Common Mistakes When Using Carriage Bolts
Carriage Bolts are widely used in wooden structures, furniture assembly, and outdoor projects due to their smooth, round head and square neck, which prevents them from turning. However, in actual applications, many users encounter problems because of improper installation or incorrect selection.
As a professional carriage bolt supplier, we are pleased to share some of the most common mistakes to avoid when working with Carriage Bolts.
Carriage Bolt Square Neck Not Secured Before Tightening the Nut
The square neck of a Carriage Bolt is designed to bite into the wood to prevent rotation. If the square neck is not properly pressed into the hole before tightening the nut, the bolt will spin along with the nut. This not only reduces fastening strength but may also damage the wood surface. The correct approach is to press or tap the square neck firmly into the wood before tightening the nut.
Carriage Bolt Hole Size Incorrectly Drilled, Causing Slippage
For Carriage Bolts to function properly, the drilled hole must closely match the bolt diameter. If the hole is too large, the square neck will slip and fail to lock; if the hole is too small, the wood may crack. The best practice is to drill a hole slightly smaller than the bolt’s diameter to ensure the square neck fits tightly.
Using Carriage Bolts in Metal Parts Leading to Rotation Failure
Carriage Bolts are primarily designed for wood-to-wood or wood-to-metal connections. When used directly on metal parts, the square neck cannot embed into the harder material, and the anti-rotation function is lost. In such cases, a hex bolt or welded stud should be used instead of a Carriage Bolt.
Carriage Bolt Used with Wrong Nut or Without Washer
Carriage Bolts are usually paired with a hex nut and a flat washer. Using mismatched nuts may lead to thread incompatibility or insufficient tightening. Without a washer, the nut may damage the wood surface, reducing long-term stability. The recommended assembly is: Carriage Bolt + Flat Washer + Hex Nut.
Carriage Bolt Length or Material Selected Incorrectly
If the Carriage Bolt is too short, the nut will not tighten securely; if too long, the excess thread may protrude, affecting appearance and safety. Material choice is also important: carbon steel Carriage Bolts are suitable for indoor use, while stainless steel Carriage Bolts are better for outdoor or humid environments, providing stronger corrosion resistance.
Advantages of Xinchi Carriage Bolt Supply
As a professional fastener manufacturer, Xinchi operates 102 cold heading machines with a daily output of over 10 million pieces, ensuring a stable and large-scale supply of Carriage Bolts. We offer multiple material options (carbon steel, stainless steel, alloy steel) and surface treatments (zinc plating, hot-dip galvanizing, Dacromet, etc.) to meet diverse project requirements. With years of export experience, Xinchi guarantees Carriage Bolts that meet international standards, helping customers avoid common installation mistakes and achieve secure, durable connections.
Carriage Bolts may look simple, but improper use can easily cause slippage, rotation, or loosening. By following the correct installation steps, choosing the right size and material, and sourcing from a reliable supplier like Xinchi, you can ensure safer and longer-lasting fastening in any project.
XINCHI is a trustworthy fastener company, especially in furniture nuts. We have a factory that was founded in 2007. We are the designated fastener supplier to“STAPLE”. As a trusted fastener supplier, XINCHI offers a wide range of high-quality fasteners, including nuts, screws, bolts, rivets, and washers. If you would like to learn more about fasteners or are interested in wholesale fasteners, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our experienced and expert service team will reply as soon as possible.