The Difference Between Carriage Bolts and Lag Bolts
Because there are so many different kinds of bolts, people often get confused about what the differences are between them. We’ll go over the key differences between carriage bolts and lag bolts in this article, including the shape, function, and size of each bolt type. While carriage bolts and lag bolts have quite a few similarities that make it easy to confuse them with one another, there are some key differences that may help you determine if you really need to use one type of bolt versus the other in your project at home or on the job site.
Carriage bolts-what are they? Carriage bolts are fasteners used to secure a load or an object to a surface. Carriage bolts can have either a hex or square head, but the former is far more common. The hexagonal-shaped head of the hex head carriage bolt is different from the square-shaped head of the square head carriage bolt. Threaded ends on both types of bolts can be tightened with a wrench. The heads of these two varieties of bolts are shaped differently, which can be used as a distinguishing feature. A carriage bolt, the shape of which can be deduced from what can be seen of its top surface, is hexagonal. It is a square-headed carriage bolt if the top is completely hidden.
Lag bolts, also known as lag screws, are a type of threaded fastener that can be used with either wood or metal and feature a square or hexagonal head. They are commonly used to join two pieces by passing through the material from one side to the other. In contrast to carriage bolts, which must have a pilot bolt drilled for them before they can be installed, lag bolts can be hammered directly into place. In order to tighten the nut of a lag bolt, you simply turn it until it is as tight as you need it to be. When tightening a carriage bolt, on the other hand, the threads at both ends of the bolt need to catch and hold even after the bolt has been fully tightened. If you don’t do this, your carriage bolt will loosen gradually over time.
Joining two pieces of wood together is a job for carriage bolts. They are shorter and can be inserted from either the top or bottom. Square head lags, on the other hand, are used in steel structures to fasten metal plates together. They are more secure than carriage bolts because the square head won’t turn when tightened. If you’re looking for a general bolt that can be used in a variety of situations, lag bolts are your best bet. Because they come with pre-drilled holes, they offer ease of use and installation. The disadvantage is that their heads protrude from the surface, so they may need to be countersunk before installation if you want them flush with the surface. Be sure to purchase the appropriate size for the thickness of the material being attached. Finally, keep in mind that the majority of carriages have angled slots, whereas the majority of lag screws have straight slots.