Short answer
An eye bolt has a closed, forged circular eye on top of a threaded shank and carries a rated working load limit (WLL) when it is made to standards such as BS EN ISO 3266, DIN 580 or DIN 444. An eye hook has an open, hook-shaped end and is typically used for hanging, tensioning or bracing; ordinary screw eye hooks are generally not rated for certified lifting. Buyers should decide by load direction, thread type and certification rather than by price alone.
- Key takeaway 1: Eye bolts have a closed ring and a rated lifting capacity under BS EN ISO 3266, DIN 580 and DIN 444; eye hooks have an open hook and are usually not lifting-rated.
- Key takeaway 2: Lifting eye bolts are derated sharply for angular loads, which is why shoulder patterns and swivel hoist rings exist.
- Key takeaway 3: In the UK, lifting accessories including eye bolts must be thoroughly examined at least every 6 months under LOLER.
- Key takeaway 4: Standard galvanised eye bolts cost roughly GBP 0.50 to 3.00 per piece in volume; stainless steel and certified variants cost more.
Why do the differences between eye hooks and eye bolts matter for industrial buyers?
Eye bolts and eye hooks are small parts that sit at the very end of the load chain, and that position makes specification errors expensive. The global rigging hardware segment, which includes eye bolts, shackles, and swivels, is estimated at USD 4.75 billion in 2025, with projections showing a 3.08% annual growth rate through 2031, driven by construction, marine and logistics activity. In the UK, choosing between an eye hook and an eye bolt is also a regulatory question: under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER), lifting accessories must be examined by a competent person, so fitting an unrated component can put a whole operation out of compliance.
The practical difference comes down to geometry. An eye bolt is a closed ring, so a sling or shackle cannot slip out under tension. An eye hook is open, which makes it quicker to attach and release but dependent on a latch or keeper for security. The two terms are also frequently mixed up in sourcing documents, which is exactly why purchase orders should state the standard, thread size and rated load instead of a product name alone.
| USD 4.75 billion | 3.08% | 0.14 to 20 t |
| Global rigging hardware market value, 2025 | Projected annual growth rate to 2031 | Typical rated loads across eye bolt sizes M8 to M72 |
| 6 months | 464 | GBP 0.50 to 3.00 |
| Maximum thorough examination interval for lifting accessories under LOLER | Suppliers listed in the eye bolts category | Reference price per piece for standard galvanised eye bolts |
What exactly distinguishes an eye hook from an eye bolt?
The two components are close relatives: both have a threaded or shank end and an attachment feature at the top. The decisive difference is whether that feature is closed or open. A closed eye transmits force along the shank axis and can be certified for lifting; an open hook hangs a load on its saddle and, unless it is a certified lifting hook with a latch, is meant for hanging rather than hoisting. The table below compares the two families feature by feature.
| Feature | Eye bolt | Eye hook |
| Eye geometry | Closed forged ring | Open hook |
| Thread | Metric machine thread, typically M6 to M72 | Machine thread or wood screw thread |
| Load path | In line with the shank axis | Hook saddle |
| Load rating | Rated WLL when made to BS EN ISO 3266 or DIN 580 | Generally not lifting-rated unless a certified hook pattern |
| Typical standards | BS EN ISO 3266, ISO 3266, DIN 580, DIN 444, BS 4278 | EN 1677 for certified lifting hooks |
| Typical use | Lifting machines, moulds, motors and components | Hanging, tensioning, bracing, chain shortening |
Which types of eye bolts exist and which standard applies to each?
Not every eye bolt may be used for lifting. Safety guidance on eye bolt types distinguishes plain, shoulder and lag patterns and warns that angular loading on a non-shoulder bolt will bend or break it. The main commercial types and their standards are summarised below.
| Type | Standard | Design | Material options | Typical rated load | Typical use |
| Lifting eye bolt (ring bolt) | DIN 580, DIN EN ISO 3266 | Closed forged ring, metric thread | C15E galvanised, stainless A2/A4 | 0.07 to 20 t (M6 to M72) | Vertical lifting of machines and components |
| Eye nut (ring nut) | DIN 582 | Ring with internal thread | Steel, stainless A2/A4 | Up to 20 t | Lifting where a male thread is not available |
| Collar (shoulder) eye bolt | BS 4278 collar pattern | Shoulder under the eye allows angular loading | Steel | 0.4 to 25 t | Angular lifts with slings |
| Loop bolt (eye screw) | DIN 444 | Elongated loop, machine thread | C15E, stainless A2/A4 | Not primarily lifting-rated | Tie rods, clamping, tensioning |
| Machinery eye bolt | OEM specification | Short shank screwed into equipment | Steel | OEM rating | Motor and gearbox lifting points |
| Lag eye bolt (screw eye) | Trade pattern | Pointed shank with wood screw thread | Galvanised steel | Light loads, not certified | Anchoring into timber |
| Swivel hoist ring | EN 1677, manufacturer specification | Rotating and pivoting ring on a bolt | Alloy steel | 0.3 to 30 t and above | Multi-directional lifting |
| Dynamo eye bolt | BS 4278 dynamo pattern | Oval eye for motor lifting | Steel | 0.32 to 10 t | Motors and transformers |
Which types of eye hooks exist and how are they different?
Eye hooks range from simple hardware-store screw hooks to certified components of a lifting system. The rule of thumb for buyers: a hook that carries a stamped WLL and a safety latch belongs to a lifting system, while a plain screw hook is a fastening accessory. The common patterns are listed below.
| Type | Attachment | Latch | Rating | Typical use |
| Screw eye hook | Threaded shank, open hook | No | Generally not lifting-rated | Hanging, tensioning, bracing |
| Eye sling hook (G80) | Eye link for chain or sling | Spring latch | Yes, marked WLL | Certified lifting with chain slings |
| Swivel eye hook | Eye with swivel joint | Optional | Yes if marked | Loads that twist or turn |
| Slip (grab) hook with eye | Eye termination on a hook | No | Rated per chain grade | Chain shortening and adjustment |
Which standards and regulations apply to lifting eye bolts?
The current UK designated standard for forged steel eyebolts is BS EN ISO 3266:2010+A1:2015, which specifies dimensions, marking, proof loading and rated capacities for eyebolts used at temperatures from minus 20 to plus 200 degrees Celsius. The international base document is ISO 3266:2010. The older BS 4278:1984 specification for eyebolts for lifting purposes was withdrawn in December 2021 and survives mainly as a legacy reference in existing equipment. On the regulatory side, LOLER requires lifting accessories to be marked with their safe working load and examined by a competent person, and the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008 govern the placing of such accessories on the UK market.
| Standard or regulation | Scope | Status |
| BS EN ISO 3266:2010+A1:2015 | Forged steel eyebolts grade 4 for general lifting purposes | Current UK designated standard |
| ISO 3266:2010 | International base standard for the same product | Current, under review |
| DIN 580:2024-05 | Lifting eye bolts, German standard widely used in UK sourcing | Current |
| BS 4278:1984 | Eyebolts for lifting purposes (collar, dynamo, with link) | Withdrawn December 2021 |
| LOLER 1998 | Thorough examination duties for lifting equipment and accessories | In force |
| Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008 | UK conformity requirements for machinery and lifting accessories | In force |
How do load ratings and lifting angles work?
Every certified lifting eye bolt carries a stamped WLL that applies to a straight axial pull. Plain (non-shoulder) patterns are for vertical lifting only; once a sling pulls at an angle, the rated load must be reduced sharply and the pull must stay in the plane of the eye. Shoulder patterns tolerate angular loading, and swivel hoist rings allow the ring to turn to the load direction. The minimum breaking force of a standard eyebolt is several times higher than its WLL, which is the safety margin built into the design. In the UK, lifting accessories must be thoroughly examined at least every 6 months and lifting equipment at least every 12 months, with a written scheme in demanding environments.
Which material should buyers choose?
Material choice is driven by the environment, not just the load. Carbon steel eyebolts are the volume option and are normally zinc plated or hot-dip galvanised; stainless steel A2 and A4 resist damp, washdown and marine conditions; alloy steel appears in high-grade lifting hooks and swivel rings. The table below shows the trade-off.
| Material | Corrosion resistance | Typical use | Relative cost |
| Carbon steel C15E, zinc plated | Indoor and general use | Standard DIN 580 eye bolts | Lowest |
| Carbon steel, hot-dip galvanised | Outdoor use | Construction and marine rigging | Low to moderate |
| Stainless steel A2 (1.4301) | Damp and mildly corrosive environments | Food and light outdoor applications | Roughly 1.5 to 2 times carbon steel |
| Stainless steel A4 (1.4401) | Marine and chemical exposure | Offshore and chemical plant | Roughly 2 to 3 times carbon steel |
| Alloy steel, grade 8 and G80 | Coated, high strength | Rated lifting hooks and swivel rings | Premium |
Where can buyers find verified eye bolt suppliers?
Eye bolts are a global commodity, but certification and forging quality vary widely. A useful starting point is the eye bolts supplier listings, where more than 450 suppliers are listed in a single category.
| Supplier | Location | Established | Size | Specialization |
| ACTON S.A. | L'Horme, France | 1985 | 20 to 49 employees | Stainless steel A2/A4 fasteners including DIN 580 eye bolts, rigging |
| Süther & Schön GmbH | Essen, Germany | 1924 | 20 to 49 employees | DIN 444 eye bolts, ring nuts, rope end fittings for conveying systems |
| Kaleliler Civata San ve Tic A.S. | Ankara, Türkiye | 1995 | 100 to 199 employees | Hot-forged steel bolts including eye bolts, electro and hot-dip galvanised |
| BRAMLEY ENGINEERING LIFTING GEAR LTD | Leighton Buzzard, UK | 1981 | 5 to 9 employees
| Hoisting equipment, rigging hardware, slings, and height safety gear. |
| Leeds, UK | 2014 | 20 to 49 employees
| Standard, custom, CE-approved bolts, nuts, washers, and fastener assemblies. |
What do eye bolts and eye hooks cost?
Prices below are reference ranges from European B2B listings and depend on volume, coating and certification. Certified lifting eyebolts with test certificates cost more than plain trade parts, and stainless steel roughly doubles or triples the unit price of carbon steel.
| Product | Reference price | Notes |
| Galvanised eye bolt DIN 580, M8 | GBP 0.50 to 1.50 per piece | MOQ typically 50 to 200 pieces |
| Galvanised eye bolt DIN 580, M12 to M16 | GBP 1.00 to 3.00 per piece | Volume pricing |
| Stainless steel A2/A4 eye bolt, M8 to M12 | GBP 2.50 to 6.00 per piece | A4 costs more than A2 |
| Large forged eye bolt, M20 to M30 | GBP 5.00 to 25.00 per piece | Certificate of test recommended |
| G80 eye sling hook with latch | GBP 3.00 to 12.00 per piece | Alloy steel, marked WLL |
How should buyers source eye bolts step by step?
A structured sourcing process keeps specification, certification and delivery aligned. The six steps below apply to both eye bolts and eye hooks.
| 1 | Define technical requirements: thread size, eye type, WLL, material and environment. |
| 2 | Evaluate supplier capability: forging or manufacturing process, certificates and references. |
| 3 | Verify samples and quality: batch test certificates, proof load documentation, dimensional checks. |
| 4 | Confirm certification requirements: BS EN ISO 3266 declaration, WLL marking, declaration of conformity. |
| 5 | Negotiate MOQ and pricing: volume tiers, coating options, delivery terms. |
| 6 | Plan logistics and delivery: packaging, export documentation and lead times. |
Which questions do buyers ask most about eye hooks and eye bolts?
Q: What is the difference between an eye hook and an eye bolt?
A: An eye bolt has a closed circular eye on a threaded shank and is load-rated for lifting under standards such as BS EN ISO 3266 or DIN 580. An eye hook has an open hook end and is used for hanging, tensioning or bracing; plain screw eye hooks are not rated for certified lifting.
Q: Can eye bolts be used for angular lifting?
A: Only shoulder (collar) patterns and swivel hoist rings are designed for angular loading. Plain eye bolts are for vertical pulls only, and any angled pull requires a derated load applied in the plane of the eye.
Q: What is the working load limit of an M12 eye bolt?
A: A standard DIN 580 M12 lifting eye bolt has a WLL of 0.34 tonnes in a vertical pull. The stamped WLL on the part always takes priority over generic tables.
Q: Which materials are available for eye bolts?
A: Carbon steel C15E (zinc plated or hot-dip galvanised), stainless steel A2 and A4, and alloy steel for high-grade lifting hooks and swivel rings are the common options.
Q: How often must lifting eye bolts be inspected in the UK?
A: Under LOLER, lifting accessories such as eye bolts must be thoroughly examined by a competent person at least every 6 months, or more frequently under a written scheme of examination for demanding use.
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Sources
- QYResearch, Rigging Hardware market size and forecast, 2025. https://www.qyresearch.com/news/11714/rigging-hardware
- BSI, BS EN ISO 3266:2010+A1:2015 Forged steel eyebolts grade 4 for general lifting purposes. https://knowledge.bsigroup.com/products/forged-steel-eyebolts-grade-4-for-general-lifting-purposes
- ISO, ISO 3266:2010 Forged steel eyebolts grade 4 for general lifting purposes. https://www.iso.org/standard/36657.html
- HSE, LOLER overview, Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998. https://www.hse.gov.uk/work-equipment-machinery/loler-overview.htm
- CCOHS, Materials handling: lifting with eye bolts. https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/safety_haz/materials_handling/eye_bolts.html
- Supplier directory, eye bolts category. https://www.europages.co.uk/companies/eye-bolts.html
