What Are the Benefits of Using Lag Bolts Instead of Carriage Bolts?
To join two pieces of wood together, either lag or carriage bolts can be used, with the difference coming in the bolt’s thickness. There are three aspects to consider when selecting the right bolt for your project: price, longevity, and use. In this article, we’ll discuss these factors so you may confidently select the best bolt for your purposes.
When it comes to deciding which type of bolt to use for your project, there are a few things you need to take into consideration. The paramount consideration should be safety. You don’t want all your hard work to be for naught. Carriage bolts can be very difficult to tighten once they’ve been installed because they are not threaded on the end; this means that you have to place a nut on either side of the carriage bolt before installing it in order to make adjustments. If a carriage bolt should loosen up while being used, then additional nuts must be added onto the head to keep it tight again; otherwise, tightening will require even more force than usual. Since lag bolts have threads on both ends, they are not affected.
This is not a problem because the ends of lag bolts are threaded. As a result of the increased thread length, they provide superior gripping power and are less likely to become dislodged. The amount of available space is also an important factor in deciding between lag bolts and carriage bolts. Lag bolts, as its name implies, are used to join things together from two directions without the use of an anchor. However, carriage bolts are only threaded on one end, therefore, they may require an anchor hole or other support component if used alone.
When longevity is of the utmost importance, both lag bolts and carriage bolts perform well. Lag bolts are especially known for their strength, while carriage bolts are known for their resistance to corrosion and weathering. You may be confident that anything you choose, whether it be one of those or something else, will serve you well for many years. The only real drawback to lag bolts is their often finicky installation. Carriage bolts may not be quite as waterproof as other fasteners, but they’re easier to install and cause less problems overall.
Carriage bolts are more affordable than lag bolts, but they need to have a hole drilled for them beforehand. However, lag bolts are more costly and may be pressed into the wood without the need for drilling a hole first. So, if cost is a factor, carriage bolts may be the way to go. But, if you need to drive in your bolt with only one hammer blow, you’ll want to invest in a set of lag bolts. Lag bolts have an elongated hex head at the top of the bolt, which makes them easier to tighten down with a wrench when it’s time to install them.