Swivel Hoist Rings vs. Eye Bolts

The Difference Between Swivel Hoist Rings & Eye Bolts

Table of Contents: 

• What Are Swivel Hoist Rings?
• What Are Eye Bolts?
• The Benefits of Swivel Hoist Rings vs. Eye Bolts
• Get High-Quality Swivel Rings & Eye Bolts Today 

If your operations require hoisting loads, you need hardware that’s up to the task. While many people assume swivel hoist rings and eye bolts are interchangeable, both types of equipment perform differently. If your operations involve rigging heavy for heavy loads, you need reliable swivel hoist rings rated for your application. 

Learn more about how these solutions differ and how the trained professionals at C.M. Mockbee Co. can help your company leverage these purpose-built solutions with quality threaded products and hoist services.

What Are Swivel Hoist Rings?

A hoist ring is a piece of equipment that screws into a surface before connecting it to a load. This durable hardware solution centers the lifted weight through multipiece construction, which allows it to move in two directions and successfully lift loads without breakage.

The ring’s body can swivel 360 degrees, while the bail pivots 180 degrees. Together, these components enable the rigging hardware to accommodate loads hoisted at an angle or moving in the air. Choose a bail shape that is compatible with your rigging system’s sling size and type. Each ring should feature information such as its torque value, maximum rated load and manufacturer.

What Are Eye Bolts?

An eye bolt screws into a surface and leaves an open ring to attach the load. While eye bolts are similar to swivel hoist rings, they cannot swivel or pivot to accommodate the load’s weight. Where hoist rings feature several parts, an eye bolt is one piece of metal with two components — a threaded base that screws into a surface and a ring for attaching the load. 

Eye bolts are stationary due to their single-piece construction. While a hoist ring will swivel or pivot to accommodate a sideways load, an eye bolt is likely to bend or break. Eye bolts are more straightforward to install and often come at a lower price, but they offer fewer hoisting capabilities and are typically not repairable. 

The Benefits of Swivel Hoist Rings vs. Eye Bolts

Generally, eye bolts are not intended for commercial or industrial lifting applications. They can only support light loads. Selecting swivel hoist rings provides benefits like:

• Function: A swivel hoist ring offers the same capabilities as an eyebolt with the added benefit of pivoting 180 degrees or swiveling in a full circle to lift at an angle. 
• Durability: Since hoist rings can swivel, they are less likely to break than eye bolts when lifting heavy loads, improving efficiency and safety during hoisting. 
• Higher working load limits: Though each hoist ring’s weight capacity depends on its rating, this hardware can hold up to hundreds of thousands of pounds.