Wichard Folding Pad Eye - Diameter 5/16"

The Wichard Folding Pad Eye with 5/16" diameter is a marine-grade fastening solution engineered for serious boaters and anglers who demand reliability in their rigging systems. Whether you're securing stays, attaching blocks, setting jib tack points, rigging lifelines, or installing tether systems, this folding pad eye delivers consistent performance across deck applications where traditional fixed eyes fall short. The folding design minimizes snagging hazards and reduces windage—critical advantages when you're working in tight quarters or running heavy weather offshore.

Manufactured as a fully drop-forged component by Wichard Marine, this pad eye exhibits outstanding working and breaking loads regardless of load angle—a distinction that matters when sea state and dynamic forces shift your rigging geometry unpredictably. Drop-forging eliminates internal voids and weak points inherent in casting, resulting in a compact, lightweight unit (0.45 lbs) that maintains structural integrity under sustained tensile and lateral stresses. The 5/16" diameter eye accommodates standard marine hardware, shackles, and line attachments while the folding mechanism allows the eye to lie flush when not in use, preserving deck space and eliminating trip hazards during active boating.

Experienced cruisers and commercial operators favor the Wichard Folding Pad Eye for applications requiring both strength and versatility. Installation is straightforward: drill a mounting hole and secure via bolting or through-fastening to deck, cabin, or structural reinforcement points. The compact 4 x 5 inch footprint fits tight spacing, making it ideal for retrofit rigging upgrades, tether anchor points on fishing platforms, or emergency lifeline stations. Anglers particularly value its use in quick-release systems and safety tether points where weight savings and reliability are non-negotiable.