FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In
There's a Better Way Video Tips

A Faster Way to Install Eye Screws

By Charles Miller
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles
Video Player is loading.
Current Time 0:00
/
Duration 0:00
Loaded: 0%
Stream Type LIVE
Remaining Time -0:00
 
1x
    • Chapters
    • descriptions off, selected
    • captions settings, opens captions settings dialog
    • captions off, selected

      This is a modal window.

      Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.

      Text
      Background
      Window
      Font Size
      Text Edge Style
      Font Family

      End of dialog window.

      This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button.

      This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button.

      If you’ve got a bunch of eye screws to install, you could do it the old-fashioned way using a screwdriver as a lever, but there’s a better way.

       

      Note: PLEASE BE CAREFUL–THIS TECHNIQUE CAN BE DANGEROUS IF YOU’RE NOT PAYING ATTENTION

       

      After drilling a pilot hole for his eye screw, Frank Gunderman of Mission, British Columbia, starts the eye screw a little bit by hand. Then he reaches for Captain Hook; this is a drill-driver with an open hook in the chuck instead of a drill bit. Frank loops the hook through the eye screw and just runs it right on in. That’s incredibly efficient. What a way to go.

      Now the thing I want to point out about this is: You’ve got an open hook here, and it’s spinning, so be very careful when you use this technique! If you’ve got a lot of eye screws to install, this tip will save you a lot of time. Just be careful.

      Thanks, Frank. Great tip.

      _________________________________________________

       

      More handy tips:

       

      A better way to fold a tarp

      Make a door buck with scrap material

      How to Make a Custom Dust Collector for Your Router

      How to Apply a Weathered Finish to New Wood Siding

      _________________________________________________

       

       

      Sign up for eletters today and get the latest how-to from Fine Homebuilding, plus special offers.

      Signing you up...

      This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
      See all newsletters
      See all newsletters
      ×

      Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

      Signing you up...

      This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
      See all newsletters
      See all newsletters

      New Feature

      Fine Homebuilding Forums

      Ask questions, offer advice, and share your work

      • X
      • facebook
      • linkedin
      • pinterest
      • email
      • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

      View Comments

      1. Gampy1 | Nov 07, 2012 10:02am | #1

        Great tip Chuck but I agree that large spinning hook is extremely dangerous. You and I look to be the same age and we have been able to keep all our digits, etc. by spotting the inherent dangers of attachments like this. Imagine someone leaving that drill setup on the bench and getting into the hands of a kid!
        I will use this technique in the future but will buy an extra eye bolt and spread the loop just wide enough to allow it to hook into the eye of the eye bolt being driven.

      2. theobear | Nov 12, 2012 05:36am | #2

        No need to use an unsafe method. A google search for “eye bolt drill driver tool” turns up a safe tool at Home Depot for under $8: Ryobi SpeedLoad+ Wing Nut / Eye and Hook Bolt Driver Bit Kit
        Model # AR2011
        Internet # 202518733
        Store SKU # 146380
        or another tool at McFeely’s for under $7 at Wolfcraft Hook Driver Wc-2422
        I suspect there are others, I stopped at the first 2 I found.

      3. Dukegijoe | Nov 12, 2012 09:27am | #3

        I have a socket called an "alligator socket." Inside the socket are a series of metal spokes on springs. You can load the socket on your drill and then place the alligator socket over the eye hook. It fits most size eye hooks and works quickly, without a dangerous open end. Highly recommend it.

      4. MaxToby | Nov 12, 2012 04:50pm | #4

        McFeely sells special drive sockets for just this purpose. It can be used by hand or in a drill. Much, much safer.

      5. urkie | Nov 12, 2012 06:04pm | #5

        The demonstrator stated a danger in using this technique then foolishly stuck his finger in the hook. An index finger was still on the trigger of the drill. Reminds me of a naval chief engineer. Demonstrating a danger poking a finger in apart of the ship's steering mechanism and stating "don't". The helm was turned, the system responded and a finger was severed. He then stated coolly,"see what I mean?" True story!

      6. MrBill250 | Nov 16, 2012 09:39am | #6

        A 6 or 8 point socket the eye bolt just fits in will work.

      7. atulniya | Nov 18, 2012 03:32am | #7

        Mr Chuck Miller,
        Your ideas are very very simple but fantastic.

      Log in or create an account to post a comment.

      Sign up Log in

      Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

      More There's a Better Way Video Tips

      View All
      • Bending Rebar with Pipes
      • Shimming Roof Jack
      • Foam-Gun-Tip Cleaner
      • Bucket-Mixed Concrete
      View All

      Up Next

      Video Shorts

      Featured Story

      Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps

      Choosing the right heating and cooling system means finding the best fit for your home's size, layout, and climate—and balancing trade-offs in efficiency, comfort, and cost.

      Featured Video

      Micro-Adjust Deck-Baluster Spacing for an Eye-Deceiving Layout

      No math, no measuring—just a simple jig made from an elastic band is all you need to lay out a good-looking deck railing.

      Related Stories

      • Podcast Episode 684: Masonry Heaters, Whole-House Ventilation, and Porch Flooring
      • Podcast Episode 683: Barndominiums, ERVs, and Radon Mitigation
      • Podcast Episode 682: Basement Flooring, Architectural Salvage, and HVAC Ducts
      • Fine Homebuilding Issue #331 Online Highlights

      Discussion Forum

      Recent Posts and Replies

      • |
      • |
      • |
      • |
      • |
      • |
      View More Create Post

      Highlights

      Fine Homebuilding All Access
      Fine Homebuilding Podcast
      Tool Tech
      Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

      Video

      View All Videos
      • Podcast Episode 678: Live from the Builders' Show-Part 2
      • Podcast Episode 677: Live from the Builders' Show-Part 1
      • FHB Podcast Segment: The Best of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast, Volume 8
      • FHB Podcast Segment: Larsen-Truss Retrofit to Existing Stud-Frame House
      View All

      Fine Homebuilding Magazine

      • Issue 331 - June 2025
        • A More Resilient Roof
        • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
        • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
      • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
        • Deck Details for Durability
        • FAQs on HPWHs
        • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
      • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
        • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
        • A Kominka Comes West
        • Making Small Kitchens Work
      • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
        • How a Pro Replaces Columns
        • Passive House 3.0
        • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
      • Issue 327 - November 2024
        • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
        • Plumbing Protection
        • Talking Shop

      Fine Home Building

      Newsletter Sign-up

      • Fine Homebuilding

        Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

      • Green Building Advisor

        Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

      • Old House Journal

        Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

      Signing you up...

      This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
      See all newsletters

      Follow

      • Fine Homebuilding

        Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

        Start Free Trial Now
        • Facebook
        • Instagram
        • X
        • LinkedIn
      • GBA Prime

        Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

        Start Free Trial Now
        • Facebook
        • YouTube
      • Old House Journal

        Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

        Subscribe Now
        • Facebook
        • Instagram
        • X
      • Fine Homebuilding

        Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

        Start Free Trial Now
        • Facebook
        • Instagram
        • X
        • LinkedIn
      • GBA Prime

        Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

        Start Free Trial Now
        • Facebook
        • YouTube
      • Old House Journal

        Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

        Subscribe Now
        • Facebook
        • Instagram
        • X

      Membership & Magazine

      • Online Archive
      • Start Free Trial
      • Magazine Subscription
      • Magazine Renewal
      • Gift a Subscription
      • Customer Support
      • Privacy Preferences
      • About
      • Contact
      • Advertise
      • Careers
      • Terms of Use
      • Site Map
      • Do not sell or share my information
      • Privacy Policy
      • Accessibility
      • California Privacy Rights

      © 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

      Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

      • Home Group
      • Antique Trader
      • Arts & Crafts Homes
      • Bank Note Reporter
      • Cabin Life
      • Cuisine at Home
      • Fine Gardening
      • Fine Woodworking
      • Green Building Advisor
      • Garden Gate
      • Horticulture
      • Keep Craft Alive
      • Log Home Living
      • Military Trader/Vehicles
      • Numismatic News
      • Numismaster
      • Old Cars Weekly
      • Old House Journal
      • Period Homes
      • Popular Woodworking
      • Script
      • ShopNotes
      • Sports Collectors Digest
      • Threads
      • Timber Home Living
      • Traditional Building
      • Woodsmith
      • World Coin News
      • Writer's Digest
      Active Interest Media logo
      X
      X
      This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

      Main Menu

      • How-To
      • Design
      • Tools & Materials
      • Video
      • Blogs
      • Forum
      • Project Guides
      • Reader Projects
      • Magazine
      • Members
      • FHB House

      Podcasts

      • FHB Podcast
      • ProTalk

      Webinars

      • Upcoming and On-Demand

      Podcasts

      • FHB Podcast
      • ProTalk

      Webinars

      • Upcoming and On-Demand

      Popular Topics

      • Kitchens
      • Business
      • Bedrooms
      • Roofs
      • Architecture and Design
      • Green Building
      • Decks
      • Framing
      • Safety
      • Remodeling
      • Bathrooms
      • Windows
      • Tilework
      • Ceilings
      • HVAC

      Magazine

      • Current Issue
      • Past Issues
      • Magazine Index
      • Subscribe
      • Online Archive
      • Author Guidelines

      All Access

      • Member Home
      • Start Free Trial
      • Gift Membership

      Online Learning

      • Courses
      • Project Guides
      • Reader Projects
      • Podcast

      More

      • FHB Ambassadors
      • FHB House
      • Customer Support

      Account

      • Log In
      • Join

      Newsletter

      Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

      Signing you up...

      This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
      See all newsletters
      See all newsletters

      Follow

      • X
      • YouTube
      • instagram
      • facebook
      • pinterest
      • Tiktok

      Join All Access

      Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

      Start Your Free Trial

      Subscribe

      FHB Magazine

      Start your subscription today and save up to 81%

      Subscribe

      We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

      Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

      Start your FREE trial

      Already a member? Log in

      Privacy Policy Update

      We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

      Cookies

      Analytics

      These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

      Advertising/Social Media

      These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

      Essential

      These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

      Delete My Data

      Delete all cookies and associated data