To fix a screw eye into brick or masonry, drill a hole to match the wall plug, insert a nylon or expansion plug, then screw the eye in until the threaded shank is fully seated and the loop is tight to the surface. Use a hole size and plug rated for the screw diameter, and set it into solid brick or block rather than mortar joints for a firm hold. For heavier loads, use a resin anchor or an expansion eye bolt instead of a plastic plug.

Choose the eye bolt or screw eye by its thread diameter and length: common sizes run from M6 to M12 for eye bolts, and shank gauges roughly 4 to 8 mm for screw eyes, with length set by the material thickness. Pick a diameter that suits the load and a shank long enough to reach solid material, leaving the loop clear of the surface. Larger diameters and longer shanks carry more load and resist pull-out better.

Galvanised eye bolts and screw eyes are suitable for outdoor use because the zinc coating protects the steel from rust in damp and weather-exposed conditions. Hot-dip galvanised versions give the thickest, most durable coating for permanent exterior anchoring, while zinc-plated ones suit sheltered or occasional outdoor use. For coastal or highly corrosive settings, stainless steel is the most durable choice.

The safe load of a screw eye or eye bolt depends on its diameter, material and how it is fixed, so always work well within the rated capacity and never use a bent or opened eye. A small screw eye in timber may hold only a few dozen kilograms, while a forged M10 or M12 eye bolt anchored into solid material can hold considerably more. Loading an eye bolt at an angle rather than straight along its axis sharply reduces its safe capacity.