What happens to the rated load of eyebolts during angular loading?

When eyebolts are subjected to angular loading, the effective load they can safely handle is reduced. This is due to the way the load is distributed through the rigging system and the stress that is applied to the eyebolt at an angle rather than directly in line with its vertical axis.

Eyebolts are typically rated for direct vertical loads, and when they are loaded at an angle, the forces acting on the eyebolt become more complex. The angle creates a combination of tension and shear forces. As the angle increases from vertical, the tension component that the eyebolt can sustain decreases. The reduction in rated load can be significant; generally, a design factor is applied that accounts for the angle, leading to a limit on the load that can be safely applied.

Understanding this principle is critical for riggers because failing to account for angular loading can lead to rigging failures and accidents at the job site. Therefore, it is essential to always consider load angles when determining the safe working load for eyebolts or any other rigging hardware.