AYA FASTENERS Guide | Hex Bolts VS Carriage Bolts?

When it comes to creating any projects, infrastructure, or creation using the right materials is necessary. The right material can help ensure the longevity of your project and can also allow you to get a more finished and polished look. When it comes to the types of bolts that you can use, there are several different types you can use. Two of the most common ones are known as carriage bolts and hex bolts. While these can look similar to the untrained eye, in reality, I have many differences, and depending on the thing you are creating, one or the other is going to function the best.

 

In this article, we are going to help you understand not only the basics of these types of bolts but also provide you with information about when to use each of these bolts. With this guide, you are guaranteed to always use the appropriate material for your project without having to worry about anything going wrong.

 

What is a hex bolt? 

 

Hex bolts are the most common type of bolt. For the majority of people when they think of a bolt they think of a bolt with a hexagonal-shaped head. This hexagonal shape is exactly where the name hex comes from and it tends to fit and align very well with nuts that also have a hexagonal shape.

Hex bolts come both with partial thread and full thread, and depending on what you are creating you might find one or the other version of this bolt to be a lot better.

                                 Hex Head Machine                                                                                          Bolts  Hex Bolt Half Thread                                                                    Hex Tap Bolts Fully Threaded  

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

When do you typically use hex bolts?

 

Most people will use hex bolts when they need to secure objects either against other objects or within them. What makes hex bolts so appropriate for this task is that they tend to not self-loosen which allows them to remain completely secure.

This is why these bolts are also commonly found in manufacturing, and they can be seen in equipment and even stands and automotive. Whether you are looking to fasten materials of the same type or different types to one another, these hex bolts can provide you with the perfect type of grip to do it.

If you want to see some common construction projects that have used hex bolts then you can check out bridges and even buildings, as hex bolts are often used to keep their internal structure in place.

 

What are the disadvantages of hex bolts?

 

The main disadvantage that comes with hex bolts is the fact that they require a special type of tool in order to tighten them in place. White many other bolts are able to be tightened through the use of a regular screw, with hex bolts you will need to use either a wrench or a socket.

Not only are these types of tools bulkier to store, but they also have the problem that they are not always able to fit into tighter spaces. As such, if you are working on a project that requires you to get to hard-to-reach places, these bolts are not going to be effective.

Another problem with using hex bolts is the fact that their threaded area tends to be quite large. This allows them to hold more strain and be stronger but it also means that any materials you are trying to use a bolt-on will have to have a huge hole in order for the bolt to fit through the counterbored hole. This does not necessarily mean that you will have a problem with making the larger hole, but it could affect the overall appearance of your final product.

 

What are the precautions for using hex bolts?

 

When it comes to using hex bolts there are several precautions that you should take into account. These will help ensure the longevity of your problem while also making the assembly aspect of your project significantly easier.

Ensure you are using the appropriate speed for tightening. If you are using a torque wrench or socket wrench you will have more control over the proper speed and strength you need for the assembly. With an electric or adjustable wrench you might find that you have less control of both the speed and force.

The higher the speed, the more the temperature is going to increase which could result in locking.

Always make sure to tighten the nut perpendicular to the main axis of the bolt.

Use washers to avoid overtightening. Overtightening could cause your bolt to fail which could be a problem in cases of manufacturing, construction, or equipment as it would mean that your bolts are going to fail and cause injuries and loss of production capabilities.

 

What is a carriage bolt?

 

A carriage bolt is used when you are trying to join two different components. Normally the way this is achieved is by drawing one into the other through the tightening process. Much like with hex bolts, a nut is going to be needed for the carriage bolt. However, there are also many features that separate a carriage bolt from a hex bolt. Of these, the more important one is the visual difference.

The carriage bolt has a rounded top that resembles a mushroom top. The neck is attached to the completely flat side, which is going to eventually be connected to one of the components you use. The neck starts off being squared before it eventually begins to grow rounder in the area where the thread of the bolt begins.

 

                              Countersunk Carriage Bolts                                                                 Large Head Carriage Bolts                                                                 Galvanized Carriage Bolts For Deck

                                                                                                 

                                                                                                                         

 

When do you typically use carriage bolts?

 

Carriage bolts are great to use when you are trying to hold together materials that are the same, such as wood with wood or metal with metal, but they can also work great for materials that are different. The self-locking mechanism of the bolt can be especially useful in cases where one is working with metals.

They can be much easier to use and can be great for safely tightening and bringing together different materials.

 

What are the disadvantages of carriage bolts?

 

There are a few limitations that come with carriage bolts which in part are a result of these bolts not being as popular. Carriage bolts do not come in as many sizes and different materials as their hex bolt counterparts. They are available in sizes M6 to M16 coach bolts.

In terms of materials, you can find steel, brass, bronze, nylon, and a few other materials for your bolts.

The carriage bolts also tend to be more of an eye sore which is why many people do not prefer them for their projects. Still, if the rustic look that the hex bolts provide is not your style, then these can be a great alternative.

 

What are the precautions for using carriage bolts?

 

If you are going to be using carriage bolts the first thing you will need to do is ensure that you are using a washer. The washer can be particularly important as it prevents the nut from going into the clearing hole. It can also act as a protective barrier for the components you are using.

Another important thing to remember is that you should take your time when drilling. If you are not careful and your frills are not straight then you might see the skull digging into one of your components sides and damaging it.

 

What are the differences between hex bolts and carriage bolts?

 

While hex bolts and carriage bolts can be similar in size and composition, they can be quite different in their application. Because of the different designs of the head, hex bolts can be tightened and untightened from both sides. Carriage bolts can only be tightened by the nut.

The square neck on the carriage bolts can be a great addition if you want to ensure that the bolts are not going to turn. This is not something that hex bolts have.

For cases of bolting masonry or stone, you will need to use a hex bolt as the smooth carriage bolt is not going to be able to be tightened. As such, for this application, the carriage bolt is not a good choice.

 

Conclusion:

When it comes to choosing between a carriage bolt and a hex bolt a lot will come down to the type of materials you are working with. Some materials will completely prohibit the use of some bolts, while others will make it easier to work with certain types of bolts. The space and material you are using are going to be the most defining criteria in the types of bolts you are looking for, however, the final look of your product could also play a role in the type of material you choose.

 

 

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