Building Fasteners: What Is A Carriage Bolt?

Most often used in exterior applications, carriage bolts have a round head and a flat tip. In some instances these Building Fasteners are called coach bolts or plow bolts, but many different sizes of carriage bolts can be found at online Fastener Distributors and at local shops. Specially designed carriage bolts or those in a higher grade steel may need to be ordered directly from a fastener specialist. Other Building Fasteners that can be used to fasten lumber projects such as a deck are Deckfast Deck Screws.

This type of bolt is used to fasten lumber and must be inserted in a predrilled hole. Underneath the round head there is a square section attached before the threaded bolt extends down. That square fitting is what keeps the carriage bolt snug in the circular hole and the bolt is tightened and kept in place with a nut.

Available in a variety of lengths depending on the application, carriage bolts are also made in different diameters and with different materials. The predrilled hole should be just the right size for the bolt – too large and the bolt will be loose and constant movement could cause a breakdown of the fastener, too small and the bolt will strain the wood causing it to crack and split.

Best Metals For Carriage Bolts

Various grades of steel are used to manufacture these bolts. Lower carbon steel can be zinc plated for a moderate amount of corrosion resistance and medium carbon grades can be used in automotive applications as well as wood. Hot dipped galvanized steel is a good choice for exterior applications since it will provide a decent amount of corrosion resistant.

Stainless steel in an excellent option for carriage bolts as it provides the optimum corrosion resistance, as well as impressive strength and durability over long periods of time. Stainless steel grades are the material of choice with marine applications like docks and retaining walls.

Industries That Use Carriage Bolts

Many different industries use carriage bolts. Although most of the applications involve wood, there are also specially designed carriage bolts that can be used to fasten metal components.

Typically you will find carriage bolts used in:

* farming

* landscaping

* docks

* railroad

* water conservation and treatment

* mining

* highway construction

* alternative energy

There are other applications of this common and dependable fastener. Available in a variety of sizes and materials, carriage bolts are strong and reliable.