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CARRIAGE BOLTS

CARRIAGE BOLTS

A carriage bolt is a fastener which is designed to be aesthetically pleasing. Carriage bolts have a shallow rounded head with a square neck. The square neck prevents turning. Since the square neck is designed to prevent the bolt from turning, the bolt is tightened by torquing the nut. Thus, this offers self-locking functionality. In exotic alloys, they are typically used in marine, chemical, aerospace, oil & gas applications. Nickel Systems stocks carriage bolts such as titanium, Inconel, & Monel alloys. We also stock the very specialized oval neck carriage bolts. These highly specialized bolts add additional resistance to failure due to torque stresses &/or vibration.

Are you in need of carriage bolts in exotic alloys for your specific project, begin a quote today!

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Specifications & Technical Data

Carriage bolts come in various sizes & specifications. Check out our dimensioning & specification data below.

Download our Carriage Bolts Dimensioning Table

Dimensions

An orthographic dimensioning picture of a carriage bolt
 
E
A
H
O
NOMINAL SIZE
BODY DIAMETER
HEAD DIAMETER
HEAD HEIGHT
SQUARE WIDTH
 
MAX
MIN
MAX
MIN
MAX
MIN
MAX
MIN
No. 10
0.199
0.182
0.469
0.436
0.114
0.094
0.199
0.185
1/4
0.26
0.237
0.594
0.563
0.145
0.125
0.26
0.245
5/16
0.324
0.298
0.719
0.688
0.176
0.156
0.324
0.307
3/8
0.388
0.36
0.844
0.782
0.208
0.188
0.388
0.368
7/16
0.452
0.421
0.969
0.907
0.239
0.219
0.452
0.431
1/2
0.515
0.483
1.094
1.032
0.27
0.25
0.515
0.492
5/8
0.642
0.605
1.344
1.219
0.344
0.313
0.642
0.616
3/4
0.768
0.729
1.594
1.469
0.406
0.375
0.768
0.741
7/8
0.895
0.852
1.844
1.719
0.459
0.438
0.895
0.865
1
1.022
0.976
2.094
1.969
0.531
0.5
1.022
0.99

Carriage Bolt Specifications

  • STANDARD (ASME/ANSI) ASME B18.5-2012
  • METRIC (IFI)
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Overview of Carriage Bolts

Carriage bolts are sturdy, spherical-headed fasteners with a square neck. They are designed for securing wood-to-wood or wood-to-metal connections. They offer strength, stability, & a clean finish.

Other Names

  • Plow Bolts
  • Coach Bolts
  • Round Head Square Neck Bolts
  • Cup Square Bolts
  • Step Bolts

Description

Carriage bolts are fasteners which have a rounded, domed head & a square neck. The square or oval neck is designed to prevent the bolt from turning when tightened. This square neck grips into the material. This makes them especially effective for securing wood-to-wood or wood-to-metal connections in structural applications. The neck also eliminates the need for additional tools to hold it during installation. Available in a variety of materials, including exotic alloys like Inconel or Duplex Stainless Steel, carriage bolts offer excellent resistance to corrosion, heat, & other extreme conditions. Their clean, smooth head provides a flush finish. This design enhances safety & aesthetics in projects like marine infrastructure, chemical processing equipment, or architectural designs.

Industries & Applications

Here are industries & their brief descriptions that utilize exotic alloy carriage bolts:

Marine and Offshore Engineering

Carriage bolts in exotic alloys like Monel & 2205 Stainless Steel are used in shipbuilding, docks, & offshore platforms. Their excellent resistance to saltwater corrosion & biofouling ensures long-term durability in harsh marine environments.

  • Ship Deck Construction: Carriage bolts made from Monel or 2205 Duplex Stainless Steel are used to secure wooden or composite decking to metal frames. This resists saltwater corrosion.
  • Dock Structures: Exotic alloy bolts fasten dock planks & structural components exposed to constant water & humidity.
  • Offshore Platforms: Durability in marine environments is critical. Carriage bolts secure handrails, gratings, & equipment housings on oil rigs.

Chemical Processing

Carriage bolts in Hastelloy or Alloy 20 (Carpenter 20) are used to secure equipment such as tanks, piping, & mixers in corrosive chemical facilities. These alloys resist chemical degradation & maintain structural integrity in extreme conditions.

  • Chemical Storage Tanks: Hastelloy or Alloy 20 bolts secure access panels & nozzles on tanks which store corrosive substances like sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid.
  • Pipeline Fastening: Carriage bolts are used to attach flanges & support brackets in chemical pipelines handling aggressive chemicals.
  • Mixers and Reactors: Exotic alloy bolts fasten mixing blades & reactor components exposed to acidic or caustic solutions.

Oil and Gas

Carriage bolts in exotic materials like Inconel or 2507 Super Duplex Stainless Steel are essential for securing components in drilling rigs, pipelines, & refineries. Their ability to withstand extreme temperatures, high pressures, & corrosive substances guarantees reliability in harsh conditions.

  • Pipeline Supports: 2205 Duplex Stainless Steel carriage bolts secure clamps & supports for pipelines carrying high-pressure & corrosive fluids.
  • Refinery Equipment: Inconel carriage bolts fasten heat exchangers & pressure vessels that operate under high temperatures or chemical exposure.
  • Offshore Rig Assemblies: Carriage bolts in 2507 Super Duplex are used to attach platform gratings & safety barriers to resist harsh environmental conditions.

Aerospace

Titanium or Nickel-based superalloy carriage bolts are used in aircraft and spacecraft assembly. They provide strength & resistance to heat & stress in applications such as engine casings & structural connections.

  • Aircraft Interiors: Titanium carriage bolts fasten interior panels and seats. The provide strength with a lightweight profile.
  • Engine Components: Inconel carriage bolts secure engine casings & exhaust systems which are exposed to high heat & pressure.
  • Satellite Structures: High-performance alloy carriage bolts are used in mounting & assembly of lightweight but durable satellite components.

Power Generation

In nuclear, geothermal, & conventional power plants, use Inconel or 2507 Super Duplex carriage bolts. They are used to secure turbines, heat exchangers, & reactor components. These alloys handle high temperatures, pressures, & corrosive environments effectively.

  • Turbine Casings: Inconel carriage bolts secure turbine casings & components in steam or gas turbines exposed to high heat & pressure.
  • Geothermal Plants: Carriage bolts made from 2507 Super Duplex Stainless Steel fasten equipment which is being exposed to hot, mineral-rich fluids.
  • Nuclear Reactors: Hastelloy bolts are used in reactor cores & piping systems to resist radiation-induced corrosion.

Mining and Mineral Processing:

Alloy 20 or 2205 Duplex Stainless Steel carriage bolts are used in crushers, conveyors, & acid tanks to protect against abrasive materials & acidic conditions. Their durability ensures long-lasting performance in demanding mining environments.

  • Crushers and Grinders: Alloy 20 carriage bolts fasten wear plates & liners in crushing & grinding equipment. These resist wear due to abrasive materials.
  • Conveyor Systems: 2205 Duplex Stainless Steel bolts secure frames, rollers, & brackets in conveyors transporting acidic or abrasive ores.
  • Acid Leaching Equipment: Hastelloy carriage bolts are used to secure tanks & piping in acid leaching processes for metal extraction.

Architectural and Structural Engineering:

Exotic alloy carriage bolts provide both structural stability & corrosion resistance in high-end architectural projects. These projects include bridges, outdoor sculptures, & infrastructure, which is exposed to extreme weather or pollution.

  • Bridge Components: 2205 Duplex Stainless Steel carriage bolts fasten handrails, grates, & other exposed structural elements for long-term corrosion resistance.
  • Outdoor Sculptures: Exotic alloy bolts secure artistic installations, which is being exposed to pollution &/or weathering.
  • High-End Construction: Inconel or Titanium carriage bolts are used in architectural projects requiring both strength & resistance to environmental factors.

These industries rely on exotic alloy carriage bolts for their ability to maintain performance & safety in challenging conditions. This makes them vital components in mission-critical applications.

 

Specialty Carriage Bolts

A special carriage bolt is a Round head oval neck bolt. In contrast to the typical square neck, these specialty bolts have an oval neck. Below is a description along with additional advantages for considering a oval neck bolt for your specific application.

  • Improved Anti-Rotation Grip: The oval neck provides a stronger & more reliable grip in softer or non-standard materials compared to a standard square neck. Its shape reduces the risk of the bolt spinning during installation or under load.
  • Compatibility with Non-Square Holes: The rounded profile of the oval neck makes it suitable for use in pre-drilled or irregularly shaped holes. This offers versatility in applications where precise square holes may be impractical.
  • Reduced Stress on Material: The smoother transition of an oval neck spreads the load more evenly across the material. This reduces the chance of cracking or deformation.
  • Enhanced Aesthetic Finish: The oval neck allows for a clean, low-profile finish while maintaining secure fastening. This makes oval neck carriage bolts ideal for visible or decorative applications.
  • Specialized Applications: Oval neck carriage bolts are often used in industries like furniture making, marine applications, & lightweight structures where secure, non-intrusive fastening is essential.

These advantages make oval neck carriage bolts a practical choice for specific engineering & design needs.

Conclusion

Carriage bolts are versatile fasteners. They provide strength, stability, beauty and corrosion resistance in demanding applications across industries such as marine engineering, chemical processing, oil & gas, aerospace, power generation, & mining. Exotic alloys like Inconel, Hastelloy, & 2205 Duplex Stainless Steel carriage bolts excel in environments that require exceptional durability & performance under harsh conditions. These bolts are essential for securing critical components in pipelines, reactors, turbines, & structural assemblies. They ensure both safety & reliability. Their rounded heads & specialized neck designs make them ideal for applications where a clean, secure finish is vital. By choosing high-quality carriage bolts from Nickel Systems, you gain access to advanced materials & expertise tailored to your specific industry needs.

Contact Nickel Systems today to request a quote & find the perfect solution for your next project.

REQUEST A QUOTE

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Industries We Serve

Nickel Systems provides high quality exotic grade materials that hold up in the toughest, most severe heat & corrosive environments. With our large inventory of specialty fasteners in stock, we are always ready to answer the call to serve the most challenging applications.

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