Pad Eyes

Pad eyes are eyelets, rings, or loops that attach to machinery or equipment. They can be used for tie-down, lashing or securing applications, but are not usually rated for overhead lifting. There are many different types of pad eyes. Examples include welding ring pad eyes, folding pad eyes, eye straps, and anchor plates. Welding ring pad eyes have a diamond, square, oblong, round or saddle-shaped base that maximizes load distribution. They are cast or stamped and made of carbon steel, stainless steel, titanium, or aluminum. Folding eye pads can be used for either temporary or permanent attachment. Because the bails fold down, the angle of applied load prevents bending. Eye straps have flared edges and are available in many different mounting styles. Channel-mounted eye straps can be attached without drilling holes. Anchor plates are pad eyes that provide a flat or curved base and sized holes that fit specific types of screws. Although most pad eyes are made of metal, some products are made of injection-molded nylon or acetal resins.