The best 3/8-inch eye bolt depends on thread size, material, package quantity, and whether you need a rated lifting point. National Hardware’s zinc-plated 10-pack suits general-purpose tasks and lists a working load, while the QWORK 20-pack is a stainless-steel option for buyers needing more pieces. Prime-Line includes nuts for machine-thread installations, and the other picks offer stainless or shoulder-style designs. Confirm the exact thread and load requirements before choosing any bolt for overhead or lifting use.
| Product | Best For | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| National Hardware N347-252 | General-purpose anchoring | 160 lb working load listed per bolt |
| QWORK Machinery Eye Bolts | Bulk stainless-steel needs | 20-pack, 316 stainless steel |
| Prime-Line 9066782 | Machine-thread mounting | 3/8-16 thread and two nuts |
| M10 Stainless Eye Bolts | Corrosion-resistant installation | Bolts, nuts, and washers included |
| Shoulder Eye Bolts | Shorter shoulder-style option | 3/8-16 x 1-inch, four-pack |
National Hardware N347-252 Eye Bolts
This 10-pack contains 3/8-inch by 4-inch eye bolts made from steel wire with a zinc-plated finish. The listed working load is 160 pounds per bolt. The product is described for securing ropes, chains, cables, and carabiners in home improvement, farm, and construction applications.
Best for: Buyers who need multiple longer eye bolts for general indoor or outdoor fastening and value a stated working-load figure. The pack quantity and 4-inch size make it a practical choice when reach or several anchor points matter.
Limitation: The listed load capacity should not be treated as approval for every lifting arrangement. Verify the intended load, installation, and direction of force before use.
QWORK 316 Stainless Machinery Eye Bolts
QWORK’s package contains 20 machinery eye bolts sized 3/8-16 by 1 inch, made from 316 stainless steel. The product description identifies them for mounting, securing, and rigging. The material and bulk quantity distinguish this option from zinc-plated steel packs.
Best for: Buyers seeking a larger quantity of short, stainless-steel threaded rings for projects where corrosion resistance is a priority. Choose this if the 3/8-16 thread and 1-inch length match your installation.
Limitation: The supplied information does not state a working-load capacity. Do not assume these are rated lifting hardware based only on the product’s rigging wording.
Prime-Line 3/8-16 Eye Bolts
Prime-Line’s 20-pack is made of zinc-plated steel and measures 3/8-16 by 2-1/2 inches. Each bolt has a closed loop at one end and machine-screw threads at the other. Two hex nuts are included, making this set suited to installations that need matching nuts.
Best for: Buyers who need standard 3/8-16 machine threads and a larger supply of medium-length eye bolts. It is a better fit than a metric-thread option when the receiving hardware specifically requires 3/8-16.
Limitation: No working-load capacity is supplied in the product details. Confirm the intended use and load rating rather than treating the fasteners as lifting-rated.
M10 Stainless Eye Bolts With Nuts
This two-bolt set uses 304 stainless steel and includes two hex nuts, heavy-duty washers, and spring washers. The listed thread is M10, approximately 3/8 inch in diameter, with a 3-inch thread length. Metric M10 and U.S. 3/8-16 are not interchangeable specifications, so check the mating thread carefully.
Best for: Buyers whose installation calls for M10 hardware and who want the accompanying nuts and washers in one package. Stainless construction is a relevant feature for corrosion-resistant fastening needs.
Limitation: The description does not provide a load rating. The approximate diameter does not make M10 identical to a 3/8-16 bolt.
3/8-16 Shoulder Eye Bolts
This four-pack is identified as 3/8-16 by 1-inch UNC lifting shoulder eye bolts. The shoulder-style design and short length set it apart from standard eye bolts. The available product information does not specify the material or a working-load capacity.
Best for: Buyers who specifically need a short 3/8-16 shoulder eye bolt and want a four-pack. Select it only when its dimensions and shoulder design suit the planned mounting arrangement.
Limitation: Material and capacity are not stated in the supplied details. Do not use it for lifting until the manufacturer’s specifications confirm suitability.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a 3/8-Inch Eye Bolt
Does 3/8 inch mean the same as M10?
No. M10 is a metric thread specification, while 3/8-16 is a U.S. Unified thread specification with a 3/8-inch nominal diameter and 16 threads per inch. Similar diameter does not guarantee thread compatibility. Match the bolt to the nut or threaded hole by both diameter and thread type.
Which material and length should you choose?
Zinc-plated steel is one option for general fastening; stainless steel is offered in several picks for buyers prioritizing corrosion resistance. Compare usable thread length with the thickness of the material and the mounting method. A longer bolt is not automatically stronger or more suitable.
Can any eye bolt be used for lifting?
No. Check for a manufacturer-provided working-load limit and follow its installation directions. Load direction, mounting surface, thread engagement, and hardware setup can affect safe use. If capacity is not listed, do not infer a rating from words such as “heavy duty,” “rigging,” or “lifting.”
Should you buy a pack with nuts?
Choose bolts with included nuts and washers when your installation requires through-bolting and matching hardware. For an existing threaded hole, confirm its thread and required bolt length before purchasing; included nuts may not be needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 3/8-16 mean on an eye bolt?
It identifies a nominal 3/8-inch thread diameter and 16 threads per inch. Check both details when matching a bolt to a nut or threaded opening.
What is a 3/8 eye bolt used for?
It creates a loop for attaching compatible rope, chain, cable, or similar hardware. The appropriate use depends on its design, installation, and verified load specifications.
Are zinc-plated eye bolts suitable outdoors?
The National Hardware product is described for indoor and outdoor applications and has a zinc-plated finish. Consider exposure conditions and follow the manufacturer’s guidance for the specific installation.
Which pick has a stated working-load capacity?
The National Hardware listing states a 160-pound working load per bolt. The other product details provided here do not state a capacity.