What Is the Difference Between Carriage and Lag Bolts?
Because there are so many different types of bolts, people are frequently perplexed about the distinctions 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. Carriage bolts and lag bolts are often confused with one another because of their similarities; however, there are important distinctions between the two that can help you decide which type of bolt is best for your home improvement or commercial construction project.
What are carriage bolts? Carriage bolts are fasteners that are used to attach a load or object to a surface. The two most common types of carriage bolts are the hex head carriage bolt and the square head carriage bolt. The hexagonal-shaped head of the hex head carriage bolt is different from the square-shaped head of the square head carriage bolt. Both types of fasteners have wrench-tightenable threaded ends. One way to tell the difference between these two types of bolts is by looking at the shape of their heads. If you can see part of the top surface, it is a hexagon-shaped carriage bolt. It’s a square-headed carriage bolt if you can’t see any of the top surfaces.
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 typically used to fasten two pieces together by going 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. To tighten the nut of a lag bolt, simply turn it until it is as tight as you require. 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 forget to do this, your carriage bolt will gradually loosen over time.
Carriage bolts are used to fasten two pieces of wood together. They can be inserted either from the top or the bottom and are shorter in length. Square head lags, on the other hand, are used in steel structures to fasten metal plates together. When tightened, the square head prevents rotation, making them more secure than carriage bolts. 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 screws’ heads protrude from the surface, so they may need to be countersunk before installation if you want the finished product to be flush with the surrounding material. 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.