The eyebolts on the machine can be used to secure the sheet metal.
An eyebolt is a special type of fastener that is shaped like a lollipop. One end of the eyebolt resembles the threaded end of a bolt, while the other side is forged in a circular shape. On a standard unit, the bolt shank is centered below the midpoint of the circle. Special eyebolts can also be offset or bent so that the shank is on one side of the circle.
Typically, an eyebolt is used to attach a cable, rope, wire, or chain to some other object. For example, these screws can be inserted into a ceiling or beam to support plumbing ducts and pipes. They can also hang a punching bag or a vase of flowers from the ceiling or balcony. An eyebolt installed on the floor can help support a hanging object and increase stability. The units can also be installed on a wall to hang cables or strings to support a painting.
Depending on function and quality, eye bolts come in a forged or welded construction. In a forged bolt, the eye at the top is made by bending a piece of steel to form a loop that does not close completely. Welded screws feature a fully enclosed circular eye welded to a base or rod. Both can be used in a variety of applications, but welded screws tend to be required for the most extreme installations.
The different types of threads on an eyebolt can help users distinguish between those designed for wood and those designed for working with metal. Eyebolts, or eyebolts designed for wood, feature heavily ribbed threads along the shank, as well as a pointed tip for biting into the wood. Sheet metal lag bolts, or machine bolts, feature fine threads close together to provide a strong hold on metal objects. Wood and metal screws can have a fully or partially threaded shank, depending on the application.
When choosing an eyebolt, installers must find a unit that can safely support the required load. In general, longer screws and those with a thicker shank can handle heavier weights. A large diameter eye can accommodate thicker objects such as heavy chains or cables, while smaller diameter eyes can accommodate thin strings and wires.
Many eyebolts are made from carbon steel, but like all steel items, these eyebolts can rust or corrode over time. Bolts used outdoors should be made of galvanized steel to resist rust from rain and other forms of precipitation. If the eyebolt is used around chemicals or in an industrial setting, stainless steel eyebolts will minimize the risk of corrosion and help the eyebolt hold up more effectively over time.