Eye Lag Screws

Self Drilling Eye Lag Screws

Don’t let the size fool you, when looking for a heavy duty screw eye or large screw eyes, our eye lag screws can be just the ticket. Please refer to the ICC report with maximum pull out values listed. There are times when standard steel eye screws are not suitable, such as MRI rooms. In these cases, our stainless steel eye screws are recommended. We pride ourselves in supplying hard to find items like the stainless eye screw. Our eye lag screws are industry leading in regards to quality. This is backed up by our ICC report and constant attention to detail with regular batch testing. No other eye lag manufacturer comes close.

Self Drilling Eye Lag Screws

HookandHanger specializes in taking care of all your cable management needs. Eye screws are commonly used to support ceiling wire that, in turn, support suspended ceilings. While they are not directly related to cable management, data communication support products, like HPH J-hooks with bat wings attachments, can be hung off ceiling wire supported by an eye lag. Our eye lag screws are also useful in seismic bracing when installed at a 45-degree angle. 

What Are Eye Lag Screws? 

Eye lag screws are simply threaded screws with a loop at the end. The threaded end firmly secures the screw to the structure, while the eye allows for the fastening of ropes, wires, and cables. 

Eye lag screws are generally bigger than standard screws but have similar threads to provide ample support. Some eye bolts also have a collar that enables them to be used for angular loads up to 45 degrees. 

These simple, yet effective tools are commonly used in industrial applications and are renowned for their versatility. Eye lag screws are typically used as a connecting medium for rigging, anchoring, pulling, pushing, or hoisting applications. 

Different Components of Eye Lag Screws 

Eye lag screws come in different materials and design configurations. Based on your application and intended use, various sizes, shapes, and styles are available. However, there a few basic parts in an eye lag screw that remain common:

- Eye: The circular loop formed at the top of the screw. The eye can be bent, welded, or forged.

- Shoulder: The joining area between the eye and the threads which resist bending.

- Threads (shank): The helical structure at the bottom of the screw that drills inside the support medium and provides support.

Eye Lag Bolt / Screw Materials 

As a source of support, eye lag screws must be constructed from high-strength, durable materials. Pay attention to your design considerations when selecting the eye bolt material. For example, if the worksite is prone to moisture, always opt for additional corrosion-resistant material. The two most common materials are –

Stainless Steel Eye Lag Screws

Stainless steel eye lag screws work best against corrosion. They are the perfect option for demanding industrial usages like rigging and tie-downs. Stainless steel screws have multiple variations, including the 304 grade, which is the most popular, and 316 grade, which is used in saltwater applications. 

Galvanized Eye Lag Screws 

Galvanizing is the process of applying a layer of zinc coating to protect the outer material from corrosion and oxidization. These come in handy in situations where eye bolts need extra protection in aggressive environments. 

Variations of Eye Lag Bolts / Screws

Many types of eye lag screws are available on the market today to serve various purposes. Depending on your application, you may opt for one of the several types of screw variations below: 

Shoulder Eye Lag Screws Vs. Non-Shoulder Eye Lag Screws 

Shoulder Eye Lag Screws 

Shouldered eye bolts have a joining component called a 'shoulder' that works as a bridge between eyes and threads. The shoulder is designed to reduce bending stress on the shank due to the excessive pressure. This extra support is especially needed when eye lag screws are inserted at an angle, where high stresses can develop and lead to breakage. Always make sure that the shoulder is completely flush with the surface to avoid any bending.

Non-Shoulder Eye Lag Screws 

Non-shouldered eye lag bolts are also known as 'plain eye bolts', which are only used in vertical or in-line shifts. These screws are not designed for sideloading or angular loading. 

Forged Vs. Bent Eye Screws 

Forged Eye Screws 

Forged and bent eye lag screws differ in their fabrication process. Forged screws are hammered to form an eye that changes the structure of the metal. This process creates stronger, harder, and more durable eye screws. Therefore, these types of bolts are best for heavy-duty lifting and complicated applications. Forged eye lag screws are available in different materials and can withstand significant tensile loads. 

Bent Eye Screws

Bent eye screws are made from a string of wire that is bent to form the shape of the eye. These are used for light-duty applications as heavier loads can open the eye. Avoid using bent eye lag screws for angular loads as they may damage the screw. 

Nut Eye Vs. Machinery Eye Lag Bolts

Nut Eye Bolts 

In these types of bolts, the bottom of the shank is secured in place using a hexagonal nut. These eye screws can be shouldered or non-shouldered and can be manufactured via the forged or bent method. 

Machine Eye Bolts

In machine eye screws, the shank is designed to be installed into specific tapped holes that are meant to carry the loads. Shouldered machine screws can be used to lift angular loads up to 45 degrees. 

Self Drilling Eye Lag Screws for Different Materials

Various design options are available depending on the material that supports the screw. At HookandHanger, we specialize in selling different eye lag options to cater to your on-site cable management and support needs. Based on your support material, we have two unique types of screws:

Eye Screws for Metals 

Eye lag screws engineered for metal usage are most commonly used to provide a base for attaching wires to the underside of suspended ceiling systems. These screws have a self-drilling and self-tapping threaded shank. The shank is normally ¼ inch in diameter and contains 14 threads per inch. Right above the collar is a flattened portion with an eye that is attached to the ceiling wires. 

These eye lag screws are manufactured using carbon steel that complies with industry standards. The screws are further heated to obtain optimal hardness and strength. In the end, each screw is electro-galvanized in accordance with industry specifications. All eye lag screws have a minimum base metal thickness to meet even the most demanding strength requirements. 

Eye Screws for Wood 

When it comes to installing the eye lag screws on wood, there are two types of bolts that you can consider. 750SD and 750 SD DH screw fasteners are manufactured using heat-treated steel with electroplated zinc type-2 coating, which makes them yellowish or golden in appearance. These screws are 2 inches long with 0.3-inch-long self-tapping portion, 0.5-inch-long threaded portion, and 0.19-inch diameter of the shank. 

The W300 and W300 DH are other two popular eye lag screws that are manufactured using low carbon steel without heat treatment. These screws are uncoated or electroplated with zinc type-1, which gives them a silver luster. Each bolt is 3 inches long with a 1.5-inch-long threaded portion. 

Tips to Consider During Selection and Installation

Before deciding which eye lag screw to buy, it is essential to pay attention to specific points. With a plethora of options available on the market, selecting a screw can be daunting. Refer to this guide to make the smart choice.

Calculate the Total Weight Load to Be Supported

When selecting an eye lag screw, the first step should be an analysis of the load. Different screws are rated for different loads; therefore, be sure to contact us to understand each screw's limitations to avoid unwanted failures and safety hazards. 

Understand the Screw Application

People often get confused about the usage of these screws and are frequently misguided on site. Eye lag screws are not limited to hanging suspended ceilings. They can also accommodate various attachments to complement your cable management system. For example, our eye lag screws provide support for ceiling wires, which can then be used to attach our HPH J-Hooks with batwings. The anchor strength of our screws ensures that they are adequate for the additional load required for cable management. 

Assess the Material That the Screw Is Being Drilled Into 

Since eye lag screws come with different material specifications, it is essential to consider the composition of the supporting structure. At HookandHanger, our most popular products include eye lag screws for wood and metal. Some of these screws are self-tapping, which means there is no need to drill the surface. 

Loading Direction: Straight or Angular 

The functionality and usability of eye lag screws depend on the load. While some screws are equipped to handle angular loads, others are not. To avoid any mishaps, ensure that the screws are enabled to handle angular loads. Additionally, you should also pay attention to the amount of load and the angle of load application for each screw. 

Consider the Installation Method

Eye lag screws available at HookandHanger.com are quick and easy to install. You can simply use a lagmaster pole for installations in high and hard-to-reach areas. For other screws, specifications may differ depending on the structure of the screws and materials they are inserted into. Be sure to read and understand the installation manual before proceeding with on-site work. 

At HookandHanger, we carry a wide array of eye lag screws to cater to your various installation needs. While these tools may seem relatively simple, it is important to understand the benefits and limitations of each type.

If you need assistance choosing the right eye lag screw for your application, or you want to learn more about how these tools can complement your cable management system, feel free to reach out to our support team today!