be used where possible (see Fig. 26-2.1.1-2).

(e) Eyebolts not shouldered to the load shall only be used for in-line loads (see Fig. 26-2.1.1-2).

(f) Only shoulder eyebolts shall be used for angular loading. When used for angular loading, the shoulder shall be flush and securely tightened against the load. The working load limit (WLL) must be reduced as shown in Fig. 26-2.1.1-2.

(g) When using eyebolts for angular load handling, the plane of the eyebolts shall be aligned with the direction of pull. Steel flat washers may be used under the shoulder to position the plane of the eye.

(h) Eyebolts shall be in good working condition prior to use.

(i) Shock loading should be avoided.

Inspections of Eyebolts


Does ASME Require Eyebolts to Have a Stamped Working Load Limit: Inspection

26-2.8.1 General

All inspections shall be performed by a designated person. Any deficiencies identified shall be examined and a determination made by a qualified person as to whether they constitute a hazard.

26-2.8.2 Initial Inspection

Prior to use, all new, altered, modified, or repaired adjustable hardware shall be inspected to verify compliance with the applicable provisions of this Chapter. Written records are not required.

26-2.8.3 Frequent Inspection

(a) A visual inspection shall be performed each shift before the adjustable hardware is used. Rigging hardware in semi-permanent and inaccessible locations where frequent inspections are not feasible shall have periodic inspections performed.

(b) Conditions such as those listed in para. 26-2.8.5 or any other condition that may result in a hazard shall cause the adjustable hardware to be removed from service. Adjustable hardware shall not be returned to service until approved by a qualified person.

(c) Written records are not required.

26-2.8.4 Periodic Inspection

(a) A complete inspection of the adjustable hardware shall be performed. The adjustable hardware shall be examined for conditions such as those listed in para. 26-2.8.5 and a determination made as to whether they constitute a hazard.

(b) Periodic Inspection Frequency

(1) Periodic inspection intervals shall not exceed one year. The frequency of periodic inspections should be based on:

(-a) frequency of use

(-b) severity of service conditions

(-c) nature of lifting or load handling activities

(-d) experience gained on the service life of adjustable hardware used in similar circumstances

(2) Guidelines for the time intervals are

(-a) normal service — yearly

(-b) severe service — monthly to quarterly

(-c) special service—as recommended by a qualified person

(c) Written records are not required.

Removal From Service Criteria for Eyebolts


Does ASME Require Eyebolts to Have a Stamped Working Load Limit: Removal Criteria

Adjustable hardware shall be removed from service if conditions such as the following are present and shall only be returned to service when approved by a qualified person:

(a) missing or illegible identification

(b) indications of heat damage, including weld splatter or arc strikes

(c) excessive pitting or corrosion

(d) bent, twisted, distorted, stretched, elongated, cracked, or broken load-bearing components

(e) excessive nicks or gouges

(f) a 10% reduction of the original or catalog dimension at any point

(g) excessive thread damage or wear

(h) evidence of unauthorized welding or modification

***(j) other conditions, including visible damage, that cause doubt as to continued use

***Subsection (i) applies only to swivel hoist rings.

How Can Mazzella Help with Your Eyebolts?


As a one-stop shop for your lifting and rigging needs, Mazzella has a diverse range of products and services that can help you execute safe overhead lifts.

Hardware

We offer one of the largest and most complete inventories of rigging and lifting products in the country from some of the largest manufacturers in the world. Some of the products we stock are:

  • Shackles—all types, sizes, and finishes from ¼ ton to over 1,000 tons
  • Hoist rings—standard and metric
  • Eyebolts—forged, metric, and stainless steel
  • Hooks—swivel, eye, choker, self-locking, and weld-on
  • Master rings / links—all sizes, types and finishes
  • Turnbuckles and swivels

We also stock many other rigging hardware items.

If you can’t find a standard item to meet your specific needs, inquire about custom rigging and lifting hardware. All hardware products meet the ASME B30.26 Rigging Hardware specification.

Rigging Training

If you require a specific training course for OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) compliance for slings, hoists and / or rigging hardware, Mazzella can assist you in creating a safe and reliable workplace.

Our rigging training focuses on:

  • Overhead cranes
  • Below-the-Hook lifters
  • Lifting slings
  • Rigging hardware
  • Wire rope

We also provide site assessments. The purpose of an assessment is to systematically observe and record your lifting and rigging procedures, equipment, and records. This is not an inspection, rather a general assessment by which opportunities for improvement may be identified.

All Mazzella trainers have been accredited by our company through training by a third-party training company (Industrial Training International, Inc.), Mazzella Companies’ internal Train-the-Trainer program, and are trained on OSHA and ASME standards.

Rigging Inspection Services

OSHA 1910.184, ASME B30.9, B30.20, B30.26 & ANSI Z359 require…

Periodic, documented inspections on slings, rigging hardware, lifting devices, and fall protection every 12 months, at minimum, and monthly to quarterly in more severe service conditions.

Our rigging inspectors are certified to make sure your products meet OSHA and ASME requirements. We also provide personal fall protection inspections and basic level non-destructive testing (NDT) inspections to support our visual inspections.

Call us at 800.362.4601 or click here if you need rigging hardware, training, or inspections.


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Mazzella Products
Rigging Hardware

Rigging Hardware

We offer one of the largest and most complete inventories of rigging and lifting products in the country from some of the largest manufactures in the world.

If you can’t find a standard item to meet your specific needs, inquire about custom rigging and lifting hardware. All hardware products meet the ASME B30.26 specification.

Learn More!

Copyright 2022. Mazzella Companies.

Disclaimer: Any advice, graphics, images, and/or information contained herein are presented for general educational and information purposes and to increase overall safety awareness. It is not intended to be legal, medical, or other expert advice or services, and should not be used in place of consultation with appropriate industry professionals. The information herein should not be considered exhaustive and the user should seek the advice of appropriate professionals.