A Guide to Eye Bolts: Types and Their Uses in Rustic and Structural Builds

Whether you’re hanging a chandelier, suspending a barn door, or securing a heavy beam, eye bolts are one of the most trusted pieces of hardware in the builder’s toolkit. But not all eye bolts are created equal — and choosing the right one can make all the difference in both safety and style.

At Old West Iron, we specialize in handcrafted and heritage-style fasteners that bring lasting performance with rugged aesthetic appeal. Here’s everything you need to know about the types of eye bolts and where each is best used.

What Is an Eye Bolt?

An eye bolt is a threaded fastener with a looped or circular "eye" at one end. It’s designed to secure cables, ropes, or hardware to a surface, often in overhead or tension-bearing applications. While commonly used in industrial and marine environments, eye bolts are also incredibly useful in rustic construction, architectural builds, and decorative ironwork projects.

1. Lag Eye Bolts (Screw-In Eye Bolts)

Best for: Wood beams, timber frames, rustic décor

Lag eye bolts have wood screw threads, making them ideal for direct installation into wooden posts, ceiling beams, or wall studs. They’re commonly used for:

• Hanging plants, lights, or chandeliers

• Suspending barn doors or sliding door hardware

• Creating tie-down points on outdoor structures

• Rustic or exposed iron applications in timber homes

Old West Iron offers forged lag eye bolts in various diameters, finishes, and head styles for projects that need both strength and visual character.

2. Machine Thread Eye Bolts

Best for: Metal surfaces or structures requiring a nut-and-bolt fastening

These bolts feature straight threads and are designed to be used with nuts or threaded inserts. Machine-thread eye bolts are ideal for:

• Industrial or mechanical applications

• Securing items to steel structures

• Suspension or rigging systems in commercial builds

While more utilitarian in nature, machine-thread eye bolts are still available in forged or decorative styles that complement exposed hardware design.

3. Closed Eye Bolts vs. Open Eye Bolts

Closed eye bolts form a complete circle and are ideal for permanent attachments, where strength and containment are critical.

Open eye bolts have a partial loop, allowing for easier attachment and removal of chains or ropes — but they’re better suited for non-load-bearing or temporary applications.

Both styles are available in forged finishes that lend well to traditional, industrial, and farmhouse aesthetics.

4. Eye Hooks and Eye Screws

Best for: Decorative and light-duty use

Eye hooks are essentially open-loop eye bolts with a curved tip, making them perfect for:

• Hanging lanterns, décor, and wind chimes

• Mounting small items in workshops or garages

• Rustic cabinet or furniture applications

These are especially useful for achieving an old-world look in kitchens, outdoor living spaces, or handcrafted furniture builds.

Choosing the Right Eye Bolt for Your Project

When selecting an eye bolt, consider:

• Thread type: Lag vs. machine

• Load requirements: Structural support or decorative?

• Material: Solid steel or wrought iron for durability

• Finish: Match to your existing hardware with options like black, bronze, pewter, or raw iron

• Design style: Functional or decorative? Rustic or industrial?

Our types of eye bolts collection includes options for builders, designers, and homeowners who want quality fasteners that look as good as they hold.

Shop Eye Bolts Built to Endure

At Old West Iron, every eye bolt is selected or forged with the same attention to detail we give our hinges, clavos, and custom ironwork. These aren’t just fasteners — they’re architectural elements that reflect your craftsmanship and your style.

Explore all styles and sizes in our full Eye Bolts, Lags & Hooks Collection

Old West Iron — Strength You Can See. Tradition You Can Feel.